Saturday, February 18, 2012
Connecticut Fairs, Festivals, and Special Events
HEBRON MAPLE FESTIVAL
One of my favorite events is coming up soon - March 10 and 11, 2012 - the Hebron Maple Festival. It is the 22nd Annual Maple Festival. First and foremost, there are four Hebron Sugar Houses to visit. They all demonstrate the sugaring process, sell their maple syrup and some have additional items for sale in their gift shops. A map of the area and where events are placed is available at http://www.hebronmaplefest.com/maplefest-brochure.pdf.
There is a very full agenda of events and is posted in the brochure also. Shuttle buses are available at RHAM High School and at Mercier Senior Center; however, I have never had any problem with parking at the farms or downtown. Besides visiting the farm, my favorite things are the Quilt Show, the Husky Sled Dogs, and the Blacksmith exhibit at Country Creations. I also love seeing the miles and miles of plastic tubing traveling from tree to tree. There is a demonstration of a Revolutionary War Encampment, Birds of Prey and a Craft Show.
The food is great and includes all kinds of goodies: chili, chili dogs, cheeseburgers, french fries, fried dough, grilled maple ham and egg sandwiches, and homemade soup. There is maple popcorn, icy maple milk, maple ice cream, maple cookies and maple cotton candy. Girl Scout cookies, homemade brownies, and other goodies are available. Unique jewelry and gifts, bluebird houses, a pancake breakfast, a polish dinner and lots, lots more make the trip worthwhile. It is a relaxing and fun event where you can do as much or as little as you want.
This festival and most events are FREE. Fundraising does go on to raise money for the Andover, Hebron, Marlborough Youth And Family Services, Inc. The four farms are reasonably close together and easy to find with the help of the map. Everyone is friendly and helpful.
The Hebron Maple Festival is one of those events I try to never miss. I hope to see you there.