Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s annual First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest Sundays begin in February

Stamford, Conn. – The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is proud to announce the 2024 dates for its annual series of First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest Sundays. All are invited to celebrate the maple sugaring season at the SM&NC on three consecutive Sundays this winter: February 25 and March 3 & 10. Grounds will open at 10 am with added attractions, enhanced programming, and family-geared seasonal offerings until 2 pm. Standard admission rates apply after 2 pm. Online pre-registration is encouraged at www.stamfordmuseum.org/fcbfest.

Sponsored annually by First County Bank, the SM&NC’s Maple Sugar Fest Sundays feature a wide variety of activities including traditional favorites like maple sugaring demonstrations, tree tapping information, Lego building, face painting, live farm animal interactions and free popcorn, as well as a sock skating rink, children’s game zone, toddler play space, food trucks, and a pop-up Farm Market featuring SM&NC’s very own line of maple syrup.

This year, each Sunday will also feature a special attraction exclusive to that Fest date. The first Fest will kick off the festivities with a Character Brunch featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse on February 25th, Frozen’s Olaf will visit Heckscher Farm on March 3rd, and the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club will have several Siberian Huskies on-site to meet, greet, and perform sledding demonstrations on March 10th.

“We look forward to supporting the Maple Sugar Fest Sundays again this year,” expressed Robert Granata, Chairman & CEO of First County Bank. “We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to organizations like the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, supporting family fun activities and enrichment programs.”

“We invite the public to join us as we make our very own line of syrup from the sap of the mature maple trees found right here on our wondrous 118-acre campus,” added Melissa H. Mulrooney, CEO of the SM&NC. “With our on-site Sugar House + Cidery, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is one of only two official maple syrup producers in Fairfield County.”

The cost of admission each Fest Sunday is all-inclusive, bundling all festival fun into a single daily price: $12 per person for SM&NC Members with free entry options for higher tier Membership levels, or $22 per person for Non-Members of all ages. Children ages 2 and under may attend for free. For Character Brunch pricing, please visit the event website. Attendees who join the SM&NC through Membership on a fest day are refunded the cost of their ticket according to Membership level. Day-of walk-ins may be admitted as capacity permits at a higher admission rate, although not guaranteed. All fests will be held rain or shine. Pre-register online to secure your spot to celebrate the sweetness of the maple sugaring season by visiting www.stamfordmuseum.org/fcbfest.

Getting there

Stamford Museum & Nature Center utilizes both of its parking lots for Family Fest Sundays. The primary event lot is located at SM&NC’s upper Farmhouse entrance at 151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford CT, ¼ mile up the road from its 39 Scofieldtown Road entrance. The SM&NC is located 3/4-mile North of the Merritt Parkway Exit 35. For more information call 203.977.6521 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction, seeking to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance each visitor’s experience.

About First County Bank

First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for over 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 14 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $2 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces award 2020-2023. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.