Sticky weekend in store for Sunderland

Justyne Edgell, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

This weekend is going to be sweet! It’s time for the 2024 Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival! Now in its 27th year, the popular festival showcases the town of Sunderland, while celebrating the time-honoured Canadian tradition of making maple syrup.

Paul Harder from Harlaine Farms works during the 2023 Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival. Photo by Jenn Clarke, from maplesyrupfestival.ca

The festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7, across Sunderland with events and activities on River St. and Albert St., at Sunderland Public School and the Sunderland Arena, as well as some off-site activities accessible by bus.

Along with maple syrup tasting and candy making, the festival will feature performances by several local musicians, the Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue, a petting zoo, a tractor pull, bathtub races, a book sale and much more.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to hop on a bus for a trip over to the Harlaine Farms Sugar Bush, for an interactive tour, as well as a viewing of their native and pioneer syrup making displays.

On both festival days, River and Church Streets, the Town Hall, Arena and the Sunderland Public School will be packed with vendors selling everything from syrup to toys, hand-crafted items, clothing and other great finds.

The Sunderland Maple Syrup festival runs Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the festival is free and perfect for the entire family, even the dog!

For more information, find the festival on Facebook or visit maplesyrupfestival.ca