Hub Staff

It's getting close to maple syrup season and this year the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce together with Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) are making it easier than ever to get to the Saugeen Bluffs Maple Syrup Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3.

“We're doing a whole new thing this year, the Chamber is providing buses from Port Elgin and Southampton on a regular basis to and from the event and it takes you right to the heart of the event,” said Shannon Wood, Manager of Communications with SVCA.

Details are still in the works but Chamber General Manager, Joanne Robbins said pick up times from the two towns will probably be 10 a.m. and 12 noon and will return from the Festival later in the day. “The Plex will probably be one of the stops," she said, adding that festival organizers approached the Chamber last year as they wanted to grow the festival's attendance.

“You've got the largest maple syrup festival in Grey and Bruce county and it's right here in Saugeen Shores." Robbins added that because it's so close to Paisley that many forget it is actually located within Saugeen Shores and that supporting the event is important.

Although there are already free buses from Paisley, many people from Southampton and Port Elgin drive and one of the main complaints has been the parking and walking to the festival grounds. “These buses will drop people right in the heart of the festival and take them back home,” she explained.

In addition, children who ride the buses from Southampton or Port Elgin will be able to get into the festival for free. “Kids who do take the bus will be able to make their own entrance wristband,” said Robbins.

For more information on this year's Saugeen Bluffs Maple Syrup Festival, visit the SVCA's Festival Page.