March 23, 2023
From Stephen Walker
ANDOVER, NY – After a hiatus of three years, the Andover Lions Club will once again present the Andover Maple Festival. April 1 & 2 at the Andover Central School will be the scene of this traditional rite of spring since 1973. Of the many food vendors, the Rod and Gun Club’s famous pancake breakfast certainly takes center stage. Additionally there will be beef on weck, chicken barbeque, and other meal and snack options. Over 75 vendors and displays will include Amish built Adirondack furniture as well as bedroom sets along with many craft exhibits. A variety of exhibits and services will include Identicao Child ID cards by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department, SPCA will have an informational booth and the Lions Club will also have a table to present their services and membership news. The sale of local maple syrup and other maple products is always a highlight.
A working sugar shack is run by the Lions across the street from the school. Two local craft breweries will be offering free beer tasting at a display on main Street next to the Village Pub.
In March of 2020, Lions President Jeanne Todd got a call from the Andover Central School administration regretting to inform her that the school could not host the Maple Festival. New York State Department of Education had ordered that …”out of an abundance of caution” and all that. It soon became apparent that glib references to “2020” were no longer about perfect eyesight. The 2023 Maple Festival is a return to normal, but also a reset towards reinvigorating the club and it’s activities.
The Andover Lions Club is chartered by Lions Clubs International, one of the largest and most respected charitable service organizations in the world. The Andover Lions Club has monthly dinner meetings to foster good fellowship in service to the community. In addition to providing financial grants to multiple organizations such as the Library, 4th of July Celebration, Youth Sports and many other, the Lions Club assists community members with the loan of medical supplies such as hospital beds, wheel chairs, walkers and similar supplies. Grants are available for vision related services such as eye exams and eyeglasses.
2023 Andover Maple Festival Schedule of Events
Saturday:
Pancake Breakfast by the Andover Rod and Gun Club starts at 7:00 AM ACS Cafeteria
Exhibits and vendors throughout the school Saturday 9-4, Sunday 9-3
Sugar Shack, maple syrup boiling demonstration Saturday 10-2, Sunday 12-2 on the grounds of Blessed Sacrament Church across Elm Street from the school
Free craft beer tasting Saturday 11-3, Sunday 12-2 Main Street next to the Village Pub
Kiddie Tractor Pull 11:00 AM Saturday and Sunday in the Auditorium
Saturday only: Puppet Show at noon in the Auditorium.
Bob Hartle Band Saturday 4-8 at the Village Pub, Main Street
Sunday only: Community Palm Sunday Service 8 AM in the Auditorium
