Maple Sugar Fest at Hale Farm

Like buzzards and tax forms, regional maple syrup fests are a sure sign of spring. This weekend, you can tip your toque to ol’ Ma Nature at the Hale Farm & Village Maple Sugar Festival. Just show up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for pancakes, a stroll to the sugar camp, a chance to try your hand at making maple sugar candy, and an opportunity to peep at a whole bunch of craft demos — spinning, weaving, glassblowing, and blacksmithing among them. While you’re there, say howdy to the new team of 4-year-old oxen, which is making its debut at the fest. Members of a historic English breed, the two shorthorns will be helping out the Hale farmers by pulling carts, hauling supplies, and plowing fields. You can help name them via the Hale Farm & Village Facebook page or in person during the festival; winners will be announced April 1. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Hale Farm & Village is a living history museum operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society; find them in Bath, in the Cuyahoga Valley.