Tapping Day will celebrate the spring harvest. 

Tapping Day will celebrate the spring harvest. 

Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Michigan ranks seventh in maple syrup production in the United States. On Saturday, March 19, the public will have the opportunity to see maple syrup being made during the inaugural Mason County Young Farmers Tapping Day to be held on the campus of West Shore Community College. 

“Maple syrup production is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the U.S.,” said organizer Meg Cooper. Cooper works as a paraprofessional in the West Shore Educational Service District’s Career and Technical Education agriscience program. She is also the young farmers representative on the Mason County Farm Bureau board of directors. 

The free Tapping Day is being presented by Kistlercrest Farms, Mason County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and West Shore FFA (Future Farmers of America). 

“The Kistlers have always wanted to host a tapping day event, but their maple syrup facilities are not in a very accessible place for the public,” Cooper said. “I’ve wanted to present an event that celebrates the spring harvest and this was a perfect opportunity.” 

Visitors will get the chance to see maple trees tapped on the campus, will see maple syrup being boiled in an evaporator and will be able to sample maple syrup being produced that day and also being produced locally by Kistlercrest Farms of Summit Township. 

“Maple syrup is a tradition that dates back to the Native Americans,” Cooper said. “It’s a ritual that’s been celebrated for centuries. In Michigan, about 90,000 gallons of maple syrup are produced annually.” 

Though reservations are not required, Cooper is asking those who plan on attending to contact her by March 1 by calling or texting: 231-907-1690. 

Tapping will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until about 4 p.m. Look for signs on the campus. 

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