LaGrange parks department gets grants for Maple Syrup Days

LaGrange County Department of Parks and Recreation has received grants for Maple Syrup Days, March 19 and 20.

A $2,000 grant from LaGrange County REMC will help fund wagon rides and demonstrators at the annual event.

The award comes from the first-quarter dispersal from REMC’s Operation Roundup Fund.

Parks Director Mary Franke said the funds will be used towards the expense of horse-drawn wagon rides through the maple wood. The funds will also be used for demonstrators that help with wagon rides and in the woods.

The Dekalb Horseman’s Association is planning to return with horses and three wagons, said a news release from the parks department.

In addition, the department received a $1,500.00 grant from the LaGrange County Community Foundation to help fund puppet shows during Maple Syrup Days. The funds come from the Community Foundation’s LIFE Grant.

Franke said Roz Puppets will provide the show “George and the Dragon” among others. Six shows will be performed each day.

Maple Syrup Days has become a regional draw, with maple syrup making demonstrations that span from historic to modern methods. Guests can tour the sugar shack and the “sugar bush,” where maple trees grow and are tapped for their sap.

Volunteers are being sought to help with collecting the sap this year. Those interested in working in the sugar bush may contact naturalist Leslie Arnold at 463-4022 or larnold@lagrangecount.org.

Maple Syrup Days has typically included an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, though last year the threat of COVID-19 pared the event to just syrup sales. Along with syrup, guests can purchase maple candy and other goodies made with real maple syrup.