By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Kentucky Maple Syrup Association invite you to celebrate the state's growing maple syrup scene at the fifth annual Kentucky Maple Days. This year, the event expands to two days, February 3rd and 17th, offering double the opportunities to explore this sweet tradition.
Kentucky's maple syrup journey began during the 1930s, when sugar rationing during the Great Depression led many to tap into their own trees. While the practice faded over time, recent years have witnessed a heartwarming resurgence, reviving a nearly forgotten art. Now, Kentucky boasts a vibrant network of farms and sugarhouses producing high-quality maple syrup.
Kentucky Maple Days is your chance to dive into this sweet world. Participating locations will offer a range of experiences, from witnessing the magical syrup production process to purchasing pure, locally made syrup and related treats. Some farms even invite you on tours of their sugar bushes and sap-collection systems, giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of this golden treasure.
But don't let the name fool you! While sugar maple trees are the traditional source, Kentucky's abundance of red maple trees also produces delicious syrup. This underappreciated resource offers exciting possibilities for potential syrup producers in the state.
To plan your perfect Maple Day adventure, contact individual farms for specific details about their activities and products. For a complete list of participating locations, event timings, and a handy map, head over to https://ky-maplesyrup.ca.uky.edu/ky-maple-day.
"Kentucky Maple Days is a unique opportunity for everyone to experience the joy of Kentucky maple syrup," says Billy Thomas, Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky.
So, mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready for a sticky-sweet weekend of exploration and discovery at Kentucky Maple Days. You'll be tapping into a delicious tradition and supporting Kentucky's hardworking maple syrup producers, one sip at a time.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, General