Don’t miss the annual Maple Syrup Family Festival at Malabar Farm State Park this weekend. The festival is planned for the first two weekends in March from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. daily. This free festival is a great opportunity for families and friends to step back in time, learn, and enjoy the history of Ohio syrup making. at Malabar Farm State Park.
This festival includes demonstrations of sugaring techniques from the early days, when Ohio was home to Native Americans, through present day. A self-guided tour of the sugar camp and sugarhouse will reveal the evolution of sugaring equipment and how maple sap is transformed into maple syrup. A peek inside the summer bell house, behind the Pugh Log Cabin, will take you back to Ohio’s past. Presented by the Richland County Museum, the summer bell house is now set up as a pioneer’s cabin, where kids and adults can take part in daily pioneer chores like washing clothes, tending fire, making candles, and cooking. Kids and adults will also enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides to the sugar camp provided by the Central Ohio Draft Horse Association. Free samples of maple syrup will be available at the sugar house. Pure Ohio maple syrup, homemade Maple Walnut Fudge, Maple Cotton Candy, Maple popcorn, and other maple products will be on sale during the event, and in the Malabar Farm Gift Shop throughout the season.
Live musical entertainment will be provided along with light refreshments and snacks during the festival in the Pugh Log Cabin located near the event.
Bromfield’s historical 32-room mansion will be open for tours. Tickets can be purchased in the Gift Shop. The
Malabar Farm Restaurant will be open on Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through the year. The Malabar Farm Restaurant will offer lunch and dinner specials featuring Malabar Farm products and maple syrup both weekends – kids menu available. For reservations or more information call 419- 938-5205.
Additionally, overnight accommodations for individuals, groups, and families are available at the Malabar Farm Hostelling International – call 419-892-2055 for reservations.