Oliver's Mapleworks Open House

April 6/7
Oliver's Mapleworks
The sap has been collected at Oliver's since March 23rd. It's an amazing process. They have a barn, as well, with typical barn critters. We love driving by and seeing the free range chickens.


This is one of the places where the sap is collected in the tanks.



Free range chickens! I could hear them snuffling around in the dead leaves.


They were trying to get a photo of the kids. It was so cute. The middle one wouldn't sit up, the older one was trying so hard.

Wolf Creek Carvings

They had commissioned a carving of a bear and a sap bucket the day before.

Down in the barn! The mink, since trapped, managed to kill 5 of their chickens. They have some new chicks to increase the laying flock.


The goats are so cute! All you have to do is Google baby goats and you'll laugh. THey were playing King of the Castle! The miniature horse was laughing at them.


Meanwhile, down on the frogpond. Maggie and friend walk on the frozen frog pond. The edge freezes and thaws. Maggie is the one with the dislocated knee, since 2015.
Maggie deer from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Saturday's Critters #278

Festival of the Maples 2016

April 30th Festival featuring all things maple! It was a banner year for sap, they tell us. Our local producers, Oliver's Mapleworks, say they filled their vat three times on three different days (~2300 gallons), and had to quit, as they were worn out! This only happens once a season, in a good year! Tressa was interviewed on Lake 88 to celebrate the festival. They have some fun competitions, which help with the cause and educating new producers.

Quite a variety of booths, and lots to sample, buy or eat on the spot.

Hubby took a wrap with him, and they put the sausage in it for him. He can't have dairy, yeast or eggs and it's tricky to eat out some days. He wore his big sunglasses to protect his bruised eye, which is healing, thanks to all who commented!



Lots of groups out fundraising, as well as celebrating their ventures. Algonquin College has a great heritage masonry program!


I quite liked this swing seat! The taffy fun. The stuffed Dalmatian is amazing!


Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band, though it was hard to get a photo as everyone was in front trying to snap a shot! It's quite a lineup of events. We arrived early, 9:30, to get parking and avoid some of the crowds.


They always have the car show on Wilson St.


Our neighbour, David Oliver setting up! He's a hard working man, as well as his wife (who volunteers non-stop in town), his cousins who help them run Oliver's Mapleworks.


So, this is a hoot. I was trying to take a photo of the crowds. (See the first photo.) I looked up at the man beside me, about 6'5", I think!
I said, "It's easy for you!"
He said, "Here, give me your camera!" (His photo is the second one. I held his camera while he held mine!)
I had hubby take a photo of us, I'm 5'4"!


They were providing tours of the Studio Theatre, which runs a great season. Volunteers were dressed is snazzy hats for the promo!


The usual petting zoo


This guy sure was prepared with both camera and videocam on a tripod. I think he was just a tourist!


The OPP were there, and the kids could try the siren!


And, of course, the Tay at Stewart Park. The map, published by Lake 88, shows the streets that were closed for the event. So nice walking and not worrying about traffic!