Thousands attend Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival

VERMONTVILLE, Mich. (WLNS) — A breakfast staple drew thousands of people to Vermontville this weekend, as the community celebrated its annual Maple Syrup Festival.

MaryAnn Hayes is the co-president of the event. She said it started back in 1940 when farmers would make maple syrup to sell at the festival. It was all part of an effort to buy seeds for their crops in the next year.

Organizers expect about 25,000 people to attend throughout this weekend.

Activities included a pancake breakfast, a flea market, a petting zoo, an arts and crafts show and more.

One person told 6 News he has been coming for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve been coming since I was a little kid; from what I know since I was born, I don’t have complete recollection of that,” Tate Ulrich said. “But I’m 24 this year, so I’ve been coming for 24 years. I come every year for the pancake breakfast and enjoy some fresh maple syrup and fresh pancakes and sausage and get to see all of the vendors.”

Hayes is hoping for an even bigger turnout next year. She added that the event happens every year on the last weekend of April.

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