Cambridge Life: 3/25/09 Cambridge Life: 3/25/09

The weather has been absolutely perfect for maple sugaring. My neighbor's boys have tapped the maple trees on my property and watching them is one of the delights of the spring. They have collected over 130 gallons of sap, it takes 80 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.

Last weekend my sister and I went up to Dry Brook Maple Farm. We learned about the different grades of syrup (light Amber to dark). All maple syrup grades are better than the artificial stuff. Otherwise it's strictly a matter of personal choice. Now, I anxiously await the syrup from my own trees...will it be light amber, amber or dark?

It's not just my trees that are running. This coming weekend is the conclusion o Maple Syrup Madness. All the sugar houses will once again host visitors. To find out more about the weekend visit the Maple Weekend website:
www.mapleweekend.com

These Maple Farms will be open from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on March 28th & 29th.

* Mapleland Farms, 550 Bunker Hill Rd, Salem
* Grottoli's Maple Farm, 91 Ritchie Rd, Middle Granville
* Highland Maple Farm, 954 Coach Rd, Argyle
* Dry Brook Sugar House, 432 Chambers Rd, Salem
* Sugar Mill Farm LLC, 2469 State Route 29, Greenwich
* Rathbun's Maple Sugar House, 1208 Hatch Hill Rd, N. Granville

I have it on good authority that the pancake breakfast at Dry Brook Sugar House is, "to die for!"

Each sugar farm is different, and worth a visit. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, watch them as they bring in the sap and turn it into liquid gold. The weather will be perfect for sugaring and touring around Washington County.

After touring the sugar farms on March 28th, go the Historic Salem Courthouse for A Fundraiser and Auction to benefit four local arts organizations.

Starting at 5:00 pm Saturday, this collaborative fundraiser will benefit Hubbard Hall Projects, the Georgi Museum & Park, the Pember Library & Museum, and the Salem Courthouse.

Each organization has sourced sap buckets, which were then given to local artists for enhancement. Ron Seifert will be on hand for the live auction. To add enjoyment to the evening, there will be live piano music, a cash wine bar, and hors d'oeuvres.

The many buckets will be available for viewing at Hubbard Hall March 17-22 and then go to the Courthouse for preview starting March 23rd. There is no admission charge for the event, but there will be a $2 paddle fee to participate in the auction.

For more information, please contact the Courthouse at 518-854-7053. And thanks!