Under sunny skies, thousands flocked to Powassan today to take in the 20th annual Maple Syrup Festival.
Chairman Roger Glabb told BayToday that his committee expected up to 20,000 visitors to take in activities ranging from axe and chainsaw competitions, to live bands and horse rides.
Two hundred vendors were selling their wares.
Glabb says the success of the event is simple.
"It's the first event where people are just coming out of hibernation. We're a free event. Families can come here and have fun. There's a free kids zone and free entertainment. Everything is free unless people want to purchase something, but basically it's a free family event."
The streets filled early and smiles were everywhere.
Opening ceremonies featured the yearly "Canadian Pancake Toss Championship" where various area politicians use a pan and three Patti Fedeli home-made pancakes to try and score into a wooden basket.
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald defeated last year's champion, East Ferris mayor Bill Vrebosch, in a toss-off to take this year's title.
A highlight of the parade was the appearance of the Powassan Voodoos hockey team fresh from winning the Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy as NOJHL champions.
The team will now represent Powassan at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A Championship, May 2-6 in Trenton, Ont.
On a smaller scale, the Powassan Library Butter Tart Competition was won by Lynn Ralston, from North Bay with Beckie Metcalfe and Debbie Piper of Powassan coming second and third.
