The Sweet Tradition of Maple
The Sweet Tradition of Maple
Franklinville welcomes the 61st annual Maple Festival
The Annual WNY Maple Festival is the ideal way to usher in the vibrant season of spring. The weekend of April 26-27th celebrate 61 years of welcoming all Western New Yorkers into the maple tradition. Events planned embrace the rich history of maple production in the local community, the maple flame igniting with the Franklinville Jaycees in 1963. Staying true to its original mission, the festival continues to spotlight local maple producers, their exceptional products, and their masterful craft. Come rain or shine, this time-honored event reliably kicks off at the same time each year, a proud date woven into the fabric of the season.
WNY Maple Festival Inc., a dedicated non-profit organization fueled by a passionate team of volunteers, aims to celebrate the artistry of maple production while raising vital funds for local schools and community organizations. The festival generates support through sponsorships, vendor booth fees, and the highly anticipated all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast. Sponsors worth an honorable mention include premier sponsor Great Lakes Cheese and gold sponsor Melissa Bedell Licensed Real Estate (ERA Real Estate, VP Real Estate). All proceeds are reinvested into the event, keeping admission free for attendees, and are generously donated to various community groups that enhance the region’s vibrancy.
This year marks the fourth festival since the COVID-19 hiatus, following the successful 2024 event. Attendees can expect the beloved format with a touch of innovation, featuring 45 new vendors offering exciting activities. Highlights include Wax Hands, where participants create molds of hands (especially popular among couples), and Messy Masterpiece, a fully insured mobile painting entertainment service that inspires creativity and allows guests to take home their very own artwork.
Ashley Schumaker from the WNY Maple Festival clarifies, “A festival is defined as a celebration. When we brought the event back after COVID, our goal has been to take actions to make this a celebration. What are we celebrating? The rich history of maple production and the Franklinville community. In the coming years, maple producing and its history will continue to be more prominent.”
Another highlight of the event that attendees eagerly anticipate is the newly established Park Square Market. This addition enhances the festival’s walkability, drawing visitors downtown to explore the historic village center. Conveniently located just a 5-minute stroll from the festival’s main venue at the school, the Park Square Market offers a family friendly atmosphere while showcasing a more adult-oriented segment of the festival. With 25 vendors including wineries, breweries, distilleries, farm markets, and artisan crafts, it provides an array of sampling and shopping opportunities. Featured participants include renowned names like Ellicottville Distillery, Freedom Gypsies Farm Winery, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Merritt Estate Winery, and many others.
The 2025 layout offers a surplus of space to scope out vendors, let kids play, and enjoy the live music. The weekend’s live music lineup features performances from Travis Happoldt, Hintz of Thunder, Rog Pettengil, and The Hick-Ups. As Schumaker highlighted, “You need to make time to see both areas - it’s worth it!”
As thousands of visitors flock to Franklinville’s maple haven nestled in the hills, one of the festival’s standout traditions is the King and Queen contest. This event invites Franklinville Central School seniors to compete for the prestigious title of King and Queen. Historically, the contest took place on the Thursday preceding the festival. This year, contest coordinator Amy Burton has rescheduled it to Friday, April 25th as the official festival kick-off. The change was made with convenience in mind - Friday evenings are easier for attendees, as most don’t have to wake up early for work the next day. Additionally, many Franklinville natives return annually for the festival but often struggle to make the Thursday contest. By shifting the event to Friday, the festival consolidates its schedule and makes the contest more accessible for both residents and those traveling from afar.
Visitors can also look forward to the SAPS Color Fun Run, an energetic event hosted by Franklinville Central School and the TBA Student Council. This 2.75-mile run will take place on Sunday, April 27th with same-day registration available from 8:00-9:00am. For full details, participants can refer to the flyer on the WNY Maple Festival website.
Schumaker emphasizes the deep-rooted history of both the Park Square Market and the festival, reflecting on the enduring legacy of these cherished traditions. She shares, “My favorite piece of history regarding the festival is how it has and continues to thrive 61 years and counting while being run completely off volunteers in the Franklinville community. This speaks volumes about the strength of Franklinville and how proud our community is to host this event for all of Western New York to enjoy. It takes over 150 volunteers to put on this event and every year, it happens. I love hearing stories each year from volunteers about how they helped as a kid with their parents, etc. It’s great to see people so proud and willing to give back.” Through her words, Schumaker captures the spirit of dedication and community pride that has kept this festival alive for more than six decades.
The Annual WNY Maple Festival is more than just an event - it’s a celebration of community and the sweet tradition of maple. For over 60 years, this festival has captured the hearts of Western New Yorkers with its mix of local flavors, exciting activities, and small-town charm. From savoring delectable pancakes to discovering unique vendors and enjoying live music, there’s an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air. Fueled by the dedication of volunteers, this cherished event continues to grow, inspiring pride and joy in the community. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a vibrant tradition that makes spring truly unforgettable! Find the full schedule at wnymaplefestival.com.