Inaugural maple syrup fest coming to Amherst area

By Tiffany Kloiber

AMHERST JUNCTION — Spring is just around the corner, the snow is melting, and the sweet maple syrup is ready to be tapped.

Organizers are gearing up for the inaugural Maple Syrup Festival at YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow — a proper way to embrace the start of spring, they say.

Hosted jointly by the Stevens Point Area YMCA and Tapped Maple Syrup, this year’s festival promises to delight families from all backgrounds.

The event is planned for March 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. at the YMCA’s Camp Glacier Hollow, 9289 Pavelski Rd., Amherst Junction.

The morning starts with a free pancake breakfast with freshly tapped maple syrup, followed by a maple tapping demonstration by Jeremy Solin, owner of Tapped.

“We do pure infused cocktail maple syrups and barrel maple syrup — so we will have a wide range of maple syrups for tasting and purchase,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to help the Y, the Stevens Point area, and get the community together outdoors.”

The YMCA will offer environmental education and a bird identification walk to get visitors acquainted with the feathered friends who call Camp Glacier Hollow home.

AJ Becker, camp director at Glacier Hollow, said he was excited to host a program that was both fun and educational.

“This is a great opportunity to experience all we have to offer at camp; Jeremy from Tapped has donated the syrup, pancakes. and sausage which will kick off the day in a great way.” Becker said. “We will also have a volunteer coming out to do a bird-watching event and it gives an opportunity to learn about different species of birds.”

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.