FEBRUARY 27, 2008 --
WEST SPRINGFIELD - Storrowton Village Museum, Storrowton Tavern and the New England Grange will present the third annual Maple Harvest Day on March 9 from noon to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition.
The history and lore of maple sugaring, a practice in Massachusetts since before the Pilgrims arrived, will be showcased through ongoing sap gathering and boiling demonstrations in the Gilbert Farmstead's front yard with Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum.
The free event will feature sugar maple tree tapping, sumac spile making and sap boiling over an open fire to educate the public about the origin and legend of the tradition.
Inside the historic building, docents will demonstrate 19th century open hearth cooking at the fireplace, as well as basket weaving and wool spinning. A selection of gifts and maple-themed items will be available nearby.
In the nearby New England Grange building, members who are in the maple sugaring field will share personal experiences and provide information on their individual operations and the process of sugaring.
Across the green, Storrowton Tavern will offer a special one-day luncheon menu of regional foods featuring this "northeastern gold." The maple-themed offerings include maple-glazed salmon, Yankee pot roast with maple squash or roast turkey with cranberry maple chutney. The children's entree will be a choice of chicken fingers with maple honey mustard, or roast turkey.
