JACKSON, MI – Early Spring Sunshine and a high of 50 degrees was more than enough to draw a few thousand spectators to the return of The Sugaring And Shearing Festival for 2023. And no runaway sheep this year were reported. Along with demonstrations of sheep shearing, maple syrup making, and blacksmithing, Spectators were also given a glimpse of life over a century ago with tours of Ella Sharps home, and the schoolhouse complete with period correct lessons on the chalkboard. “We had so many people tell us about their memories growing up as a kid coming to the Sugaring and Shearing Festival. That is really where the outcropping came from,” said Volunteer and Membership Coordinator Mara Kerr-Mackay, “Seeing the smiles on faces is what it’s all about, and the reason why we come back everyday to do the work we do at the Ella,” Kerr-Mackay added.
Although there were many returning families to the festival, there was no shortage of new patrons. “We knew there would be sheep and sugaring, but we didn’t expect to see alpacas, food trucks, and the community turnout” said parent and first time festival goer Marissa Ion. On site were a few different varieties of food trucks patrons could dine on, including Baby Bear Burger, West Texas BBQ, and Biggby Coffee.
“Does it only have to be one? It’s a combo package.” Said longtime Sugaring & Shearing Festival goer Terry Cheney when asked what her favorite part of the festival was. Cheney went on “This festival checks off so many boxes. You can check out everything the museum has to offer….It’s well worth the time to come check out.”
“I love to see the crowd turnout. When I pulled in, I couldn’t find a parking space.” Said former Museum Board President Larry Halman. Current Interim Board President Andy Merritt believes part of the success of the festival comes from the hands on aspect. “Parents are looking for quality activities for their kids that aren’t just entertaining, but educating at the same time, and I think this fits that niche. It’s not like the (Art) Beer and Wine Festival, or the Hot Air Jubilee. It’s a hidden gem with a small intimate setting.” Merritt added.
Executive Director of Ella Sharp Museum Julie Johnson knew the festival had to return just from the history in Jackson alone. “Sheep Sheering, and Maple Sugaring were a part of Ella (Sharp’s) roots….to get people back to when things weren’t so automatic. The more they (kids) can be involved in an event or experience, the more they will remember, and the more they’ll take away from the learning objectives we have.” said Johnson.
Also featured for the festival were tours of the museum, and a show named ‘Journey To The Center Of The Milky Way’ every 30 minutes at the Planetarium. Both for a small additional charge. Patrons could purchase maple syrup candy, crafts straight off the blacksmiths anvil, and even Alpaca wool socks from local vendors on Farm Lane.
