Skip to main content


Maple Weekend Returns to Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park March 25-27

Published: 2/28/2022

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Parks’ popular Sap Happy Maple Weekend returns with tasty, educational, and fun events for all ages in collaboration with the Office for the Aging, Poughkeepsie Public Library, Farmers and Chefs restaurant, and Sean’s Waffles Food Truck from Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27 at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

“Dutchess County Parks’ Sap Happy Maple Weekend is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to explore our beautiful Bowdoin Park while learning about the art and history of maple syrup production, take a fun Story Walk, and even taste syrup made at the park,” said County Executive Marc Molinaro.

Throughout the weekend, Bowdoin Park Maple Syrup will also be available for purchase at the park for $5 for 3.4oz or $10 for 8oz. bottles, while supplies last.

Sap Happy Maple Weekend Schedule:

  • Pancakes in the Park Drive-Through for Senior Citizens: March 25th 11:30am-2pm. FREE, pre-registration required by calling 845-486-2555.
  • Story Walk with Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton: March 25-27, 10am-5pm near the Sugar house. FREE, no registration required.
  • Hands-On Public Maple Education Classes: March 25-27, sessions at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm. $5 per person, limit 20 per session. Register at DutchessNY.gov/Parks.
  • Bowdoin Park Maple Syrup Menu at Farmers and Chefs Restaurant: March 25-27, while supplies last.
  • Sean’s Waffle Food Truck at Bowdoin Park: Saturday, March 26th, 10am-1pm near Pavilion 5.

Pancakes in the Park

Pancakes in the Park will be a drive-through opportunity, in collaboration with the County’s Office for the Aging (OFA), for Dutchess County seniors to receive a free pancake breakfast, including a sample of Bowdoin Park’s own maple syrup.  Seniors can pre-register by calling OFA at 845-486-2555 for a designated time to pick up their meal. Reservations are required and are limited.

“We are happy to once again collaborate with Dutchess County Parks to offer Pancakes in the Park drive-through breakfast to our seniors. Bowdoin Park maple syrup is a huge hit with many of our seniors. They welcome being at the park and enjoy their delicious fun-filled visit,” said Office for the Aging Director Todd Tancredi.

Story Walk with Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton

Friday, Saturday and Sunday residents of all ages can take a self-guided Story Walk to read the book, Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse, by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, in larger-than-life format. The Story Walk, in partnership with the Poughkeepsie Public Library District, will be located on the path near Bowdoin Park’s Sugar house from 10am to 5pm.

Hands-On Public Maple Education Classes

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Parks staff will provide hands-on learning opportunities for all ages about the art and history of making maple syrup. Participants will get to watch the different steps of the maple syrup making process, from the tapping of trees at the park, to sap collection, and boiling it down to make syrup. Native American methods for creating maple sugar will also be explored.

Sessions will be offered at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm all three days. Classes are $5 per person and pre-registration is required. Sessions are limited to 20 participants. Registration opens March 2nd at DutchessNY.gov/Parks.

Bowdoin Park Maple Syrup Menu at Farmers and Chefs Restaurant

For those who can’t get enough maple syrup, thanks to a partnership with Poughkeepsie-based restaurant, Farmers and Chefs, Bowdoin Park’s Maple Syrup will be featured over several delectable dishes over the course of the weekend. Diners can visit the restaurant, located at 40 Albany Street, Poughkeepsie, to try menu items such as crispy Hudson Valley pork belly glazed with Bowdoin Park maple syrup, roasted duck breast with orange, Bowdoin Park maple syrup, pomegranate & star anise, and Bowdoin Park maple pecan pie.

Sean’s Waffle Food Truck at Bowdoin Park

New this year, on Saturday, March 26th from 10am to 1pm, park visitors can purchase delicious waffle creations topped with Bowdoin Park maple syrup from Hudson Valley-based food truck Sean’s Waffles.

“We truly enjoy hosting Sap Happy Maple Weekend at Bowdoin. It is a great opportunity to showcase the facility, our Park Staff who oversee maple production, and the Park Naturalists who lead maple workshops.  We also thank our community partners that assist in providing additional fun happenings throughout the weekend,” said Parks Director Sandy Washburn.

To learn more about these events or other programs offered at Bowdoin Park, call the Dutchess County Parks Division at (845) 298-4600 or visit DutchessNY.gov.