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.