Sweet traditions return: Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival set for 2025

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: The 28th annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival is set to bring the sweet taste of tradition back to the heart of Sunderland, on Saturday, April 5th, and Sunday, April 6th.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, visitors can immerse themselves in a celebration of all things maple syrup, with an outdoor vendor’s market, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

“The Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival is a highlight of the year for our community,” said festival chair, Angela Canavan. “It’s a time to showcase local businesses, bring families together, and, of course, enjoy the best maple syrup around.”

The festival, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors annually, is the largest event in Brock, offering something for everyone. This year’s lineup includes a bustling outdoor vendor’s market, on River Street and Church Street, where guests can browse handcrafted goods, indulge in baked treats, and sample locally made maple syrup. For those looking to start their day with a hearty meal, the pancake breakfast, at the Sunderland Legion, will be serving up stacks of syrup-drenched pancakes, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Entertainment is a major part of the festival, with performances scheduled throughout the weekend. Saturday’s lineup includes music from: West & Mac, Those Guys, and Blue Drag Band, along with a special performance by Lexy The Rap Dad. Sunday will bring performances from Johnny Barrons, The Twangsters, and Mike Chianelli, ensuring a lively atmosphere for attendees.

For those looking for hands-on experiences, the festival offers: blacksmithing demonstrations, by John Walker of Fallen Willow Forge; petting zoos and pony rides; and wildlife presentations, from Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue. Adventurous visitors can also take part in the beloved bathtub races, on Saturday, and a lawn tractor pull demonstration, on Sunday, courtesy of Brock Rugby and 4-H Ontario.

One of the festival’s biggest draws are the bus tours, to Harlaine Maple Products and Salem Alpacas. “Visitors love seeing the maple syrup production process up close,” Ms. Canavan added. “It’s a great way to connect with our local farmers and appreciate the hard work which goes into making this sweet treat.”

Due to the large crowds, festival organizers have announced road closures, within the barricaded festival area, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both days. Only emergency vehicles will be permitted, and any vehicles left in the closed area will be towed at the owner’s expense. Attendees are encouraged to park outside the festival area and take advantage of available parking nearby.

As the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival prepares for another year of sweet success, organizers are excited to welcome both returning visitors and first-time attendees. “This festival is all about community, tradition, and celebrating the best of what Sunderland has to offer,” said Ms. Canavan. “We can’t wait to see everyone there!”

For a full schedule of events and more information, visit the festival’s website, at maplesyrupfestival.ca, or follow them on social media.

If you didn't get your copy of the official 2025 Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival booklet, you can view it online, at https://issuu.com/thestandardnews/docs/2025_sunderland_maple_syrup_festival.