Maple Sugaring Days
Saturday and Sunday, March 9 & 10, 2013
During late winter and early spring, great fluctuations in temperatures - freezing nights and warm days - allows sap to rise from the roots of maple trees. During Maple Sugaring Days, you'll see how the early settlers of Naperville tapped maple trees and then turned the sap into maple syrup.
- Maple tree tapping demonstrations will take place at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm on Saturday and at 2 and 3 pm on Sunday
- Learn to dance a reel with live musical accompaniment at 1:30 on Saturday and 2:30 on Sunday
- Visit "try-it" stations to practice drilling or carrying a yolk and bucket.
- Participate in a spelling bee in the Schoolhouse
- Enjoy a tasty maple treat in the Tavern
- Get a recipe booklet of maple syrup related goodies in the Print Shop
- Try our scavenger hunt using the age of the tree and a Native American legend of Maple Syrup
The history of maple sugaring
Maple sugaring was an integral part of American life in the 1800s and was the foremost sweetener until the end of the Civil War. A community social event celebrating the arrival of spring, the difficult work involving in collecting and processing the sap required many hands. This festive gathering was a welcome diversion following a long winter. Until the end of the Civil War, maple products were the most important food sweeteners in the United States because they were far less expensive and more available than cane sugar.
Time:
Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm
Ticket Information:$12/adult, $10/senior (62 ), $8/youth (4-12)
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.
Naperville Residents receive free admission.