MARENGO — Learn how the sap from maple trees becomes syrup at the Festival of the Sugar Maples, hosted by McHenry County Conservation District.
The 29th annual fest will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the last weekend of February and the first weekend of March at the Coral Woods Conservation Area in Marengo.
“The nice thing about this event is … it has a family feel to it,” said Wendy Kummerer, communications manager for the district.
“You’re getting some outdoor fun, you’re getting some history, some education and some fresh air.”
Event-goers will learn how to identify maple trees, how sap becomes syrup, and how technology has changed the way syrup is made as they tour Coral Woods.
Tours leave every 15 minutes and last about one hour. The last tour leaves at 3 p.m.
Tour participants also will get to sample fresh-made syrup.
“It just makes for a fun, family outing,” Kummerer said.
A few miles away from the Coral Woods, the Union Lion’s Club will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon March 7. Fest-goers are encouraged to check out both events on that day.
The breakfast costs $3 for children and $5 for adults and will be at the American Legion Hall in Union, at 6517 Main St.
Coral Woods Conservation Area is at 7400 Somerset, in Marengo.
Attendants are advised to dress for the weather.
The event is free to the public.
Syrup will be available to buy from a local vendor.
Read the original article from the Northwest Herald.