Maple Syrup Festival sweetens weekend

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People from across Michigan convened in Shepherd Friday through Sunday to celebrate maple syrup and to have a good time.

The 44th annual Maple Syrup Festival, which featured carnival rides and pancake dinners, was dedicated to “two very active ladies who have been active volunteers at many festivals throughout the years,” according to a pamphlet.

These two women are Patricia Stahlman, who organized the arts and crafts and other commercial booths and was chair of the Maple Syrup Festival for 20 years, and Bessie Musser, who is the former secretary/treasurer of the festival and chair of the kitchen.

The three-day festival featured many events for people of all ages.

On Friday there was an antique tractor display and tractor pull, bingo, music and dancing and an antique emergency vehicle parade at dusk.

“We love (the festival). We come every year,” said Joy Marchione, Midland resident. “There is a feeling of community and camaraderie. It’s a tribute to the community that everything is done so efficiently. It makes it great to come.”

She said the rain didn’t deter visitors.

“I think the people who come here come because they enjoy it, and they will always come,” Marchione said.

Her husband Michael Marchione said he comes to the festival for the $5 pancake and sausage meals and she stocks up on the celebrated topping.

“I love the syrup,” Michael Marchione said. “I buy enough to last me through the year.”

On Saturday, people viewed the classic car display and model car/airplane display. Pony and helicopter rides were available and The Central Michigan Concert Band played with the Flint Symphonic Band. Joel Tacey, variety entertainer, put on shows all day.

“It’s kind of wet,” said Jim Perry, Imlay City resident. “Still, I have a good time. It’s fun to eat the food.”

St. Louis resident Sybil Sperry said she has been coming to the Maple Syrup festival for 13 or 14 years.

“It’s too bad it’s always raining, but the festival is always fun,” she said.

On Sunday, the bed race was at noon and helicopter rides were offered until 5 p.m.

A parade marched through the town and Wayne and Evelyn VanOrden served as parade marshals.

Gloria Strack and her husband John said they have been coming to the festival since it began 20 years ago.

“We used to set up in the crafts show. Now we come for the rides for our grandkids,” said Strack, Alma resident.

Maple syrup and candy were available for sale throughout the weekend, and many residents set up garage sales attracting the large number of people who visited Shepherd for the festival.