"...we know it’s spring when it’s maple syrup time"
— L'ACFA cultural director Crystal Plamondon
The annual French Canadian classic cabane a sucre, will be back in action on the Historical Chappelle Society grounds in the hamlet of Plamondon on Sunday, March 6.
Cabane á Sucre —or the sugar shack in English — is a French Canadian tradition that originated from Québec but is celebrated widely among many French communities across the country, said Crystal Plamondon, with the Association Canadienne-Française de L'Alberta (L’ACFA) and cultural director for Plamondon and Lac La Biche.
The upcoming event, hosted in one of the province's official Francophone communities, is unique in the Lakeland area this year.
“It’s the only sugar shack in the whole area, so if you want some syrup this is the only place this side of Bonnyville or St.Paul where you’ll get it,” she smiled.
Cabane a Sucre allows attendees to roll up maple syrup poured onto a layer of fresh snow onto a stick. It sounds simple, said Plamondon, and it’s simply delicious.
The day-long event will also feature other community events.
A bonfire, warm beverages, and a classic French lunch of maple chili that will be served.
The event will also include horse carriage rides and tobogganing throughout the day.
Musical performances from talented local artists will also be on tap.
“It’s going to be a magnificent day. Everybody will get to be outside and enjoying the sunshine," said Plamondon.
Culture not COVID
In recent years L’ACFA was forced to cancel Cabana Á Surce alongside many other activities that pay homage to the rich French Canadian Culture—due to COVID. However, with restrictions easing even more Plamondon hopes to be able to bring back entertaining activities to the area consistently.
“Everybody is excited because things have been lifted, but also because we’ve had a pretty cold, hard, winter. Even if it snows that day we know we're getting to at the end of the line.”
While the event in the Francophone community is “to help us commemorate our ancestors that came from Québec,” Plamondon says the fun activities, cultural lessons ... and syrup ... is for everyone.
“We’ve got the music, the food and we’re all together…we know it’s spring when it’s maple syrup time,” she said with a smile.
Family admission rate
Admission prices to this year's Cabane a Sucre are $10 for adults and five dollars for children. An all-day family pass will cost $26. Admission includes hot beverages, the chili lunch, horse rides and entertainment. The admission costs will go to offsetting expenses. There will also be a two dollar charge for each syrup stick at the sugar shack.
