Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast Sets Record-Breaking Attendance
Storrowton Village Museum celebrated the start of spring with Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 15. This event is one of the Village’s annual staples on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition (ESE). This year it proved a sweet success with record-breaking attendance! The West Springfield Lion’s Club served sausage and homemade pancakes to nearly 400 visitors, and topped each plate with pure maple syrup generously supplied by Ferrindino Maple, of Hampden, Mass.
Maple harvesting has a history in New England as rich as the product that sugar shacks produce. Centuries ago, European settlers looked to the precedent set by Native Americans to understand regional resources. The newcomers learned the art of maple sugaring from the Native Americans and set up sugar camps accordingly, pouring tremendous effort into the harvesting and reduction process to create a quality product that could be traded, sold and enjoyed. To this day, syrup remains a staple of New England’s identity.
The event was free to the public, apart from the pay-by-plate breakfast, and a trolley offered transport from Storrowton Village to the Eastern States Farmers Market and Wine Café. Jerry and Carrie Ferrindino, owners of Ferrindino Maple, provided informational sessions, product tastings and the chance to buy their products. The Gilbert Farmstead was converted into a sugarhouse for the day, allowing visitors a rare glimpse at the building’s second story. Docent-led tours and craft demonstrations entertained guests before and after breakfast.
“We are thrilled by the incredible success of this year’s Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast at Storrowton Village Museum!” said Carrie Ferrindino. “It was heartwarming to see the community come together to support the West Springfield Lion’s Club and celebrate the sweet tradition of maple sugaring. From the rich aroma of fresh syrup to the joy of sharing a hearty breakfast, this event truly showcased the hard work and heritage behind every drop of maple syrup produced. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come and an exciting announcement at The Big E this year, too!”
As an educational extension of ESE, Storrowton Village Museum is committed to preserving New England’s precious history through their nine 18th and 19th century buildings in West Springfield, Mass., and presenting an engaging calendar of educational events. The proceeds from Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast benefit the Village’s year-round, hands-on programming.
For updates about Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast 2026 and other upcoming events, be sure to visit StorrowtonVillageMuseum.com.