The weather should cooperate on Saturday as the annual A.W. Campbell Maple Syrup Festival promises a 'sweet' family-friendly outing.
The one-day event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Manager of Communications Donna Blue said attendees can park at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre Complex and take a shuttle to the event area.
"Our education staff will do demonstrations of historical maple syrup production. We'll have some hot chocolate, we have wagon rides, and the last couple of years we've had some local environmental groups and vendors," Blue said.
The vendors and organizations will include: Lambton Wildlife, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Friends of the St. Clair River, St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, Thames Valley Outfitters, River Run Brew Co., Lambton Heritage Museum, and Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation.
The price for the festival is $5 per person, but children aged five and under can attend for free. Only cash will be accepted.
"Last year, we estimated that we had 400 to 500 people come to the conservation area," said Blue, who also noted that the turnout is often weather-dependent.
Environment Canada is calling for a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday with a daytime high of 9 C.
Blue said the event is a good opportunity to learn how maple syrup is produced now compared to the past, and it's nice to get outside as spring begins.
"It's a nice community event, done in partnership with the Alvinston Firefighters Association, who have their breakfast, which is a fundraiser for them," Blue said.
The Alvinston Firefighters Association will be serving a pancake breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brooke-Alvinston Community Centre Complex, located at 3310 Walnut St.
A meal of two pancakes, two sausages and a drink costs $8, and a meal of three pancakes and sausages costs $12.
Meanwhile, the Ipperwash Maple Syrup Festival will be held on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22.
