*EVENT POSTPONED* Wildwood Festival Brings Maple Syrup Making Traditions To D.C.

[ We regret to announce that Wildwood has been cancelled for this year. The organizers were unable to obtain the requisite open fire permit which would be necessary for our maple syrup demonstration. Absent that integral component, we made the difficult decision to try again at a later date and likely a different venue so that Wildwood can be everything that we want it to be. Thanks to those who expressed interest and, and stay tuned! ]

Vermont hogs all the credit for being America’s maple mecca, but there’s plenty of top grade syrup being produced just outside D.C. in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Wildwood, the first-of-its-kind urban maple syrup festival, highlights the region’s rich ties to time-honored sugaring traditions.

Taking place at Mess Hall on Sunday, March 10, in collaboration with media partners Edible DC, the event will showcase fourth generation syrup makers Laurel Fork Sapsuckers from Hightown, Virginia. The Jarrells family will handcraft maple syrup over a wood fire, while teaching people about the process and the culture surrounding sugaring. Guests will have a chance to savor maple syrup in myriad ways: drizzled on boozy snow cones, in maple glazed brisket tacos and plantains drizzled with maple crema from Mess Hall’s Qui Qui Catering, and sweetening hand-spun organic cotton candy from Fluffness. In addition, D.C.’s own Langon Wood: Barrel Aged Maple Syrup will be on hand to sample and sell their unique products.

Guests will have the option to enjoy a variety of other choice bites and beverages, including a poutine station, Federalist Pig’s signature smoky pulled pork sliders, cocktails featuring Harleston Green Scotch Whisky, as well as limitless Pabst Blue Ribbon.

In keeping with backcountry traditions, wood chips will fly as acclaimed chainsaw artist Jason Stoner of Chain Effect carves wood sculptures. Plus, a woodsy marketplace will feature local vendors, including District Cutlery, Southeastern Roastery, Pratt Standard, Sloppy Mama’s, Laurel Fork Sapsuckers, and Chain Effect’s carvings

Photo courtesy Laural Fork Sapsuckers

Wildwood takes place at Mess Hall (703 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017) on Sunday, March 10 for two separate two-hour sessions; 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite for $75 each, which includes all food and beverages. Guests must be 21+ years old.

Photo courtesy Mess Hall

Guests are encouraged to come dressed as lumberjacks or lumberjanes, but axes must be left at home.