Mennonites and Maple Syrup – Mainstream Elmira, ON
Mennonites in their horse and buggy daily make their way down our street, just a stone’s throw from downtown Elmira. It is a small community in Woolwich Township in the Region of Waterloo, located in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Mennonites and maple syrup are two cornerstones of Elmira. There is just something about this charming, quaint town that draws the masses each year. It remains the largest community in Woolwich Township despite a reported population of fewer than 12,000. Yet, the small size and Mennonite solid roots make it so endearing.
Historic Elmira
Historically, Elmira was founded in the 1850s by German settlers, and it has held firmly to the Pennsylvania-German culture, which we find exceptionally welcoming. Mennonites were among the earliest settlers in the region and have established firm roots in their faith-based community. Moreover, horse and buggy transportation is still visibly practised in the St. Jacobs and Elmira communities. Learn more about The Mennonite Story.
Farm stands pop up on the sides of our country roads every spring and summer, and many Mennonites sell local maple syrup and locally grown produce. We encourage you to Eat and Buy Local.
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
Elmira is growing, and many have welcomed a proposed new building of mixed-sized housing to the west. However, the most significant influx of people will come from all over the country to attend the world’s largest one-day Maple Syrup Festival on April 1st, 2023. Our tiny town will burst at the seams as 70,000 people descend on the area to sample the tasty maple items baked and products created in the region.
One of the quaint aspects of Elmira is that it is small enough to walk between any place on foot. This is a significant draw for us as Emma and Tessa don’t drive and can take advantage of the Elmira Community Bus.
The Waterloo Central Railway operates a seasonal tourist train from the St. Jacobs Market. During the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, the WCR extends train service to downtown Elmira; otherwise, service ends at Oriole Parkway East in Elmira.
Please read the following posts if you would like additional information about the maple syrup festival:
