submitted by Lilly Hewitt
NYS Maple Producers Association is a not-for-profit comprised of the folks who make maple syrup in New York State. The Association is welcoming everyone to visit member Sugar Houses on “Maple Weekends,” March 16 and 17 and 23 and 24, to learn about the process of making maple syrup. Kent’s Sugar House, a 38 year old local business, will be the Rensselaer County host. It is located at 2529 Plank Road in Berlin and is open from 10 am to 4 pm on both Maple Weekends.
Owners Kent Goodermote and Todd Hewitt have been busy preparing for this year’s event and have already produced a good supply of maple syrup. So far the weather has been perfect, and they are making Grade A Medium. Syrup, maple cream, candy, popcorn and other products will be on hand for those looking to take the sweet stuff home. Or simply stop by for the learning and the fun.
Kent was taught the skill of sugar making by his grandfather, Art Goodermote. Maple Weekend demonstrations will show how the old-timers used to gather and make syrup and how the production process has changed today to a computerized system.
The event is free and open to everyone. For more information visit www.nysmaple.com, email hewittshoney@fairpoint.net or call Kent’s Sugar House at 518-658-2134 or Hewitt’s Market at 518-658-2801.
