A few weeks ago, my wife, Carla, and I headed to Waynetown, Ind., to watch maple syrup being made. Carla had seen it before. I had not. I saw all that and much more.

Upon arriving, we saw a mixture of smoke and steam rising above a handsome wooden “sugar shed.” It was a sunny, frosty morning. Inside the shed, it was already warm — in more ways than one.

Yes, the fire underneath the vats where sap cooked created heat. So did the potbelly stove in the far corner, warming people who were there to help and just share an experience. I thought I went to see maple syrup being made. What I found instead was a community happening. It goes on typically for four weeks, especially on weekends, usually starting in February.

Makhalea Young, a senior in agricultural communication at Purdue University, invited us. You’ve likely read her story, which appeared on Page 4 in the February 2020 issue of Indiana Prairie Farmer with the headline “If these barn walls could talk.” She wrote about community members rallying to build a barn for Chris and Michelle Mickle of Attica, Ind. Chris was recovering from cancer, and the community pitched in for an old-fashioned barn raising. By the way, Makhalea reports that Chris is improving. If you missed the story, read the online version here.

Related:This tradition is about more than making maple syrup

About family and community

No wonder Makhalea saw value in the barn raising. It was about community — the same thing happening in the sugar shed. In this case, it was about getting together to do something productive and share each other’s company. People show up to help “just because,” and if they get some syrup before the season ends, they feel well paid.

People were just cleaning up from a country-style breakfast when we arrived. Soon, they were peeling potatoes and carrots, and slicing up big chunks of roast. “They’re going in that iron kettle outside,” said Jay Young, Makhalea’s dad. Too bad we didn’t have time to stay for lunch!

So why do two families that aren’t even related partner to do this every year? It’s not for money. The goal, they note, is to sell enough syrup to cover all supplies and have enough syrup for everyone to enjoy until next year.

“My brother, Shane, and me are the 13th generation in our family to make maple syrup,” Makhalea said with a smile almost as soon as I arrived. Ah, that’s why they do it. For the memories, for the family time, for the opportunity to visit and share good food as a community — that’s the real reward.

For his part, Shane, now 19, says it’s become part of his life. “They brought me home from the hospital and put me to work here,” Shane said, kiddingly. At least I think he was kidding!

“I hope to bring my kids here someday,” he added. “We’re going to keep this going. There is work involved. But it’s just a fun time.”

Amid all the technology and stress of farming today, what do you do with your family that is fun? What will your kids remember? Carla, my wife, knew about maple syrup making because a neighbor had a sugar camp. She still remembers going back to the camp as a young girl.

If you don’t do something special as a family, start a tradition now. And if it involves an entire community, well that’s even better.

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