February 4, 2019 – Spring is quickly approaching, which means maple syrup production is in full swing across New York State and Westchester County. Hilltop Hanover Farm will be celebrating by hosting “New York State Maple Fest Weekends” on Saturday, March 23; Sunday, March 24; Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The Maple Fest Weekends are great opportunities for residents to explore what Westchester County has to offer and to get back to our roots in farming. It’s good old fashion fun, and a tasty and educational way to spend a morning.”
Hilltop Hanover Farm, located at 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, will host pancake breakfasts where they will serve local maple syrup, produced at White Oak Farm, and bacon and sausage, produced at Hemlock Hill Farm.
While guests wait to be served they have the opportunity to explore. They can visit the farm stand, hike two nature trails, play with dwarf goats and view antique farm equipment.
Hilltop Hanover Farm Director Shanyn Siegel said: “Buying locally-produced maple syrup is a simple way to help conserve important forest habitats and working woodlands. Hilltop Hanover Farm is proud to host this fun—and delicious—community event that also helps preserve the rural character of our region by supporting our local farms.”
Hilltop Hanover Farm Board Member Greg Brown said: “Maple Weekend is a great way to shake off winter’s cabin fever, reinvigorate the body and soul and welcome in the new farm year.”
Westchester County Director of the Office of Tourism and Film Natasha Caputo said: “Hilltop Hanover Farm is one of the many farms that dot Westchester County. The Maple Fest Weekends allow residents and visitors to eat locally and experience local farms.”
After breakfast, visitors can drive to White Oak Farm, located less than 10 minutes away at 680 Croton Lake Road, Yorktown Heights, to see a demonstration on how tree sap is turned into maple syrup and taste samples.
White Oak Farm Owner Bri Hart said: “White Oak Farm is the last remaining commercial sugarhouse in Westchester County and the southernmost commercial producer in the State of New York. We tap over 2,400 trees and produce delicious, high quality, all natural maple syrup which is sold in our store as well as wholesale to local stores, farms and farmers markets in Westchester, along with bulk sales to many local restaurants. We open our doors to the public during Maple Weekends so they can watch us make our delicious syrup.”
While they are in the area visitors are also encouraged to go to Hemlock Hill Farm, located at 500 Croton Avenue, Cortlandt Manor. The family owned and operated farm sells hormone and antibiotic free food year round.
Hemlock Hill Farm Vice President of Operations Laura De Maria said: "Farming in Westchester is vital. It is a rapidly developing county and what little farmland that is left shall remain and continue to provide for our community. Hemlock Hill Farm is 120 acres in Yorktown and Cortlandt Manor with an easement and shall remain farmland forever."
Tickets can be purchased at www.hilltophanoverfarm.org/events. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children. Children under 3-years-old are free.