Maple Taffy
Watch the demonstration and enjoy a treat!
Maple Taffy Demonstration
Find the taffy demonstration located near the bandstand in Gore Park.
Starts at 7 am and goes until we run out of syrup, snow or firewood!
For over 60 years there has been the sweet and smoky aroma of maple syrup being cooked over an open flame within the familiar cedar-fenced taffy circle. The McKee brothers, Gerald and Russell began the demonstration in the second year of the festival. They proudly boiled syrup and poured it on snow to make taffy for festival goers for 30-odd years until Steve Bisbee and the Elmira Optimist Club took on the task of keeping the tradition alive for another 30. Now Gerald’s granddaughter Michelle McKee and her husband, Steve Dressing have become a part of this tradition as the torch gets passed on. With support from Russell’s sons Phil and John, both sides of the family are back together, keeping the taffy flowing for years to come.
Taffy sticks are $2.00 each while supplies last.
McKee Taffy and Festival Cones
Want more opportunities to get your hands on that sweet taffy? Visit our partner booth, McKee Taffy and Festival Cones, in the downtown mall right by the EMSF Headquarters and the Merchandise Tent.
Taffy Sticks $2.00 each
Festival Cones $2.00 each or a box of 6 for $10.00
Thank you to Vacutrux for their sponsorship and support of the expanded taffy operation.
