Syrup-sopping fun

The smell of biscuits was in the air and cars lined Highway 14 going into Loachapoka early Saturday morning as thousands of people made their way to the 37th annual Syrup Sopping Day and the Lee County Historical Fair, two annual events that take place each year at the end of October.

About 20,000 people make the pilgrimage to Loachapoka each year to get their fill of the famous syrup and sweet potato biscuits and to enjoy the other various activities, ranging from demonstrations and reenactments of life in the 850s to actually watching syrup being made.

“We have not changed anything,” Mathan Holt, Lee County commissioner and an organizer of the Syrup Sop, said. “Seeing the mule turn (and grind the sugar cane for the syrup) … And the kids riding the mules. It’s a family day of fun.”

Loachapoka Mayor Larry Justice said about 125 gallons of syrup is made at the event. The rest is shipped in. He said the city ordered 500 cases (12 bottles of syrup each) for the event.

“We uncovered the cane at four o’clock this morning, we were cooking by 7:30 a.m.,” he said. Breakfast began at 5:30 a.m. he said.

Money raised from the Sop supports community service activities, such as children’s programs and the Salvation Army, Justice said.

Meanwhile, across the street on the Lee County Historical Society Museum grounds, the Historical Fair was taking place. There were demonstrations from the 1850s including, but not limited to, an authentic log cabin, a blacksmith ship, a grist mill and quilting. There was also homemade food, music and children’s activities.

“We have a lot going on out here today,” Jessie Summers, curator of the Lee County Historical Society Museum, said. “This is our only fundraising event.”

Thousand of people pay to get into the fair. Money raised is used to keep the museum and grounds up and running.

“It’s a fun event and many people love to come back year after year,” she said.