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The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its annual “Sucrerie” on Thursday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nowland Hall.

The “maple sugar recreation” has drawn more than 300 community members to campus in years past. The event features a traditional maple taffy pull on the snow, an Acadian meal, and live entertainment by Warren and Joan Harvey.

The maple taffy pull and taste testing are free to the public. The public is encouraged to attend the “Sucrerie.”

A nominal fee of $10 per plate will be charged for the Acadian meal and entertainment, only. The committee has worked with ARAmark dining services, to create the perfect menu for the event.

Janice Bouchard, of Bouchard Family Farms, also will be making ployes. All ployes will be served by staff, faculty, and student volunteers, who will be dressed in Acadian attire provided by the Greater Madawaska Area Chamber of Commerce.

We are honored to have Roger Lavertu, from St. David, on-site to make the maple taffy and serve it over the snow for community members to enjoy.

Lavertu, owner of Lavertu Maple, produces maple syrup, cream, taffy, and sugar. He has been in the business for more than 50 years.

Lavertu is the third generation sugar maker. He learned what he knows from his father, Oneil Lavertu, and his grandfather, Edward Lavertu. He also will have assistance from his wife, Martha.

UMFK continues to preserve and foster an appreciation of the Acadian and Franco-American heritage and culture by hosting annual events, such as the “Sucrerie” and the “Fiddlers' Jamboree.”

Local school teachers interested in bringing their classes to the event should contact the University Relations office, in advance.

For more information, contact the University Relations office at 834-7557 or by e-mail at: susan.tardie@maine.edu