By ALVIN REINER
ELIZABETHTOWN — Adirondack History Center Museum's Maple Sugar Festival gave bakers a chance to show off their creativity and provided visitors with sweet treats.
A cornucopia of edibles — from pancakes smothered in maple syrup and entries in the maple dessert contest to straight shots of the golden viscous liquid — satisfied taste buds.
Among the concocted desserts were New England maple apple pie, maple sugar wine and black walnut maple pound cake.
Food contests weren't the only chance to win honors. Bearded gentlemen strolled around the grounds with numbers on their backs, as judges noted the most distinguishing features of their facial adornment.
Exhibits on the making of syrup included a working sugarhouse, and Mike Farrell of the Uihlein Forest Maple Sugar Station provided insight in the process from tree to table.
"The Maple Festival was a huge success," Curator Margaret Gibbs said. "Everyone enjoyed the pancakes, music, art, contests and the overall festive spirit of the day."
Here's a list of the contest winners:
Maple Dessert
Grand prize: Maple Poached Pears, Bruce Pushee.
First place (Adult): Maple Roll Cake, Emma Pushee.
Second place (Adult): Maple Walnut Cream Roll, Marcia Fenimore.
Third place (Adult): Maple Charlotte, Becky Pushee.
First place (Youth): Maple Almond Cheesecake, Hannah Ives.
First place (Child): Maple Chiffon Pie, Josh & Sam Baldwin
MAPLE SYRUP
First place: Art Person.
Second place: Bruce Misarski.
Third place: Rivermede Farm.
BEARDS
Longest: Glen Van Wie.
Thickest: Slim Westcott.
Grayest: Richard Vaughn.
Whitest: John Bottiroli.
Most Promising: Eli Thume.
Most Distinguished: Slim Westcott.
