Lyndsay Richmond, Picton BIAA gives a happy youngster a maple face during Picton's Maple Madness Celebration & Sale

Mid-March and raining. More snow on the way, they say, and more sunshine and then who knows what? Maple syrup producers must have nerves of steel, because you never know what to expect in March. All I know is I’m excited for Maple in the County this year, because TONS of stuff is happening in Picton. 21 Picton BIA businesses are taking part in our own little mini festival on Maple weekend, it’s an all ages, food, drink, shopping, music, entertainment downtown party on Saturday, March 27.

The restaurants really get into it with special maple-themed menus, and this year a whole bunch of retailers are in the game, too, with not just maple but an “All Things Spring” approach. New spring stock and special offers and maple treats for customers (cookies!) I know Kathy’s Collections is getting her new spring clothing ready.

We’ve printed our own Maple flyer to let everybody know what’s going on, and we’re turning Ross Street into a pedestrian district. It’s the short street opposite the Regent Theatre right in the centre of Picton. Perfect for a party street. There’s a craft center for kids….hosted by Sparkbox Studio, ice carving and live music from Mary Lambert, who won a Juno Award in 2002, and her family fun show. Pockets the Clown will be twisting balloons and doing his stuff, and the ice carvers, a group called Ice Culture from Ottawa, will be carving right here on Ross Street. I hear they’ll be carving maple leaves and a great big rabbit holding a plate of pancakes. Okaaaay.

Real pancakes are happening at the old Town Hall, courtesy of the Picton Pirates hockey team. Nancy Woods is in charge of the pancake breakfast, but I’m not sure if actual hockey players are doing any high flipping. I do know that Renata over at Painted Peppercorn will be Popping for Picton, making her AMAZING maple popcorn.

Way back when Maple in the County started, Alex Bake and businesses on Elizabeth Street thought there should be some “Urban Maple Fun” as well as great stuff happening at the farms and sugar shacks, so they put on a bit of entertainment and treats. Picton BIA’s involvement has grown every year, and now we’re having a great time with it. We’re really looking forward to our one-day Maplefest in downtown Picton. And we don’t care WHAT the weather does, because we know we’re going to have a ball!

Lyndsay Richmond, Picton BIA

The 9th Annual Maple in the County, March 27 & 28, 2010 is presented by The Waring House and the Prince Edward County Maple Syrup Producers in association with RE/MAX Quinte Ltd. Real Estate Brokerage and the Picton BIA.

For a full list of participants and schedule please visit www.mapleinthecounty.ca

Tags: Maple in the County, Maple Syrup, Picton BIAA, Picton Maple Madness Celebration & Sale, Prince Edward County Maple Syrup Producers, Waring House