The world’s largest Annual Maple Syrup Festival has always been held in Elmira around end of March/start of April. It is a one-day event from 7am – 4pm, with endless crowds, food and fun. Here’s the special Maple on Maple Syrup Festival entry.

Before heading to Elmira, I was trying to figure out the perfect plan to avoid the crowd. Should I head over early in the morning, or late in the afternoon? However, I soon realized there was absolutely no way to avoid the crowd.

It was like that ALL DAY!

It is best to go with a small group of friends or family. In that way, you will be able to try out as many different food as possible but not lose each other in the crowd. Important tip – pace yourself! Never start with eating a gigantic gyro or you’ll be too stuffed to have any other delicious items on sale there.

A typical Maple eating style – dessert first.

Funnel Cake with whipped cream & berries - $10

After eating the deep fried dough,  there’s the legendary deep fried Mars Bars…

Deep Fried Mars Bars - $6

… not for the weak-hearted. Some crazy profit though, $6 to deep fry mars bars which typically cost around $1!

Why Mars Bars, I’ve been wondering. Deep fried KitKat? Deep fried Hersheys? Deep fried Snickers? Deep fried Kinder surprise!!? Just don’t think about the calories. What you don’t know won’t hurt you… right? ;)

German potato pancake - $3

We couldn’t decide which condiment would be the best so a bit of everything – ketchup, mustard, sour cream… and maple syrup. The syrup was in a huge container which labeled Apple Cider so I had to ask the vendor -

Potato pancakes goes with apple cider?!

That was a small pancake appetizer before our pancake entree. To the right of the main crowded street were pancake tents. Many volunteers helping to serve piping hot pancakes with generous portions of maple syrup. I spoke to a vendor at around noon and they’ve already sold more than 3000 pitas. Imagine the number of pancakes made that day!

Thank you for making pancakes!

$4 for one and $5 for two. Both options include a drink – milk, coffee or tea.

Eat your pancakes with Maple and Syrup

After an overdose of sweets, we decided it was time for some savoury.

Potato and Chedder perogies - $6

Pulled pork burger - $5

Maple Burger - $3.50

We were about to leave at this point, but did not want to go without having arguably most popular item there. The vendor ran out of them and had to re-order from St. Jacobs. However, the traffic was terrible so it took quite a while. After a grueling 1 hour wait…

Turkey Drumsticks - $8

The triumphant feeling

A Saturday well spent – 5 hours there! If you missed out this year, be sure to check it out next year!