Maple Syrup Festival
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Maple Syrup Festival on March 25-26, 2023
Enjoy two full days of family fun including maple syrup demonstrations, pancake breakfast, nature hikes, lumberjack demonstrations, children's activities, vendors and artisans, and much more.
The Festival takes place at our Camp 2 location. This event is free and welcome to all ages, except for the Pancake Breakfast. If you're a Touch of Nature Member, you'll receive VIP seating.
We look forward to seeing you.
Maple Syrup Festival Pancake Breakfast
What would a Maple Syrup Festival be without a delicious pancake breakfast? Enjoy a home-cooked pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. topped with maple syrup harvested from trees on our own grounds. While the festival is free, there is some cost for the pancake breakfast. Tickets for the breakfast can be purchased in Freeberg Hall.
Free - ages 3 and under
$8 - ages 4-10
$15 - ages 11 and older
VENDORS, ARTISANS AND INTERACTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
Each year, the Maple Syrup Festival includes opportunities to participate in interactive programs, learn about arts and crafts, and purchase items from artisans from all over the Midwest and beyond.
Activities and Demonstrations
- Alpacas and alpaca wool products from Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch
- Lumberjack demonstrations with the SIU Forestry Club
- Pottery demonstrations from Jim Linksvayer
Artisan Vendors
- Handmade soaps
- Pottery
- Spices
- Jewelry
- Paintings & art
- Interested in being a vendor for the 2023 Maple Syrup Festival? The application is now open! The application will close on March 8th, and all payments must be postmarked by March 10th.



EVENT SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Pancake Breakfast
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Maple Syrup Process
On-going daily
Maple Syrup Demos
Meet at Freeberg Patio for hourly demos both days. (10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.)
Lumberjack Games
Saturday and Sunday, shows at 11a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Climbing Wall (weather permitting)
9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
Lunch Available
1-4 p.m.
Open Cash Bar
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Live Music
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children's Activities
9 a.m-4 p.m.
Thanks to our sponsors!
We would like to extend a very special thank you to our community partners and sponsors for helping to make this event a success.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
SPONSORS
Special thanks to Triple C Meats for supplying local sausage for the Pancake Breakfast.
Interested in sponsoring this event?