Mr. Charles Baldree passed away earlier this year after being involved in a tractor accident. He has been a staple in Tift County for many, many years and will definately be missed. His family would like for you to help them honor Mr. Baldree at the Baldree Country Syrup Open House. So, make plans to attend the Baldree Country Syrup Open House on November 24, 2007. You'll enjoy a day that starts out with a free, all you can eat, breakfast consisting of sausage, pancakes and plenty of "Baldree Syrup". Breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m. and continues all day as late as 5:00 p.m.
Open House will also have open air Arts & Craft Booths with over 20 vendors. Also, witness the Baldree Family making syrup. Start with grinding of the cane in the mill - cooking of the cane juice in the evaporators - and bottling the finished product.
In 1988, Charles Baldree started making syrup for the family, just as a hobby. When he started, he was using an old-timey 80-gallon kettle under an open-air shelter. That first year he made about 30 gallons of syrup and gave it to family and friends.
Through the years other kettles and evaporators were added and the Baldree's started selling the syrup to the public.
Each year brought more demand for and interest in the syrup, so in 1990 they built a Syrup Barn and moved the syrup operation for production. Each year they planted more acreage in cane and in turn, would have to expand the syrup making process to accommodate the sugar cane planted.
A highlight of the 1992 season was the first Open House, which was on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. This began the tradition of having an Open House each year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Located South of Tifton just off Highway 319. Look for the signs.
Arts & Craft Vendor Applications are still being accepted. For more information call 1-800-44S-YRUP (447-9787) or 229-528-4700.
