3 things you shouldn’t miss at Bellbrook’s Sugar Maple Festival

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival traditionally kicks off festival season in the Dayton area, and this year's 40th annual event is no different.

Beginning Friday, April 27, the three-day party will fill downtown Bellbrook with music, food and puppy dogs. (You read that right: there’s an annual dog show)

>>GUIDE: Festival season officially kicks off this weekend with SWEET treats at the Sugar Maple Fest

Here are three things you must take part in while at this year’s festival.

1.) PANCAKES WITH HOMEMADE SYRUP

Anyone who's tried real maple syrup knows it sends Mrs. Butterworth and her version packing every time. The Dill Family Farm in West Liberty has been producing authentic sugar maple syrup for more than 125 years. There'll be plenty of their syrupy goodness available for purchase at this year's Sugar Maple Festival.

>> The 10 festivals we just cannot wait for

The annual pancake breakfast is set for

8-11 a.m. Saturday

at

Bellbrook United Methodist Church

, 47 E. Franklin St. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children older than 2. Family admission is $15.

2.) GREAT MUSIC

As always, Plenty of music is planned for the weekend. This year's headliners are Wasted Potential, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and Spungewurthy from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

If you get there early enough on Saturday, you definitely owe it to yourself to check out Todd The Fox. His brand of classic bluesy American songwriting and charm is guaranteed to win you over. This talented trio will be performing from 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

>>DAYTON MUSIC INSIDER: The BEST live music events in the Gem City this week

3.) RECYCLED SCULPTURE CONTEST

Kids, teens and adults will be able to submit entries for a recycled sculpture contest.

All entries will be displayed during the festival weekend. First, second and third place winners will receive a cash prize; all others receive a participation ribbon.

For guidelines and entry details, visit the event Facebook page.

Festival organizers say this event has grown every year since its inception several years ago.

WANT TO GO?

What: Sugar Maple Festival

Where: Downtown Bellbrook

When: April 27-29

Cost: Free

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