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Colvin Run Maple Boil Down Set

We all love maple syrup on our pancakes and waffles, but most folks are not familiar with the unique harvesting methods employed or preparation needed to get to this sweet delicacy. You and your family can get in the know during “sugaring time” at Colvin Run Mill’s Maple Syrup Boil Down on Sunday, February 12 and 19, 2012 from noon to 2 p.m. A third Boil Down will be held on Sunday, March 4 at the same time.

In the early stages of European colonization in America, native peoples showed the arriving colonists how to tap the trunks of certain types of maples during the spring thaw to harvest the sap. By 1680, European settlers and traders were involved in harvesting maple products. During the 17th and 18th centuries, processed maple sap was used primarily as a source of concentrated sugar, since sugar cane had to be imported from the West Indies.

The sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped at the mill. Now it’s sugaring time! Watch and learn as sap is boiled down into sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup and cornbread. The cost is $3 per person.

Colvin Run Mill Historic Site is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls, Virginia. For more information call 703-759-2771.