NEWS RELEASE
WYE MARSH WILDLIFE CENTRE
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The highly anticipated Sweetwater Harvest Festival is back.
Hosted by the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in partnership with Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, this action-packed, maple syrup-filled weekend is set to be the sweetest event of the season.
Join us on March 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the return of spring with maple-filled fun for the whole family.
From sugar shack demonstrations to artisan booths, make and take crafts to maple taffy on ice, there’s something for everyone.
Pancakes are also making their Sweetwater Harvest Festival comeback, and they include the real maple syrup we all crave. Restaurant Sainte-Marie will be serving up this iconic breakfast throughout the event, ensuring you get your syrup fix from start to finish.
“The Sweetwater Harvest Festival is a sweet celebration of our local heritage and the arrival of spring,” said Eric Water, executive director of Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.
“Nothing beats the smell of Bannock cooking over an open fire, the taste of maple taffy rolled on snow, and seeing families creating memories together outdoors.”
This is the third year Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons have worked together to host this festival experience. The neighbouring organizations, located off Highway 12 in Midland, are long-time collaborators, joining forces to offer educational programs and outdoor experiences year-round.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Wye Marsh again to host this event,” said Will Baird, general manager of Huronia Historical Parks.
“It’s a fantastic way to get outdoors, have some fun, and explore our shared heritage.”
Exciting activities await at Wye Marsh:
- Maple taffy on ice: Get your hands sticky with this sweet treat made from fresh maple syrup poured over snow.
- Sugar shack demonstrations: Meet the Sap Suckers, the Wye Marsh team of volunteers dedicated to the age-old process of turning sap into liquid gold.
- Roasting bannock: Try your hand at cooking this delicious traditional bread over an open fire.
- Birds of prey: Meet majestic birds up close and learn from experts.
- Kids zone: Make and take crafts and check out animal pelts and other nature artifacts.
- Métis stories and jigging: Enjoy a cultural experience that will get your feet tapping.
Historical adventures at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons:
- Sweetwater Arts and Crafts Market: Shop from over 20 talented artisans for unique, locally made goods.
- Scavenger hunts and games: Indoor and outdoor hunts will keep you exploring all day long.
- Cornbread in the cookhouse: Taste a traditional treat made on-site.
- Historical fun: Try on historical clothing, play traditional First Nations games, and take part in hands-on crafts.
- Teas and stories in the longhouse: Warm up with historic tea samples, then listen to Indigenous stories.
Save $6 per ticket when you purchase your tickets by March 18, and avoid long lines by booking online at WyeMarsh.com/Sweetwater. But don’t worry—tickets will still be available at the gate.
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