Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger
Photography Provided
Some might say that a simple phone call changed the course of Wakarusa history, undoubtedly for the better.
As the story goes, an interesting query from a somewhat misguided newspaper reporter set into motion a chain of events that resulted in the creation of the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival. And now, more than 50 years since its founding, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events in the state of Indiana, serving as a harbinger for the spring season and a salute to one of the community’s most beloved traditions. The sweetest sort of tribute, so to speak.
In 1968, what was then known as the Wakarusa Chamber of Progress received an incoming request from a media representative that caused a fair bit of confusion. The caller wanted to know when the community was going to host its upcoming festival. But there was a slight problem. To the best of everyone’s knowledge, there was no such event being planned, and to this day no one seems to know how such a rumor ever circulated.
Once the town leaders had their chuckle over the miscommunication, they were suddenly seized by a thought. The idea of creating a festival wasn’t such a ludicrous prospect at all. A committee was subsequently formed, discussions were held, and in the spring of 1969 Wakarusa presented its first Maple Syrup Festival. The abundance of maple trees surrounding and within the little town, as well as the willingness of folks to share their sap cultivations, led to an easy choice for a theme, and elevated the treat into a perennially celebrated condiment. At that time the festival was a simple street affair, situated in an open lot where the current Town Hall is located. There were a few exhibits and demonstrations, antiques for sale, and of course a proliferation of maple goodies. For many guests, it was their very first opportunity to witness the precise and intricate process of creating maple syrup.
For many years, the Maple Syrup Festival took place in March, which was an intentional decision to align with the peak of the sap run. Eventually the festival was moved to the final weekend in April, to accommodate better weather conditions. It has grown significantly in both scope and size over the past 55 years, with approximately 14,000 visitors attending the 2023 event, according to Todd Scheets, who has served as the festival chairman for the past 24 years. No longer relegated to a corner attraction, the festival is a sprawling spectacle of food, crafts, carnival rides, music, and just about anything else in between.
This year’s Maple Syrup Festival will take place on April 26, 27 and 28. Among the highly anticipated performers slated to appear is The 1985, featuring cover renditions of many fun and familiar retro tunes. Also new this year will be a pickleball tournament, open to those who have developed an affinity for the increasingly popular sport. Many of the longtime favorites will once again be offered, including the free, freshly popped kettle corn, the smorgasbord of food options, lots of music and entertainment, arts and crafts, and the Saturday morning parade. There will also be a shuttle to transport folks to the Wakarusa Historical Museum, which will be hosting an encampment from the Indiana 7th Light Artillery Civil War re-enactment group, more food, museum tours, and homespun musical selections from local bands.
So what does it take to keep the festival running as smoothly as the sap that inspires it? “When I took over the Maple Syrup Festival, the board was only five people,” Scheets recalls. “Today the festival has grown to the point that we now have a board of 17 to 20 people, and there are three chairpeople overseeing the entire festival.”
While Scheets does lament the loss of some festival features such as the selection of grand marshals to lead the parades, certain contests and competitions, and antique vendors, he is excited for the potential of festival growth. He says his wish list includes “bigger live animal acts, and more high-tech interactive stuff for kids.”
As to the longevity of the festival itself, Scheets attributes it to “the ability to adapt and change throughout the years, despite date changes and nasty weather. By moving the festival into April from March and adding another day, we allowed more people to come in warmer weather. All of this helped grow the festival into what it is today.”
“As long as the festival adds new activities and adapts to a changing world and technology, it will grow,” he adds. “Commercial vendors will change, food vendors will change and entertainment will change, but as long as we have our syrup suppliers, the heart of the Maple Syrup Festival will stay the same.”
To stay apprised of schedules and events, visit the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce website at wakarusachamber.com, or follow along on Facebook @WakyMapleSyrup.
