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Vermont Maplerama to be Held in Franklin County St. Albans, Vermont–Franklin County maple producers will host Vermont Maplerama 2002 in St. Albans on July 25 thru 27. This annual event, hosted on a rotating basis by sugar maker groups around Vermont, is expected to attract about 400 producers from as many as 14 different states and provinces. This will be the first Maplerama event in Franklin County since 1990, in Vermont's largest producing county. It is estimated that 25% of the syrup produced in Vermont is produced here. In the last ten years the maple industry has changed greatly in both equipment and technology. Franklin County producers have been proud to lead the way in this modernization, they will show all the latest technology and production methods. This event will consist of a large maple trade show, tours to many of the state of the art maple sugaring operations, lectures, demonstrations and more. A major part of Maplerama is always the sharing of ideas on all aspects of maple sugaring. An additional attraction this year will be the ready access to all the maple equipment that is manufactured or has their U.S. headquarters in Franklin County, the home of Waterloo-Small USA, Leader Evaporator Co., Algier Evaporator Co., and DG-USA. All within a few minutes of the conference headquarters, plus their large presence in the trade show. Known as the "Vermont Maple Tour," this industry event is being sponsored by the Franklin County Maple Sugar Maker’s Association, Vermont Maple Sugar Maker’s Association, UVM Extension, the Vermont Department of Agriculture, and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation along with many maple equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Headquarters will be the Collins-Perley Sports Complex, just off Exit 19 of Interstate 89, on Route 104. All tours will leave from this center as well as hosting the trade show and banquet. Advance registration is required, not later than July 8. Registration forms and all event information will be sent out to maple producers in mid-June, or details are available on the Franklin County Sugar Makers web site. There is a downloadable registration form and complete information. Click here for downloadable application form. Hotel information is available from the St. Albans Area Chamber of Commerce , 802.524.2444 or Producers need to make their own reservations for lodging. Participating in this two plus day event is inexpensive for maple producers, and the knowledge gained in invaluable. The price of the two day tour is $58.00 per person and that includes all tours, and lunches on both days. The banquet and breakfasts are optional and additional cost. Single day packages are also available at $38.00 including tours and lunch. Additional fees apply for registrations received after July 8. Franklin County tour stops include, Fairfield maple businesses owned and operated by Tom and Cecile Branon, Branon’s West View Maples (Dan and Gene Branon), Damian and Stephanie Branon, Richard "Joe" St. Pierre, Matt and Travis Ryan, Gary Corey, and Brent Lahouiller. In St. Albans is GPL Sugarworks, and in Highgate is the Carmen Brook Farm owned and operated by Dan and Karen Fortin. Matt Williams of Franklin will also be hosting, as well as Richard Godin of Berkshire and Larry Stephens of Richford. In Swanton, there are two host farms, Rod Paradee and David Beebe. Events being planned include Maple Candy and Cream Making, Maple Cotton Candy, Computers and Web Sites for Maple Marketing, Tubing Washing, Current Research Reports from the Proctor Maple research Center, Sugarbush Management, Vacuum and Tubing System Installation for Profits, and Marketing Retail and Agri-tourism. A special event at the banquet will be an auction of maple items including antiques, equipment, collectibles and more that are donated by participants. Proceeds will go toward maple research. The Friday lunch will be hosted at Dan and Gene Branon’s new state of the art sugarhouse and dining hall in Fairfield, the Saturday Bar-B-Q will be hosted at the Joe St. Pierre sugarhouse. All meals are being catered by the Abbey Catering Service in Sheldon. Complete information is available from UVM Extension, St. Albans, 802.524.6501, or the above listed web sites. Visit http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmaple/events or by calling Larry Myott at 802.656.5433. |
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