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Chardon Today
By the People, for the People
Geauga County Maple Festival Calls for Bakers to Celebrate Centennial
The annual baking contest will honor the festival's 100-year history and the region's maple syrup tradition.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Geauga County Maple Festival is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2026 and is inviting local bakers to participate in its annual baking contest. The contest requires all entries to use real maple syrup as a key ingredient and be made from scratch, honoring the festival's founding mission to boost the profile of Ohio maple syrup.
Why it matters
The Geauga County Maple Festival has been a beloved community tradition for a century, celebrating the region's deep roots in maple syrup production. The centennial baking contest aims to engage local bakers and continue the festival's legacy of promoting authentic, homemade maple products.
The details
The baking contest is open to bakers of all experience levels, but entries must adhere to strict guidelines. All recipes must use real maple syrup as a key ingredient, and any use of pre-packaged mixes will result in disqualification. Bakers must submit their entries on disposable plates with the recipe and entry form attached. There is a $5 fee per entry, and individuals can submit multiple items but are limited to one per category. Young bakers are encouraged to participate in the kids' categories.
- The centennial celebration will span four days, from April 23 through April 26, 2026.
- Tappin' Sunday, the ceremonial tapping of maple trees, is scheduled for March 1, 2026 at Chardon Square.
- Bakers must drop off their contest entries on Thursday, April 23, 2026, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The players
Art Carlson
A local merchant who first proposed the Geauga County Maple Festival in 1926 to boost the profile of Ohio maple syrup.
Robert Eldridge
The former mayor of Chardon who contributed historical footage of early Maple Festival gatherings.
Elmer Richards
A former Chardon vocational instructor who contributed historical footage of early Maple Festival gatherings.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The Geauga County Maple Festival's centennial baking contest reflects the event's longstanding commitment to celebrating the region's maple syrup heritage and engaging the local community. By upholding strict standards for authentic, homemade maple-based baked goods, the festival continues to honor its founding mission and preserve a beloved Ohio tradition.
