VERNON, N.Y.—Pick one, pick both, pick neither.

Sugarmakers this weekend must pick between the “January Maple Conference” at the Vernon Downs Casino in Vernon, N.Y. and the “Mid-Winter Maple Classic” at the state fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y.  

Both are scheduled for this Friday and Saturday located just 43 miles apart along the NYS Thruway.

The Mid-Winter Classic show in Syracuse will feature presentations by maple experts from Cornell University, the University of Vermont and Michigan State University.

Walkins at the door are $45, kids 12 & under $23.

The Vernon show will feature well-known entertaining speakers like Glenn Goodrich of Cabot, Vt. and Bruce Gillilan, formerly of Leader Evaporator.

Both shows will also host a trade show, but because of the split nature of the conferences, many vendors had to choose to sponsor a booth at one show at the expense of the other. 

Meanwhile, Covid outbreaks at the end of the year have led to changes in state and county mass gathering rules which are expected to be in place this week.

Attendees at the Mid-Winter Classic show at the fairgrounds will be required wear masks at all times except when eating.

Info on the show can be found at https://sugarmakers.nysmaple.com/mid-winter-maple-classic/

COVID protocol for the January Maple Conference at Vernon Downs requires masks, regardless of vaccination.  

In private areas of the conference (trade show and presentation rooms) temperature checks will be administered, as per Oneida County, in lieu of masks. 

Info on the Vernon show can be found at https://www.januarymapleconference.com

The dueling conferences have created much confusion and awkwardness within the industry.

A fallout between the New York State Maple Producers Association and conference organizer Keith Schiebel has led to the situation.  

Schiebel has been the organizer of the first-of-the-year maple conference since 1999, long hosted at the Vernon Verona Sherrill High School in Verona, N.Y.    

The New York State Association said it parted ways with Schiebel in August. 

Schiebel announced in October that he was organizing his own show with his wife at the Vernon facility.