The last full weekend of April is always an exciting time to visit the village Shepherd, located just 15 minutes south of Mt. Pleasant. During this time, the community celebrates its annual Maple Syrup Festival. In a normal year, the Maple Syrup Festival is a weekend full of parades, craft shows, carnival rides and more. Due to COVID-19, the Maple Syrup Festival will look a little different April 23-25 2021. Below is what you can expect to see when visiting the festival this year. 

Starting Friday, April 23 through Sunday, April 25, the Artisan Row’s Makers Market will be taking place on Wright Avenue near the Shepherd Bar & Restaurant. Spend the day shopping unique work, homemade treats and more while helping to raise money for the Shepherd Splash Park. Below is a list of the times and dates the market will be open: 

Friday, April 23: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

Saturday, April 24: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Sunday, April 25 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Are you a fan of classic cars? The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is hosting a Classic Car Show on Saturday, April 24. The show will take place in downtown Shepherd on Wright Avenue between First and Fourth Street. The car show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend. 

One of the can’t miss events of the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is of course the pancakes. For just $9 you can enjoy 3 pancakes, 4 homemade sausage links, butter, milk and of course the famous Shepherd maple syrup. Due to COVID-19, the meals will not be served in the cafeteria and instead will be served as a drive thru option. The line will begin at 380 S. Third Street entering the football parking lot. You can pick up your delicious meals at one of the times and dates below: 

Saturday, April 24 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 25 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

**Interested in volunteering? Make sure to contact Kathy Edwards (989) 854-1866.

On Sunday, April 25 make sure to attend the Maple Syrup Parade. The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. and starts on Michael Street, runs east on Wright Avenue, then south on Chippewa Street. For one of the best spots to watch make sure to sit outside of the Cones N Candy ice cream shop (maybe enjoy a treat during the parade). This event is free to attend and will happen rain or shine! 

Get out and enjoy spring at the Maple Syrup Festival. For a full list of events click here. Looking for your perfect opportunity to volunteer? Click here for contact information pertaining to each event of the festival. 

When visiting Mt. Pleasant and the Maple Syrup Festival remember to snap a photo and use #meetmtp to help us share the experience. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest in the Mt. Pleasant area!

Artisan Row’s Maker’s Market: Location 3

Classic Car Show: Location 6-9

Pancake Drive Thru: Location 14

Maple Syrup Parade: Location: 1-20