In another sign of spring, Strolling of the Heifers will host its Maple ‘n Mud Fest on Saturday April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden, downtown Brattleboro.
The festival celebrates the changing of the seasons with an array of participating farmers and maple product producers. This community event is free and open to the public at the new home of the Strolling of the Heifers.
The official grades of maple syrup are being renamed in Vermont to provide the general public with a little more clarity on what each grade is best suited. Visitors can see, and then taste the differences at an exhibit presented by Hidden Springs Maple.
Bascom Family Farms will be providing a rich history of maple sugaring in the area with artifacts from the late 1890s and early 1900s. Then, speaking with modern maple producers like Robb Family Farm or Harlow’s Sugar House will give visitors a feel for how things have changed.
The Brattleboro Food Co-op will be demonstrating how to use maple as an everyday home pantry ingredient. Several vendors, including Coddle & Cosset Truffles, True North Granola, and O So Fine Gluten Free will offer locally-made products that use maple syrup as a sweetener. Wash it all down with a pickle from Randy at Mountain Mowing Farm!
A maple fest would be incomplete without pancakes, so Green Mountain Flour will be on hand to make that a reality. For those with less of a sweet tooth, Varee’s Thai Kitchen will cook up lunch while visitors listen to to local musicians Bada Raga, which offers classical Indian music with a Vermont Twist. Later in the day, Franz Robert and Friends will be playing experimental jazz.
Members of Brattleboro Time Trade will be present to explain what they do and answer questions, and visitors can sniff scented soap offerings from One World Soap.
For the over-21 crowd, Whistle Pig Whiskey, a Vermont local spirits producer will be showcasing their products. And Jen Swanson of Studio Main will be offering great Mothers Day items including soaps, lotions, and “mud” masks.
For further information, phone the Stroll office at 802-246-0982, or visit the website, www.StrollingoftheHeifers.com.
