Thousands turn out as popular northern Ont. maple syrup festival returns
After a four-year absence, the Powassan Maple Syrup Festival returned Saturday with hundreds of vendors and five local syrup vendors taking part.
Organizer Kim Bester said it was clear the festival was missed, with more than 5,000 people in attendance.
“Everyone has been very enthusiastic about the fact that it’s coming back,” Bester said.
“You never really know how much people appreciate it and enjoy it until it’s gone. There’s everything maple here, everything you can think of they’ve got it. Fairs, carnivals, festivals that’s what brings the community together.”
It’s the first festival of the year in the area and thousands of people came to check out the hundreds of vendors.
“It’s the festival, early in the year that’s this big I’m sure,” Bester said.
“People come from everywhere, not just our town. North Bay, Mattawa, Sudbury, south of us. Everyone comes here. They know about it.”
Plenty of pancakes were flipped Saturday and five local syrup producers took part in the event.
“It’s really good to be back, we’ve missed this event,” said Paul Long of Long’s Maple Syrup.
“It’s been a big part of our maple season for the last 20 years, so we’re really happy it’s back.”
Long said maple syrup season has come to an end for the time being, but said producers in the north have the trick to making the best product.
“People in our area have done really well in national and international competitions,” he said.
“We’ve got good land, good weather, so we make really high-quality syrup in this area.”
Officials said the 22nd annual festival was a success and expect next year’s event will be even better.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.