Michigan Sugar Festival facts for kids
The Michigan Sugar Festival is a fun event that happens every year in the middle of June. It takes place in the small village of Sebewaing, Michigan. This festival celebrates the important sugar industry in the area.
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Why the Festival Happens
The festival is a way for the community to say "thank you" to the sugar industry. This industry has been buying sugar beets from local farmers and making sugar in Sebewaing since 1902. It has provided many jobs for people living there.
Festival History
The idea for the Michigan Sugar Festival started in February 1965. The president of the local Chamber of Commerce, Herb Gettel, suggested it. The Chamber of Commerce is a group of local businesses that work to improve their community. Three people – Walt Rummel, Norman Schroeder, and Carl Hess – went to the Michigan Sugar Company headquarters in Saginaw, Michigan to share the idea. The company loved it!
On March 4, 1965, the Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce decided to hold the first festival on July 2 and 3. It was the biggest community celebration since Sebewaing's 100th birthday party in 1953.
In 2020, the festival had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 56th festival was then held in 2021 instead.
What Happens at the Festival
The village park is where most of the excitement takes place. You'll find a midway with local sellers offering goods, plus carnival games and rides for everyone. There's also an entertainment tent where bands play music, and a dance is held on the first night.
The main events include:
- The crowning of the Sugar Queen on Friday night.
- The big Grand Parade on Saturday morning.
- A fantastic Fireworks show on Saturday night.
Other activities often include tractor pulls and softball tournaments.
Becoming the Sugar Queen
The Sugar Queen used to be called "the sweetest girl in the world." The queen, along with a first and second runner-up, are chosen in June. To become the Sugar Queen, you need to be between 18 and 23 years old. You also must have lived for at least one year in one of the 21 Michigan counties where sugar beets are grown. It's a good idea to know some facts about sugar beets too!
How the Festival Gets Money
Many local businesses help the festival by giving donations. The Sebewaing Fire Department also collects money all year long specifically for the fireworks show. You can often find donation boxes in local businesses around the area.
