There’s only one big concern for Gene Fisher every spring, the weather. The president of the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Corporation has his fingers crossed this year that the harsh winter owes the area at least three beautiful days in late April.
This year’s festival takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 25 through 27 in downtown Vermontville.
“This year is our 74th, the granddaddy of them all,” Fisher said, “We sure are due for some good weather.”
Fisher said everything officially gets underway with the opening ceremonies on Friday, April 25 at 6 p.m. on the main stage. Included in the Friday festivities is the annual talent competition, which features a number of local acts showcasing a variety of skills. You will also find some of the best pancakes around being served up by the American Legion and Nashville Lions Club at the American Legion (located above Independent Bank) from 4 to 8 p.m. or the Maple Valley Band Boosters at the fire station from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
As always, Mid-America Shows will be on hand providing entertainment on the “Midway,” including rides and games for everyone on the family to enjoy.
The evening wraps up around 9:15 p.m. with a fabulous fireworks display.
Start Saturday off right with a second helping of pancakes smothered in your favorite syrup. The American Legion, Lions and band boosters begin serving pancakes at 7 a.m. and will serve them throughout the day. The community is filled with activity all day long, including the Vermontville arts and crafts show, flea market, a petting zoo, performance by the Maple Valley Jazz Band, Maple Valley Choir and the Glen Erin Bagpipe Band, among others. The children’s parade: “Children Around the World Love Maple Syrup” takes center stage at 11 a.m. The grand parade, Spring Break and Maple Syrup, begins at 2 p.m.
The celebration continues through Sunday as the streets of Vermontville will be filled attractions such as various displays, games, free entertainment and arm wrestling. Local syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever-popular maple syrup cotton candy.
Of course, you can learn all about the Maple Syrup process throughout the weekend at Maple Manor, where a number of exhibits showcase the tradition and history.
“I look forward to the whole thing,” Fisher said. “I hope everyone can come and see some of the activities.”
For more information on the 74th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, visit www.VermontvilleMapleSyrupFestival.org or call toll free (888) 482-8780.
