From the mule-powered sugar cane mill to the smell of syrup cooking, visitors will become immersed in the days of old in South Georgia on Nov. 3 at the annual cane grinding and syrup making at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village.

For many Southerners, cane grinding and syrup cooking are family traditions that have been passed down through many generations. The Museum’s Historic Village is one of the few places left where visitors can step back in time to see a mule-powered mill grinding sugar cane. The sweet juice pouring from the cane mill is transferred to the syrup shed where it is cooked down in a cast iron kettle to make delicious cane syrup. Costumed interpreters will explain the cane grinding process and the intricacies of producing a delicious bottle of cane syrup.

Homemade biscuits with cane syrup can be sampled at the Gibbs House. Cane syrup will also be available for sale at the Museum’s Country Store. Concessions at the Historic Village Drug Store will include chili and corn bread, barbecue sandwiches, ice cream, and an assortment of beverages.       

Guests will enjoy music on the Gibbs’ House porch courtesy of the Wiregrass Players from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors can also participate in some of the educational programs taking place throughout the Village during the day such as corn husk doll-making and candle making.  Riding the steam train is always a highlight of the day for Museum-goers

The Museum will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.  Admission to the Museum on Saturday is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (age 55 and over), $5 for children 5-16 years of age, and free for children four and under.