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Cunningham Falls State Park Offers 39th Annual Maple Syrup Demonstration
Thurmont, Md. — Cunningham Falls State Park will hold its 39th annual maple syrup “sugaring” demonstrations for two weekends in March, 14-15 and 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William Houck (Lake) Area.
“If you have wondered how maple syrup is made, this is the event for you,” said Cindy Ecker, Cunningham Falls State Park Manager. “Tree sap flows freely in the warm spring days, beginning the long held tradition of making maple syrup or “sugaring.” Spring sugaring time is a great time to visit our state parks in Western Maryland.”
The event will feature a continuous working demonstration of the traditional maple syrup making process. Park staff will present regular talks explaining the syrup making process and history. Kids can enjoy free games, stories and crafts in a large heated tent. All attendees can warm themselves beside a roaring fire while listening to live music in the lakeside pavilion. Please dress appropriately as most events are held outdoors. A minimum per person donation will be requested. Youth groups are asked to contribute $1 per person. Please contribute cash only; no credit cards will be accepted.
A piping hot sausage and pancake breakfast will be served from 9:30am until 2:30pm for an additional charge. Maryland made maple syrup, maple candy, and related souvenirs will be available for sale. A sign language interpreter is scheduled for demonstrations on each Sunday.
Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
Cunningham Falls State Park’s William Houck Area is located at 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, just west of Thurmont, MD. Take Rt. 77 west from Thurmont and turn left on to Catoctin Hollow Rd. Turn right into the park and follow the signs to the demonstration area. Please leave all pets at home as pets are prohibited in the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park. For additional information call 301-271-7574 or visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunninghamfalls.html.
February 12, 2009 Contact: Ray Weaver
410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
rweaver@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov