Shepherd’s 2023 Maple Syrup Festival brings in big crowds with continued tradition
A tradition in Shepherd, Michigan since 1958, the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is celebrated across the central Michigan region. The 2023 festival was held Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30. The diverse schedule of events included a classic car show, a pancake-eating contest, a midway carnival, quilt show, two parades, and performances by a host of local and visiting arts and performing groups.
The annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival has taken place in Shepherd, Michigan since 1958. This year, the festival representing traditions and community support, was held Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30. From the pancakes and syrup, to contests and carnival experiences, to parades, pageants, and performances – enjoy this photo recap of the 2023 Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival.
Friday, April 28
Truck 3 of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Tribal Fire Department heads east on Wright Avenue during the Maple Syrup Festival Emergency Vehicle Parade in Shepherd, MI on Friday, April 28, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)
Sparky, the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department mascot, waves from a moving emergency vehicle during the Maple Syrup Festival Emergency Vehicle Parade in Shepherd, MI on Friday, April 28, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)
Saturday, April 29
Maple Syrup Princess Bree of Shepherd, MI encourages a child playing a ball toss game at the Children’s Village in the Shepherd Elementary Gym in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Emma, age 8 of St. Louis, MI applies face paint to a guest at the Children’s Village in the Shepherd Elementary Gym in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Brothers Lincoln (age 3) and Asher (age 2) of Pinkney, MI play games at Maple Syrup Festival’s Children’s Village in the Shepherd Elementary Gym in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Kaia (age 6) of Rockford, MI has face paint applied by a vendor along Wright Avenue in Shepherd, MI during the annual Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Festival goers partake in the Midway Carnival at the 2023 Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Festival goers partake in the Midway Carnival at the 2023 Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Rain and forecasted thunderstorms caused the Midway Carnival at the 2023 Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd, MI to close early on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Band Jedi Mind Trip plays a show at the Ales for Trails Beer Tent in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Proceeds from the concert supported Friends of Mid-Michigan Community Pathways, a 501(c)(3) corporation working to establish a trail in Isabella County, Michigan. The concert is not a Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival-run event. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Band Jedi Mind Trip plays a show at the Ales for Trails Beer Tent in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Proceeds from the concert supported Friends of Mid-Michigan Community Pathways, a 501(c)(3) corporation working to establish a trail in Isabella County, Michigan. The concert is not a Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival-run event. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Band Jedi Mind Trip plays a show at the Ales for Trails Beer Tent in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Proceeds from the concert supported Friends of Mid-Michigan Community Pathways, a 501(c)(3) corporation working to establish a trail in Isabella County, Michigan. The concert is not a Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival-run event. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Band Jedi Mind Trip plays a show at the Ales for Trails Beer Tent in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Proceeds from the concert supported Friends of Mid-Michigan Community Pathways, a 501(c)(3) corporation working to establish a trail in Isabella County, Michigan. The concert is not a Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival-run event. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Band Jedi Mind Trip plays a show at the Ales for Trails Beer Tent in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Proceeds from the concert supported Friends of Mid-Michigan Community Pathways, a 501(c)(3) corporation working to establish a trail in Isabella County, Michigan. The concert is not a Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival-run event. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Band Jedi Mind Trip plays a show at the Ales for Trails Beer Tent in Shepherd, MI on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Proceeds from the concert supported Friends of Mid-Michigan Community Pathways, a 501(c)(3) corporation working to establish a trail in Isabella County, Michigan. The concert is not a Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival-run event. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)
Sunday, April 30
Wyatt (age 5) of Shepherd, MI competes in the pancake eating contest at the Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd, MI on Sunday, April 30, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Olivia Hipkins, the 2023 Maple Syrup Queen, competes in the pancake eating contest at the Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd, MI on Sunday, April 30, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)The Shepherd High School Marching Band members participate in the Maple Syrup Festival Parade in Shepherd, MI on Sunday, April 30, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Black Diamond Broadcasting integrated marketing consultant and on-air host Angie Evans passes out candy at the Maple Syrup Festival Parade in Shepherd, MI on Sunday, April 30, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)The Maple Syrup Princess Pageant float travels down Wright Avenue at the Maple Syrup Festival Parade in Shepherd, MI on Sunday, April 30, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)Elias (age 1) of Mt. Pleasant, MI waves an American flag at the Maple Syrup Festival Parade in Shepherd, MI on Sunday, April 30, 2023. (Photo: Dan Gaken/Epicenter)
Dan Gaken is a documentary-style photographer who creates dynamic images to tell stories. Gaken has ten years of experience as a professional photographer, with image credits appearing in Trains magazine, the Chicago Sun Times, and the Sony Television-produced series Battle Creek. Gaken serves as the photographer for Special Olympics Michigan’s State Games. Gaken is also the Director of the Central Michigan University Leadership Institute. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for organizations seeking to enhance their leadership. Gaken has been invited to speak at more than 25 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. Gaken holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI. Find more of Dan’s images at www.DanGakenImages.com or on Instagram at @DGaken.
What happens when a few people pick up puppets? In central Michigan, it’s become a source of creativity, connection, and unexpected courage. Learn how the Central Michigan Area Puppetry Club is growing a supportive, joy-filled community.
For 50 years, Wayside Central has been a place where memories are made and music never stops. Family-owned since 1975, the Hunter family’s dedication—and the loyalty of their staff and community—has kept the nightclub present in Mt. Pleasant for generations.
After federal funding cuts through the 2025 Rescissions Act, WCMU Public Media faces a 19% annual budget loss. Yet, through strong listener and viewer support and their unwavering commitment to local storytelling, the station continues to educate, inform, and inspire audiences across 42 Michigan counties.
