For more than 150 years, the Snavely family has been perfecting the craft of maple syrup making, passing down their knowledge and passion through six generations—and counting. Each season, as winter fades and the first hints of spring begin to stir, the woods surrounding their Republic, Ohio sugar camp come alive with a time-honored tradition: tapping trees, collecting sap, and carefully boiling it down into pure, golden maple syrup.
That same tradition will be on full display once again at Snavely’s Sugar Shack Maple Fest, returning Sunday, March 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM at 9404 East Township Road 138, Republic, OH.
From Tree to Table: The Magic of Maple Syrup
Making maple syrup is a labor of love, a delicate process that “boils down to” evaporating the water from sap until the natural sugars concentrate to create the rich, sweet syrup so many know and love. At Snavely’s Sugar Shack, this process has evolved over the years—what started with wood-fired evaporators has now shifted to a fuel oil-fired system and reverse osmosis to remove as much water as possible before boiling.
Yet, some things remain the same. The family still collects sap using spiles and buckets, a tradition dating back to their earliest days of syrup-making. Today, with nearly 7,000 taps in place, including sap collected from neighboring farms, the operation continues to grow while staying rooted in its heritage.
Maple Fest: A Celebration of Community and Tradition
The first Maple Fest was held in 1993, a small gathering that welcomed about 300 brave visitors willing to face the cold to witness the syrup-making process. Over the years, the event has grown, with attendance now reaching close to 800 people, thanks to the hard work of family, friends, and the local community.
A highlight of the festival is the all-you-can-eat breakfast, a meal that pairs freshly made pancakes, pork sausage, and soft-serve ice cream with warm, pure maple syrup straight from the source. The meal is prepared and served by local Masonic groups including Seneca Lodge #790 and the Eastern Stars, ensuring that visitors not only enjoy a delicious breakfast but also support local organizations in the process.
After breakfast, guests are invited to hop on a free hayride back to the Sugar Camp, where they can see the syrup-making process in action, from the collection of sap to its transformation into the sweet treat that has made Snavely’s Sugar Shack a local favorite. Maple products will also be available for purchase at the event.
Join the Tradition
Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather, as parts of the event take place outdoors. The cost for breakfast is $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-11, and free for children 4 and under.
For those looking to experience a true taste of Ohio’s maple syrup tradition, Snavely’s Sugar Shack Maple Fest is the perfect opportunity to get outside, learn something new, and enjoy a day filled with good food, good company, and the unmistakable taste of real maple syrup.
For more details and updates, follow Snavely’s Sugar Shack on Facebook.
