Gene and Mary Fisher can’t help but be delighted by all of the children that pass down Main Street every year. Being in charge of the Children’s Parade for the past 52 years is part of the reason both have been involved for so long.
“I was in it when I was a kid,” Mary recalls. “Our kids were always in it and my folks always made our kids’ costumes. We just love kids.”
Those fond memories are part of what makes the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival such a sought after event each year.
“You always look forward to the people coming into town,” Gene said “So many families and classmates get together this time of year.”
The 76th Annual event will take place in downtown Vermontville beginning Friday, April 22 and include activities throughout the day Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24.
“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 22 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: “The Big 3 Maple Syrup, Kids and Festival” takes center stage at 11 a.m. The grand parade, Vermontville Maple Syrup is Michigan’s Purest, 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 76th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, visit www.VermontvilleMapleSyrupFestival.org or call toll free (888) 482-8780.
