Shepherd welcomes annual Maple Syrup Festival: What to know
For most places in Michigan, March is the prime time for tapping trees and marks the start of maple syrup season. The fluctuating temperatures allow sap to flow from the trees. March is over, but maple syrup season is far from complete in certain parts of the state.
The annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival returns Thursday through Sunday with countless festivities from which to choose.
When did Maple Syrup Festival first begin in Shepherd?
According to shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org, the first maple syrup festival took place in 1958. Members of the community worked to tap trees and gather sap to create syrup. It was a community effort where people celebrated over a large pancake dinner, family activities, etc.
Where are the best places to park for the festival?
There are numerous places to park in Shepherd for the festival, such as parking lots and street parking. Designated parking spaces include Highland Plastics, Shepherd Community Park, C&R Electric, Shepherd schools, etc. Some locations allow overnight parking, and some are only available for weekend parking.
What food options are available?
The annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival offers plenty of dining options with countless food trucks and pancake & sausage meals. However, the Village of Shepherd also has a variety of local cuisine. Popular restaurants include Fireside Grille, Shepherd Bar & Restaurant, Silver Spoon Coffee House, Sugar Shack Ice Cream Shop and VanEffen’s Corner Deli & Market.
Who are the sponsors of this year's event?
Sponsors for the annual festival include C&R Electric, Highland Plastics Inc., I Ride, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, Shepherd Community Friends of the Library, Shepherd Rotary Club, Star of the West Milling Co. and the Village of Shepherd.
What does this year's schedule look like?
The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival has countless activities and events.
Thursday
Pony Rides: Pony rides will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the corner of East Wright Avenue and 4th Street.
Midway Carnival: The carnival runs from 5-11 p.m. and will be located at the Shepherd Public Schools Athletic Field. Thursday is Buddy Night and admission costs are $25.
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Friday
Pony Rides: Pony rides will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the corner of East Wright Avenue and Fourth Street.
Midway Carnival: The Midway Carnival will be open 1-11 p.m. at Shepherd Public Schools Athletic Field. Armbands cost $22 per person.
Pancake and Sausage Meals: Breakfast will be served from 3-7 p.m. at the Shepherd High School cafeteria. There are both dine-in and to-go options available. Meal pricing is $10 for ages 11 and up, $5 for children ages 5-10, free for ages 4 and under.
Arts & Crafts Show: Local artists and vendors can be seen at the show from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Shepherd High School.
Little Red School House: The museum will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at Shepherd Middle School.
Sugarbush Tours & Syrup Sales: This event will take place at Shepherd Sugar Bush from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lion’s Club Bingo: Bingo will take place on the corner of Wright Avenue and Second Street from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Parade/Emergency Vehicle: The annual emergency vehicle parade will begin around 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. as members of the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department showcase antique, retired emergency vehicles. The route begins at Wright Avenue and ends at Chippewa Avenue near the fire station.
Saturday
5K Walk/Run: The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Race fee is $35 and includes a breakfast ticket and shirt. A Kid’s Fun Run begins at 9 a.m.
Pancake & Sausage Meals: Breakfast will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shepherd High School cafeteria. There are both dine-in and to-go options available. Meal pricing is $10 for ages 11 and up, $5 for children ages 5-10, and free for 4 and under. Gluten free pancakes will be available from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Arts & Crafts Show: The art show, located at Shepherd High School, opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.
Classic Car & Truck Show: The classic car and truck show will take place on Main Street of Shepherd from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Registration is open from 9 a.m. until noon. A total of 52 awards will be given, 50 for top vehicles, one for best in the show, and one for best truck. Trophies will be awarded at 2 p.m.
Train Depot Museum: Located at 402 W. Wright Ave., the Train Depot Museum will be open from 9 a.m. until noon.
Sugarbush Tours & Syrup Sales: This event will take place at Shepherd Sugar Bush from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pony Rides: Pony rides will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the corner of East Wright Avenue and Fourth Street.
Country Neighbors 4H Petting Zoo: At Shepherd United Methodist Church, a variety of animals can be seen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tractor Pull: The tractor pull will take place at 10 a.m. west of Little Salt River Park.
Little Red School House: The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it’s located at Shepherd Middle School.
Powerhouse Museum: Located at Veterans Memorial Park, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lion’s Club Bingo: Bingo will take place on the corner of Wright Avenue and Second Street from noon to 11 p.m.
Midway Carnival: The Midway Carnival will be open from noon to 11 p.m. at Shepherd Public Schools Athletic Field. Armbands cost $25 per person.
Children’s Village: From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., elementary children can partake in carnival games and win prizes at the Shepherd Elementary gym.
Central Michigan Area Concert Band: Community musicians will perform at the Shepherd High School Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday
Pancake & Sausage Meals: Breakfast will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shepherd High School Cafeteria. There are both dine-in and to-go options available. Meal pricing is $10 for ages 11+, $5 for children ages 5 to 10, and free of charge for ages 4 and under.
Train Depot Museum: Located at 402 W. Wright Ave., the Train Depot Museum will be open from 9 a.m. until noon.
Arts & Crafts Show: The art show, located at Shepherd High School, opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m.
Sugarbush Tours & Syrup Sales: This event will take place at Shepherd Sugar Bush from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sweet Assembly of Praise: The event will take place at 10 a.m. on the lawn of the Shepherd United Methodist Church.
Little Red School House: The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it’s located at Shepherd Middle School.
Pony Rides: Pony rides will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the corner of East Wright Avenue and Fourth Street.
Powerhouse Museum: Located at Veterans Memorial Park, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to noon.
Garden Tractor Pull: The event will occur at 11 a.m. on the west side of Little Salt River Park.
Midway Carnival: The Midway Carnival will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at Shepherd Public Schools Athletic Field. Armbands cost $22 per person.
Petoskey Steel Drum Band: The Petoskey Steel Drum Band will perform from noon until 1 p.m. at the intersection of West Wright Avenue and Second Street.
Parade for Maple Syrup Festival: The parade with the theme of “Yellow Brick Road” begins at 2:30 p.m. The parade will start east on Wright Avenue before heading south on Chippewa Street.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Maple Syrup Festival returns to Shepherd, Michigan
