Back by popular demand, the largest outdoor Maple Syrup Festival in Grey and Bruce counties happens next weekend, April 2 and 3, the Saugeen Bluffs Maple Syrup Festival will take place at Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area.

This year’s Festival will feature the West Coast Lumber Jack Show on Saturday, Scales Nature Park (reptiles), R&R Pet Paradise Dog Shows on Sunday, the Grey Bruce Tree Workers, live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, a full pioneer encampment, children’s activities, train rides, maple games, and of course lots of hot-off-the-grill pancakes smothered in real maple syrup.

Prices for meals range from $3 to $8, depending on your appetite.

From a March 27 media release, “It’s a natural extravaganza!” This annual event is brought to you by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Foundation and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce is providing free transportation from both Southampton and Port Elgin. From the Coliseum in Southampton at 10 a.m. and 12 noon each day; and in Port Elgin, from the Plex at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 and Allan’s Fireside Grill at 10:25 a.m. and 12:25 p.m.

Buses will also run regularly from the Paisley Arena and Gibby’s Grubb. Visitors will be escorted directly into the heart of the event and taken back to their cars when they are ready.

The Saugeen Bluffs Maple Syrup Festival has been reviewed by critics for over 45 years and continues to garner applause and accolades from families, far and wide. All proceeds from this event go directly to local Conservation efforts, a commitment of both the Saugeen Valley Conservation Foundation as well as Saugeen Conservation in helping to provide a healthy environment for not only our generation, but for future generations as well.

Admission is $8 per adult and $3 per child. Pre-schoolers are free. For more information, contact 519-367-3040, on the web, SVCA’s Festival page or email publicinfo@svca.on.ca.

Find Saugeen Conservation on Facebook. On Twitter use the hashtag #saugeensyrup.

Remember this is an outdoor Festival so dress accordingly.