When a festival features honey, garlic, and maple syrup all in one place, you know it is going to be unforgettable. The Honey Garlic Maple Syrup Festival is back in Manitou on Saturday, September 6th, and volunteer organizer Juanita "Wally" Cobb promises a full day of food, fun, and community spirit.
A festival with a unique beginning
Cobb shared the story of how the festival began in 2001 thanks to founder Joe Kozak. “He was a honey guy and a garlic guy,” said Cobb. “He did some research and found that there were no festivals that included honey, garlic, and maple syrup. And so that was where the idea was hatched.”
Kozak’s love of bees and garlic grew into what is now a 21-year tradition, bringing farmers, vendors, and the community together for one delicious event.
Pancakes, cotton candy, and Christmas shopping
The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., complete with maple syrup of course. From there, visitors can explore the packed farmers market and craft sale. Cobb admits she uses the event to get a head start on the holidays.
“I would say my favorite thing is I actually start my Christmas shopping,” said Cobb. “Inside the arena is the crafters market. So there is all kinds of unique items. And I like to see what people can do.”
This year, the festival will also feature Swirl and Twirl, a cotton candy vendor serving up everything from sweet classics to adventurous flavors like habanero mango.
For many festival-goers, the real highlight is Gourmet Alley. Food trucks like Smash Burger and Nacho Mama join vendors inside the arena, serving up everything from gyros to bubble tea. There will even be a cooking demo at noon and a flower bouquet-making demo at 2 p.m.
Of course, the day would not be complete without the legendary buffet supper. Cobb explained what makes it stand out.
“We’ve got fresh corn, fresh grown carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, three meats, fresh salads. It’s just awesome.”
Tickets for the buffet are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, available through Tracy Crawford at 204-242-4233 or online at HGMSFestival.com.
Get your toes tapping
Beyond the food, the festival is packed with entertainment. Five musical acts will perform throughout the day, including Low Stake Affection taking the stage at 4 p.m., featuring founder Joe Kozak’s grandson Devin Addison on the drums. The Harvey Allen Band and other local favorites round out the lineup.
A special concert takes place at 8 p.m. in the Manitou Opera House, featuring talented multi-instrumentalist Roman Clarke.
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A piece of history: Car shows and historic tours
Car lovers can browse over 100 entries at the car show, while history buffs can tour the Nellie houses and newly restored La Riviere train station from 12 to 4 p.m.
Cobb said what makes the festival special is the way it brings people together.
“I find it's a real draw of the community that there's lots of people to visit with and see,” said Cobb. “There's quite a few people that come home for the festival just for that reason.”
From pancakes in the morning to Roman Clark at the Manitou Opera House in the evening, the Honey Garlic Maple Syrup Festival promises something for everyone. As Cobb summed up, “We hope to see you there. There's a full day of food, friends, visiting, crafting, buying.”