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, carnival rides, talent show, pioneer village 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 CNY Maple Fest favorites, April 5-6, 2025. 

Maple Cream Elephant Ears This will always be number one in my book, year after year! 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 bedhead) because a breakfast this good only comes once a year. It's best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of maple coffee, so decadent it doesn't even require cream or sugar. 

Maple Bacon This delicacy can be found around the back of the old village hall. There, you'll find friendly faces serving this crispy, salty-sweet delight with a big glass of maple lemonade. Located right next to the box cart track, you have a perfect view of the races while you munch this delicious maple concoction. 

Maple Mobile Races Grab a maple milkshake, or maple cotton candy from the civic center and head over to the old fashion box cart races. Kids spend months working on their box cart creations, and there is no shortage of clever ideas and fun interpretations. The Maple Mobile Races take place on Saturday and are located behind the NBT Bank. Pick a favorite or cheer them all on. It's a barrel of laughs not to be missed. Want to feel the sensation of the wind whipping through your hair? Head down to the river for an airboat ride. It's sure to get your heart racing! Or, enjoy a leisurely wagon ride through the village, or classic carousel. 

The Peck Memorial Library Booksale Twice a year, the Peck Memorial Library opens the doors to its historic opera house for a used book sale. Row after row, under the original, ornate ceilings, lies every book and genre 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 stained glass windows and unique architecture. It's not every day you get to wander around an old opera house! 

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 bag of fresh roasted maple nuts.

Where & When  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 the festival. Oh, and don't forget to save a little room for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and just maybe, I'll see you there.

This year's CNY Maple Festival is on April 5 & 6, in downtown Marathon NY. Click here for more info.