Before the simplicity of a trip to the grocery store to purchase a bottle of syrup, communities relied on the cane mill and syrup kettle. Oxen and mules would power the mill to squeeze juice from the stalks of sugar cane. Afterwards, the juice was collected into the syrup kettle, then boiled until the water evaporated and all that was left was the sweet-tasting syrup. The cane mill and eighty gallon syrup kettle was donated to Cracker Country by Charlie Knight of Hillsborough County.

During the Florida State Fair, guests can head over to the cane mill and see it in full operation, then they can take a taste of real sugar cane and freshly made syrup.

For more information go to The Southern Syrupmakers Association Web-Site Click HERE.