Boardman Maple Syrup Festival, pancake breakfast expect big crowds

March 23, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

BOARDMAN

Boardman Park officials are expecting big crowds for the 35th annual Maple Syrup Festival this weekend, thanks to warm weather and the Boardman Rotary’s annual Pancake Breakfast at the fest.

But the weather also has forced the maple-sap demonstrators to get creative, said Daniel N. Slagle, Jr., the park’s executive director.

“The sap flows based on weather conditions. It was flowing in early February, and we will still have demonstrations — but we’ll have to use water instead,” Slagle said, adding that real maple syrup will be available for the pancakes and for sale.

The park usually taps between 18 and 24 maple trees annually for demonstration purposes only.

Slagle said he thinks the festival has become so popular because it traditionally helps ring in spring.

“People usually have cabin fever and want to get outdoors,” he said.

Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and the same time March 31 and April 1. The breakfast will be at the park at the same time.

The breakfast costs $6 for Boardman residents, $7 for nonresidents and is free for children 6 and under. Proceeds from the breakfast will be used by Rotary to support dozens of nonprofit and charitable groups.

In addition to tree-tapping demonstrations, visitors also can see Civil War re-enactments, observe woodcarvers, take hayrides and enjoy displays from local historical societies and other groups, said Sheryle Snow, the park’s office manager.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

The next park event will be an Easter egg hunt for children age 8 and younger at 10 a.m. March 31.