The 60th annual Maple Syrup Festival concluded Sunday afternoon.
The festival’s parade marched through downtown by traveling from Federal Road to Michael Drive onto Wright Avenue & south on Chippewa Street.
“The parade went really well,” Shepherd firefighter, Matthew Mead said. “We want to make sure the local people and our visitors have fun while also being safe. The weather was a big help.”
The Shepherd Police Department led the way by sounding their alarms, while waving to the crowd.
The grand marshall, Sharon Cole, followed close behind while being trailed by the Shepherd Marching Jays.
“It gets better and better every year” Shepherd resident, Phil Schuler said. “There were garage sales everywhere, the carnival was great, and the people are always so nice. It’s amazing.”
Citizen of the Year, Diane Courter, followed the Maple Syrup Festival court.
With the theme being “Celebrate 60”, there was an entire cart full of graduates from the inaugural year of the festival, 1958.
“The parade is my favorite part of the weekend,” Bob Langlois said. “It’s a beautiful day out, so I figured I’d drive back from Midland to be here. It’s one of my favorite parts about coming home.”
Cars from the festival’s auto show were in the pack including a 1957 Ford Thunderbird and an early Ford Model T.
The parade was flanked on the sidewalks by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Along with the Cookie Monster and other various animated mascots, the smallest of children were entertained throughout the event.
“I come out to the parade just about every year,” Alma resident, Debra Naueau said. “I’ve also been here at different parts of the weekend for different festivities. The craft shows in particular.”
New antique store owner, Tammy Whitmer, achieved her goal of opening her store before the weekend’s festival.
“It worked out very well,” she said. “A lot of people found the store, so now they know that we’re here. They can come back and visit again when it’s not so busy. I’m a lot less stressed now.”
The festival is over, but the 60 years of memories continue for the residents of Shepherd.