Shepherd, Mich., prepares for Maple Syrup Festival
Posted: 04.23.2010 at 5:41 AM

(AP) -- Organizers say there will be plenty of locally made syrup on hand at this weekend's Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd. The 52nd annual festival in the Isabella County town runs from Friday through Sunday. It features candy and syrup sales, a tractor pull, arts and craft displays, a carnival - and, of course, plenty of pancake and sausage meals. Up to 10,000 typically are served at the festivals.

The Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant says warm nighttime weather in March slowed sap collection somewhat, and this year's crop is one-third to one-half below normal. But workers have produced enough of syrup to go around.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)