The first Festival of the Maples was held on April 6,1974.  It was originally called "The Spring Festival of the Maples" and was the first of its kind in Lanark County.  Over the years, the locations has changed a number of times to accommodate its ever growing appeal.  In 1992 it had both a 5km and 10km sap run (distance running).  A wood burning evaporator was on hand to demonstrate the production of maple syrup. This was a huge attraction!!! It was the first time in Eastern Ontario that a sugar house was brought to town.  Vic Lemieux spearheaded the idea of The Maple Festival which originally began as an attempt to get people out of their homes after a long winter of cabin fever and a 'Celebration of Spring'.

Hal Botham was the MC for several years.  In 1997 Max Keeping took over the job of MC and continues at present.  An annual Hal Botham trophy is awarded to the first place Maple Producers Display.

There has always been step dancing and fiddling competitions as well as tug-of-wars, chainsaw competitions, midways, dog shows, boat shows and many more attractions.

Some attractions at the 1974 event were a flea market, merchants booths, artists and pancake & sausage tables.  The Jaycees joined the event and began running the pancake breakfast.  The Loins and Lionesses have always been involved.  In 1996 the festival ran in conjunction with the Lanark Leeds Home Show which continued for a number of years.

The Spring Festival Committee strongly believed that the success of the Festival depended on the community's helping hand, and to this day many volunteers gather to provide this wonderful event for the community...