rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — The Endless Mountains Maple Festival will be Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25 in Alparon Park.
The weekend is packed with multiple activities that are family-friendly and low cost or free.
Gate admission is $5 for the day. Ages five and under are free. No pets are allowed (only service animals) and no alcohol. There will be free parking. Gate admission includes the following entertainment: Aaron Kelly, 5 Man Trio, T.J. Hill Magician, Mac & Cheese Competition, Home & Garden Show and entry into the Farm Museum and Village.
Ride all day wristbands are available for rides at $5/person. The gate admission does not include this price.
On both days, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile will be at the festival with the Big Ponds Lions Club selling hot dogs near it.
Saturday
Saturday begins with an all-day pancake breakfast, beginning at 7 a.m. Rides and games will open at 10 a.m. T.J. Hill, a magician, will be strolling the grounds beginning at 10 a.m.
Entries for the maple products judging will be accepted from 9-11 a.m., with judging at 11.
A pancake eating contest with three separate age groups will take place also at 11 a.m. Winners will receive cash prizes.
The large arena will host an open goat show at 9 a.m.
A home and garden show will be announced at a later date.
At 1 p.m., a KSR Monster Truck Show with Lawn Mower races will take place. Tickets are required and cost $12 for adults and $10 for children. A pit party will be at 1 p.m.
Aaron Kelly will perform a free show on the pavilion state lower meadow at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Kelly is a Pennsylvania native and is best known as the youngest artist ever to reach the top five category on American Idol.
Sunday
Sunday begins with another all day pancake breakfast, also beginning at 7 a.m.
Antique tractors will be on display all day on the grounds.
New this year, there will be a local restaurant macaroni and cheese showdown in the Exhibit Hall 1 at 10 a.m. Tasting will be open to the public after judging for $5 for six tasting cups. There are two categories, traditional or creative. The first place prize is Bigfoot Radio promotions and an awesome plaque. Second and third place prizes are radio promotions and a framed certificate. The entry deadline for this contest is Friday, April 16. To enter, email info@maplefestivalpa.com. Bigfoot Radio will be live during the event.
A care and bike show will take place at 10 a.m. and is free. Enter at Gate 3 to attend this.
Also new this year is the demolition derby/power wheels grandstand show. Tickets are required for this event. Prices start at $7 for adults and $4 for children.
The T.J. Hill Magic Show will take place at the pavilion stage lower meadow at noon and 3 p.m.
The 5 Man Trio will take the state at pavilion state lower meadow at 1 and 4 p.m. The 5 Man Trio has three members. Scott and Rich have been playing music together since 1992. Brittany joined the band in 2013. For more information on the band, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/5-Man-Trio-184477358369718.
Wine and beer tasting will be throughout the day.
For more information on the event or to stay current on Maple Festival news, go to their Facebook at www.facebook.com/maplefestivalpa. Alparon Park is located at 436 Gate One Lane, Troy.