What is a "Sugaring Off" party? Traditionally, each Sugar Bush was a family operation and, during the maple season, the men of the house had to work at the Sugar Bush all day long to produce maple sugar, their only source of sugar for the rest of the year. Meals were thus prepared and eaten there to save time. Sugar Bushes are usually far from people's homes and maple sap doesn't stop for meals. During the maple season, the practice in the country was to invite neighbours and friends to celebrate the end of the maple season with a party they called a "Sugaring Off" party.
	Nowadays, the maple season conjures up the arrival of spring for everyone. Traditional country practices are still sought after, and this joyous event is the ideal setting for a party with family and friends at a Sugar Bush. It is because sugar was originally produced at the Sugar Bush that the party is called a "Sugaring Off" party.
	Typical "Sugaring Off" parties consist of a meal followed by maple taffy on snow and outdoor activities or a dance to burn off the calories. Meals are reminiscent of the breakfasts lumberjacks used to eat during winter lumbering. The meal normally comprises: Pea soup Egg omelette Fried pork rinds Maple cured ham Boiled potatoes Baked beans in pure maple syrup Pancakes Maple taffy Pure maple syrup is liberally poured over everything throughout the meal!