Maple Syrup Festival is back in Wakarusa

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – The annual weekend-long Maple Syrup Festival is back this year in Wakarusa until Sunday, April 24.

This year, organizers are bringing back the parade and the free popcorn, which is something they could not do last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The entertainment tent is non-stop free entertainment. It's got animal acts, jugglers, and magicians, Luminas from Bethel College,” Executive Secretary for the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce Deb Shively said. “There is so much to do that you can just come out and create a new family tradition. ”

The annual weekend-long festival started back in 1969, and this year marks 53 years. The family favorite Maple Syrup Festival will feature around 60 vendors, carnival rides, an entertainment tent, and of course, maple syrup.

Organizers said they had record-breaking numbers last year, as it was the first time since the pandemic they were able to bring back the festival, and organizers hope people will come out once again.

They are expecting between 17,000 to 20,000 people at the festival this year.

"We got the whole-some, the quintessential downtown, and the safeness, and just the family quality that I think makes this the popular event that it is, "Shively said.

There are many events taking place throughout the day, like the pancake and sausage meal, and the all-you-can-eat barbecue. You can find a list of events and times on the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Facebook page.

On Saturday, the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, it will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.