Thursday, March 5, a festive, sunny day set the stage for the 8th Annual Maple in the County Media Event held at the Vader’s sugar shack on County Road 18, Cherry Valley. Singers Jeanette Arsenault, Micheline Cox and Micheline Lortie opened the Maple Media Event with a couple of toe-tapping french songs from their upcoming french themed dinner and show at the Waring House, La Cuisine a Micheline, Les Airs de Chez Nous.

Maple in the County presenting sponsor Norah Rogers welcomed everyone and spoke to the participation of the Waring House in the festival since its inception in 2001. She noted that Maple in the County has provided a big boost to the local and hospitality businesses including their own. (Did you know that Maple in the County attracted 6,000 plus people to the region last year?)

Additionally, Ron Hubbs, spokesperson for presenting sponsor, The Prince Edward County Maple Syrup Producers, indicated the importance of Maple in the County to the tourism industry of Prince Edward County. He introduced the maple syrup producers and the activities that would be taking place at each of their sugarbushes. Ron also introduced Mayor Leo Finnegan who said a few words on behalf of the County of Prince Edward. A number of county councillors were on hand as well.

I thanked the sponsors, welcomed new sponsor, Organic Meadow who has sponsored the Murray McLauchlan show at the Regent Theatre and gave an overview of the upcoming events and new participants.

Lyndsay Richmond, Picton BIAA sponsor spoke to the numerous activities happening in downtown Picton on Saturday, March 28 with the Picton Maple Madness Celebration and Sale. Mabel the maple leaf mascot will be making an appearance on main street that day.

The event finished with song Valderi, Valdera and a number of delicious maple treats: maple truffles from Copper Kettle Chocolate, maple tarts from Painted Peppercorn, maple cheddar from Black River Cheese and maple squares from Sweet Water Cabin (Hubb’s Sugarbush).

Be sure to hit a sugarbush March 28 & 29, 2009. www.mapleinthecounty.ca

View photos from Media Event

Tags: Festival, Maple in the County