April 7th, 2018 marked the opening of the 41st Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Brush Creek Park. This event took place during that weekend and had several activities that families all around could participate in. Not only were activities going on, but all the proceeds made from the event were given to the Beaver County Conservation District.

Some of the events that took place during the Maple Syrup Festival would include bands playing on the mainstage, which anyone could attend. One of the bands that performed was from Lincoln Park Performing Arts School.

Along with that, they also had activities and tents where kids could participate and also enjoy the fun. Lots of craft tents were set out along with a little petting zoo, where kids could pet goats and other small farm animals.

          There were also activities for the adults in the family too, one being the Civil War Reenactment, hatchet throwing and the opportunity to forge your own mini sword. Local crafters also had an opportunity to show off and sell their art here. The Civil War Reenactment involved shooting off a musket and showing them the camps in which the soldiers lived in.

Peter Kappas, a history teacher in the Freedom Area School District, has volunteered as a Civil war reenactor for the event for several years, his first year being in 1998.

“This is a great setting to teach the public about our shared Pennsylvania history and it is a prime recruitment tool for our historic society to gain new members.” Kappas stated.“The maple Syrup fest is a fabulous way to let the local people see and experience our County parks”.  

The main attraction of this event was the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. With the weather this year, the turnout was not as large as in past years, but every little bit counts. There were multiple types of foods that you could buy during this event; some included maple cotton candy, popcorn, buckwheat pancakes, along with many more options at the concession stand.

This not only a great time for families to spend time with one another, but this is also a great time for people to learn about the park itself and the time that goes into maintaining it. A large percentage of the proceeds made by this event goes towards the Beaver County Conservation District. They hold events that show the public different aspects of nature including there wetlands touring event, tapping trees event, a reptile and amphibian program, spring wildflower hike, and summer wildflower hike which are offered children kindergarten to 8th grade. During these events, children have the opportunity to see native birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and waterfowl.

“Folks should enjoy the culture, history, food, and community of the event,” Kappas said.