To: Watershed News Media

March 6, 2006

Kingston - The annual celebration of the maple syrup season takes place at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area March 11 to 19, March 25-26 and April 1-2.
Last year, 8,000 visitors enjoyed a variety of activities centering on the sugar bush.

Festivities begin Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. with a Sweet Water Celebration. Eartha, from the Native Studies Centre at St. Lawrence College, will celebrate the spring tonic that comes from sugar maples. Visitors will learn the significance of the maple tree to aboriginal culture.

Visitors may either hike in to the sugar bush or ride in a covered wagon.

Here is a listing of dates and times for other Maple Madness events:

• March 12 sugar bush guided tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will illustrate how maple syrup was made in the olden days and how it's made today;
• March 13-17, puppet shows at the Outdoor Centre from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• March 13-17, sugar bush guided tours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• March 16, Brown Bag Seniors' Program features a sugar bush visit at 10:30 a.m.
• March 18, olde thyme sugar bush chores such as log sawing, emptying sap buckets;
• March 19, guided tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• March 25, French Heritage Day;
• March 26 and again on April 2, guided tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• April 1, April Fools at Maple Madness, all sorts of fun events.

For more information call:

Michael Sykes, Communications and Marketing Assistant (613) 546-4228 ext. 243