There’s no telling the vision the men sitting around George Firster’s barber shop had in 1940 when they started hatching a plan to bring their community more recognition. You can rest Maple Syrupassured, however, that they would be proud of what the annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival has become.
“It started as half a day and has grown ever since,” said Gene Fisher, president of the Vermontville Maple Syrup Corporation. “They started in George Firster’s barbershop on Main Street talking about a way to sell their maple syrup and promote Vermontville.”
The 75th Annual event will take place in downtown Vermontville beginning Friday, April 24 and include activities throughout the day Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.
“Everything is planned for a great weekend,” Fisher said. “The main thing is promoting our community. It is such a family-friendly community.”
Fisher said everything officially gets underway with the opening ceremonies on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. on the main stage. New this year, an appreciation event for those who have participated in the Syrup Festival in one form or another over the years — courts, officers, Grand Marshals, honored citizens, chairpersons, and producers. It will take place at Vermontville Bible Church from 7 to 9 p.m.
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: “Maple Syrup Making Thru 75 Years” takes center stage at 11 a.m. The grand parade, 75 Years of Epic Sweetness, begins at 3 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.
For more information on the 74th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, visit www.VermontvilleMapleSyrupFestival.org or call toll free (888) 482-8780.