Niagara Escarpment’s Westfield for Maple Syrup Fun

The trees are tapped, the sap is dripping and the fires are crackling – it must be maple syrup time at Westfield Heritage Village! Visitors to this spectacular rural setting will learn all about one of Canada’s sweetest and oldest culinary traditions.  In the village’s Early Settlement area, learn how maple syrup and sugar were produced for generations by Canada’s First Nations communities, and how these techniques were shared with early European immigrants.  At the D’Aubigny Inn, find out how early 19^th century pioneers used a series of iron cauldrons to produce large quantities of delicious syrup.  A picturesque walk into the sugar bush will lead you to the modern sugar shack, where you can taste some of Westfield’s very own maple syrup. The tours and demonstrations run from 10 am. to 4 pm., Sunday March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 as well as Wednesday & Thursday March 13 and 14^th The program will also run on Good Friday, March 29.
Those looking for a tasty treat will enjoy visiting the Ironwood Hall, where the St. George Lions Club will be selling delicious pancakes, with either ham or sausage, throughout the day.  A variety of maple syrup products and other one-of-a-kind items are available at the Gift Shop.  Visitors to the General Store will find sweet treats available for purchase. Free horse-drawn wagon rides will be available to tour guests around the village.  A special feature on March 3 only will be a demonstration of maple taffy making.
Westfield is a special place for families, with something interesting to see and do around every corner.  The village’s nearly forty heritage buildings are staffed by authentically costumed interpreters, who will take you back to earlier times and places.  Children will enjoy making a period craft in the one-room, log school house, or visiting the barn to meet some new feathered or furry friends. The Sweet Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival is a fun way for families to get out together and enjoy the day while learning about our past.  Admission is $11.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and $6.50 for children ages 6-12. Children and 5 and under are free. For more information regarding this event and future Westfield events, call 1-800-883-0104 or 519-621-8851 or you can visit Westfield on the web at www.westfield.heritage.ca .
Westfield Heritage Village is located in Rockton, Ontario on Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552), just off Hwy 8, between Hamilton and Cambridge.