Celebrate Native American Culture @ Maple Sugar Festival @ Institute for American Indian Studies March 11

 Native Americans understood that maple trees were sweet in March, and so does the Institute for American Indian Studies located in Washington, Connecticut. In honor of the sweetest time of year, they are hosting the annual Maple Sugar Festival on Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A traditional sugar camp

From late February through March, Mother Nature cooks up her own sweet treat with sugar maple trees as the sap begins to flow, ready to be tapped for making sugar and syrup. "The Maple Sugar Festival is an excellent opportunity for families to experience nature at its finest and have fun at the same time," said Chris Combs, Executive Director of the Institute.  

The art of maple sugaring was discovered by Native Americans, who would set up sugar camps each year in groves of sugar maple trees.  Maple sugar camps were a social as well as a working occasion. Women would tap the trees, men would cut wood for the fire needed to boil the sap, and children tended the sap as it bubbled and boiled sending a sweet fragrance into the air. At this event, IAIS Educator and Ecologist Susan Scherf will demonstrate various traditional Native American techniques of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup for sugar. Visitors will learn the importance of maple sugar to the diet of Native Americans as well as its usefulness as an item of trade.

In keeping with the fun-filled nature of a Native American sugar camp, children are invited to listen to Native American stories and play traditional family-friendly games that will take place throughout the day, adding to this culturally enriching experience. And, if you have worked up an appetite, no worries, the Institute is serving up pancakes topped with real maple syrup from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. which is sure to satiate your taste buds. Coffee and orange juice will also be available.

The cost of participation for those that reserve in advance is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $5 for members of the Institute; tickets at the door on the day of the event are $5 extra. For folks that want to indulge in the pancake feast, there is an additional $5 charge. To reserve your tickets click here.