[Bcma-l] Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

January 9, 2008									File: 20080109

For Immediate Release

Sapsuckers Invade the BC Forest Discovery Centre!

Duncan – Vancouver Island maple syrup producers will swarm the BC Forest
Discovery Centre with festivities, exhibits and demonstrations that will
showcase this burgeoning west coast industry.  The association,
appropriately called the Sapsuckers, is setting up for the first ever
Bigleaf Maple Syrup festival with a focus on the unique west coast flavours.
The event will be held on Saturday, February 2nd from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
According to author and local producer, Gary Backlund, “The BC Forest
Discovery Centre is the perfect location for the festival. It’s easily
accessible for many people on the Island and it has a stand of maples that
will be great for tapping.”

Visitors are invited to participate in mini-workshops facilitated by
experienced maple syrup producers, including tapping demonstrations,
presentations and displays.  “The festival features a maple syrup tasting
competition and we are excited to have celebrity judging done by local chefs
including Don Genova and Bill Jones,” says Backlund.  “The evaporator will
be running all day so visitors can savour the warm maple aroma of the sap
and see how syrup is made.”

The Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival is unique on Vancouver Island.  “This event
is about the local maple syrup industry,” says Backlund.  “It’s the only
festival where visitors can find out how local maple syrup is made.  People
will be able to come away from this event ready to tap their own backyard
trees.”

Musical entertainment will be provided by Ed Peekeekoot from 11:00-3:00 and
the Centre’s train will be running at 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00.

The Centre is offering a special admission rate of $5 for everyone, and that
includes train rides and a taste of local maple syrup provided by the
Sapsuckers.  Members may use their season’s pass.

-30-
Contacts: 	Aimee Greenaway,
		Program and Collections Coordinator
		2892 Drinkwater Road
		Duncan, BC
		(250) 715-1113 extension 25

Gary Backlund (250) 245-4939
		Ladysmith, BC
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