Top 5 Reasons You Need to Put the CNY Maple Fest on Your Calendar

We are all familiar with the main events, at the CNY Maple Festival; pancake eating contest, maple museum tours, the Maple Queen Parade, wagon rides, box car derbies, helicopter flights and Sugar Shack demos. As wonderful as that all is, the Maple Fest is full of oft overlooked gems. Let this Marathon local dish out the insider scoop. Below is a list of 5 not to be missed Maple Fest favorites.

Maple Cream Elephant Ears You've never had elephant ears like this before. Piping hot, smothered in fresh maple cream and sprinkled with chopped nuts, I promise you it's worth getting out of bed early for. Confession, you will most likely find me at the stand, snow or shine, at 9 a.m. sharp (with some serious bed head) because a breakfast this good only comes one a year. It's best enjoyed with...

Maple Coffee Fortunately for me, the coffee cart is just around the corner from the elephant ear booth. Maple coffee is so decadent it doesn't even require cream or sugar. I always buy a bag or two, to take home or share. The Historical Society offers it for sale in the School House Museum, next door to the sugar shack. Nothing like a hot cuppa to keep your fingers toasty warm as you make your way to the...

Mountain Man Encampment Take a step back in time, on the village green. Teepees and old canvas tents play home to a host of reenactment actors. The cast changes from one year to the next, so you never know just who you'll meet and what new skill you'll learn. These folks have a great sense of humor and a passion for history. They are always happy to while away the time with a story or two. When your toes are cold, and the coffee is gone, head on over to...

The Peck Memorial Library Booksale Twice a year, the Peck Memorial Library opens the doors to their historic opera house, for a used book sale. Row after row, under the ornate original ceilings, lies every book and genera you could imagine. Bring a bag and fill it to the brim, for only $5. You can't even get a happy meal for that price these days! Not a reader? It's worth visiting just to gaze at the incredible stain glass windows and unique architecture. It's not every day you get to wander around an old opera house! When you finished there, walk across the street to the...

Arts & Crafts Fair This show is incredible! With over 60 vendors, it boasts everything from fine art to homemade jams. Artisans fill the high school and the civic center with all manner of jewelry, woodworking, leather goods, fiber arts, homemade soaps, teas and pottery. The selection is endless. While you're there be sure to grab a Maple Milkshake. It is sweet, creamy and unimaginably delicious and calories don't count when all proceeds go to charity. 

The best thing about the CNY Maple Festival? There are no entry or parking fees! All demonstrations are free! So, bring the kids and grandma too. Park at the Marathon Elementary School and take a complimentary shuttle right into the heart of festival. Oh, and don't forget to save a little room for all you can eat pancake breakfast and just maybe, I'll see you there

This year's CNY Maple Festival is April 2 & 3. Click here for more info.