Lion’s Club hosts another successful Maple Syrup Festival

Lion’s Club hosts another successful Maple Syrup Festival

Success of this annual spring event lies in the dedication of the volunteers who refuse acknowledgement because ‘we’re just here to help!’

It’s that time again… Lions Club Maple Syrup Festival time! An annual event in Paris, which has grown in a few ways over the years, took place last Saturday April 13th Even the high winds and chilly temperatures couldn’t keep residents from venturing down to Grand River Street North between William and Mechanic for the food, entertainment, vendors, community groups and local business owners marking the occasion.

Teacher, beekeeper and musician Sean McCammon popped up in the Wincey Mills with sweet songs about - you guessed it - maple syrup, and the sugar bush! I absolutely loved Sean’s contribution because I appreciate so much the time and care it took to find a wonderful musician who fit so perfectly into the occasion.

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You simply cannot host a Maple Syrup Festival without pancakes; and you cannot serve pancakes without a dedicated group of community-minded volunteers. When asked for their names to showcase their commitment to the community, they simply replied, ‘we’re here to help, not for the fame.’ In that case, thank-you for all your help!

Photos by Rubyyy Jones

ENTERTAINMENT

I think that’s such an important part of successful entertainment at these types of events - finding a balance and a blend of something or someone who is entertaining, great for all audiences, daytime ready and on theme. Bravo to the thoughtful genius who booked him for the day and bravo to Sean for creating entertainment that’s also educational, it’s my favourite kind.

Many of the shoppes and businesses in downtown Paris had mapleicious specials and sales on. The Original Gourmet Popcorn whipped up a munchable Maple flavour, the Dog-Eared Cafe were slinging their signature libation Maple Oat Lattes, Heather’s Got Tea now has a Maple Chai loose leaf blend and there was so much (mapley) more! I grew up in Paris, but the Maple Syrup Festival started after I immigrated to England and so, although I cannot reference previous years with full confidence, I was very excited to see more of the downtown incorporated and involved this year and I’m even more excited to see the growth and community cooperation next year.

It was a cool and windy day but that didn’t stop 2000+ people attending the festival, with over 700 pancake breakfasts served by the Paris Lions Club, the line up was long as folks graciously supported the Lion’s Club members who were busy whipping up

breakfast in their food truck Everyone attending was also entertained by Joan Minnery with her team of singers and dancers, Frisky Business, Doug "The Great" Hunt, and the Glass Slipper Company performers.

The Lions Club would like to thank their "Friends of Lions", high school students and the boy scouts who volunteered their time assisting the Lions throughout the day and would especially like to acknowledge all their event sponsors: Brian Witteveen from Strodes BBQ and Deli who supplied the tasty sausages, Rick Bowler and Wesley Mik from our local Tim Horton's for supplying coffee and hot chocolate, Mike Yarek's Dodge Chrysler, Andrea Clendening and the River Realty Team, Pelton Bros. Transport, H.S. Knill Transport and WhitelawAutomotive.

I spoke to many people who came from all over Southwestern Ontario to attend and it was very inspiring to imagine the impact this festival could have in the coming years, there are so many possibilities for wider integration of the many faces, flavours and facets of industry in Paris. It’s already a small and mighty festival, it could truly be a SW Ontario behemoth of the Spring social calendar! See you maple mavens next year!