Nothing says Canada quite like the sweet taste of maple syrup. It’s part of our nation’s identity and continues to connect cultures and generations. The steadfast breakfast staple does so much more than simply complement pancakes and waffles. As an ingredient, it finds its way into baked goods, flavourful drinks, and savoury dressings and sauces. Entire cookbooks have been devoted to its use and artwork pays tribute to its symbolism. Of all its contributions, perhaps the most significant is maple syrup’s unique way of helping us to create stories. The simple and magical method that transforms tree sap into syrup gives us a chance to pause and share our delight with others. For each of us, maple syrup has likely played a role in cherished memories with family and friends, as an accompaniment to a scrumptious meal, inspiration for a trek through a sugar bush, or the anticipated reward after waiting for the sap to flow from a freshly tapped tree. Taking time to recall these sweet experiences may just be the spring tonic we all need right now. So, go ahead and reflect. Then begin your search for new and local ways to enjoy Canada’s favourite syrup.  
It's maple syrup season in Orangeville
March greets us with thoughts of spring, new beginnings, and a multitude of ways to enjoy maple syrup. Treat yourself throughout the month with Orangeville’s sweet selection of treats, products and experiences. How do we love to enjoy maple syrup? Let us count the (five) ways!
#1 Drizzle it.
Breakfast is the obvious place to start your maple adventure. Drizzling Canada's liquid gold over a stack of pancakes might be the perfect way to start the morning. Many local restaurants serve pure maple syrup alongside their breakfast offerings. You can fill up on hearty fare at Déjà Vu Diner or visit the Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House to try their delectable Waffle Stack complete with eggs, bacon, sausage, and maple-infused waffles. If you’re looking to top off your own homemade creations, vendors at the Orangeville Farmers’ Market offer locally crafted syrup, straight from the source.
#2 Taste it.
Maple syrup acts as a subtly sweet ingredient added to many treats, especially at this time of year. Those looking to indulge won’t have to venture far to find tempting maple options on display in Orangeville’s bakeries and food shops. Simply take a stroll along the sweetest section of Broadway. Start at Wicked Shortbread and discover their mouthwatering Maple Pecan bars. Next stop is The Chocolate Shop where you'll discover a myriad of maple options. Finish up at Son of a Chef Bakery for a loaf of maple walnut bread.
#3 Savour it.
If you love to cook, you’ll know that maple syrup is not just an ingredient used in desserts. Many local restaurants feature tasty options for those who enjoy maple in a meal’s main course.
 
Pia’s On Broadway offers a lovely organic greens salad tossed with maple rosemary vinaigrette. The Barley Vine Rail Co. serves up a dish of Chicken and Waffles featuring house-made Belgian waffles with a Cajun-seasoned chicken breast and their own maple chili sauce. If you prefer finger food, try the Maple Cajun Chicken Wings from the Mill Creek Pub and Restaurant. 
#4 Sip it.
While sipping straight from the syrup bottle may suit some, adding the flavour of maple to your favourite beverage may be a more palatable option. Mochaberry Café has created a White Chocolate Maple Mocha for the season. Served hot or chilled, it’s perfect for any spring day. If you’re on the search for something stronger, Revival 1863 prepares an artisan-inspired Maple Old Fashion cocktail kit to help you re-create that coveted cocktail experience at home. For outdoors adventures, Harmony Whole Foods offers maple-inspired ways to stay hydrated including maple water or organic blueberry maple kombucha.
#4 Experience it.
As tasty as it is, consuming maple syrup isn’t the only way to enjoy it. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a home-bound hobbyist (or a bit of both), you’ll be delighted by these unique offerings.  
A hike along the Sugarbush Trail at Island Lake Conservation Area is a family-friendly expedition. Add a stop at the new natural playground to discover life-size climbing structures and whimsical carvings. If you need a boost of energy after your expedition, try making maple taffy. How could you possibly go wrong with sugar on snow?

Bring maple into your home with a "Pancake Breakfast" scented soy candle from Kindmoose Candle Co. or visit Dragonfly Arts on Broadway to find several maple-themed pieces including metal maple leaf bookends and custom-turned wooden lids. You can literally wrap yourself in maple with a visit to GoYoga’s retail boutique. The Maple Tunic is part of their locally designed, handmade clothing line. Described as a warm hug on a cold night, the cozy piece is made from 100% Bamboo cotton, making it a responsible and sustainable choice. 
There you have it — five different ways to enjoy maple syrup this spring, all local and each one as sweet as the other! Keep an eye on Instagram and Facebook to help you remain maple-minded all month long. 
Winter Farmers' Market
March 6, 20 and April 3, 17
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre, B Rink

The Winter Farmers' Market is open again for in-person shopping. Safety protocols are in place to keep shoppers, vendors, and the community safe. Before visiting, please review all guidelines to understand what to expect and to ensure you are prepared for this new market experience.

To find full details including a list of participating vendors, visit downtownorangeville.ca.
Laneway Café: A ScriptTease Presentation by Theatre Orangeville
Virtual performance available until March 11

Theatre Orangeville's online performances continue with an exclusive opportunity to hear a reading of a new play and discover the process of bringing it to stage. Now on the virtual stage is Laneway Café by Marni Walsh. Follow along as Dan and Emily, an unlikely couple, explore the intimate challenges of dating and love during lockdown. Exclusive links can be purchased now and enjoyed any time before March 11.

Find details at theatreorangeville.ca.
Downtown Scavenger Hunt
Available anytime, online and offline

We've created a digital scavenger hunt to help you discover some of the details that make downtown Orangeville unique. Your quest is to solve 16 clues about public art, local businesses, and historical elements located in the downtown area.

The digital scavenger hunt is available by downloading the free Goose Chase app. Simply get the app and then search for "Orangeville" or enter game code 1BXJBZ. After you register, get ready to answer the clues. If you prefer an offline experience, you can download the printable version of the hunt here.

Make sure to share any photos or videos of your fun with us on Facebook or Instagram. Happy hunting!
Call for Artists announced for 2021 public art installations
The Town of Orangeville has issued its annual Call for Artists to offer local artists an opportunity to help beautify the community through the installation of public art. This year, up to five utility boxes will be transformed into colourful works of art. Up to six new mural installations will also be added to Alder Recreation Centre’s walking track.
 
The objective of the Call for Artists is to promote the talent of local artists and enhance their connection with the community. Initially launched in 2016 to source artwork for the Utility Box Art Display Program, the annual appeal has helped the Town to steadily grow its public art collection over the years. Today, twenty utility boxes and four mural installations featuring artwork by local artists are displayed at locations throughout the community. Alongside the Town’s tree sculptures, these pieces create an impressive exhibit to discover and enjoy. 

Up to five utility box locations will be included in this year’s competition: 
  • Kay Cee Gardens
  • 92 First Street (at Scotia Bank)
  • John Street and Town Line
  • Broadway and Ada Street
  • Alexandra Park

Four of the five utility box locations have an open theme while the box located at Alexandra Park will honour veterans, enhancing the existing theme of remembrance that is showcased on other utility boxes located in the park.

Up to six murals will be added to the Alder Recreation Centre’s walking track as well. One installation will pay tribute to essential workers and up to five additions will showcase Orangeville’s attractions and features.

Local artists are invited to respond to the Call for Artists by Friday, May 28 at 12 p.m. Winning submissions will be selected by jury and those artists will receive $500 for their work. All applicants must reside in Dufferin County and be at least 18 years old. Artists are encouraged to carefully review the specific themes and requirements outlined in the Call for Artists before completing their submissions online. 
If you own a tourism-related business, you may be interested to learn about the Town of Orangeville's recently adopted Tourism Strategy & Action Plan. The five-year plan aims to achieve the following vision:

By 2026, the Town of Orangeville will be a burgeoning tourism destination known for its unique combination of progressive community values and small town vibe, which both locals and visitors look to for unique public & performing art experiences, culinary imbibement, and access to outdoor activities, knowing there is something to enjoy year-round.

Actions are now underway to achieve the plan and periodic updates will be provided to stakeholders. Read the strategy below and join our e-mailing list to stay connected and learn about resources and opportunities for your business.
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