“There really is something for most everyone,” Shannon Kilduff, president of the Heritage Village Committee, said. 

The 36th annual three-day Montcalm Heritage Festival is Aug. 3-5 on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus.  

“Montcalm Heritage Village is a unique walk through our local history. Most of the buildings are original to the county and have been relocated to the village,” Kilduff said. 

The buildings are continuously maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers from all around the area. Most of the artifacts have been donated by volunteers and community members. The Stanton Rotary Club recently added a fresh coat of paint to Belle’s Hat Shop and Dell’s Barber Shop. 

Thursday is Honoring Seniors Day with a free lunch for senior citizens sponsored by the Montcalm County Commission on Aging. Tickets are available in advance through the Commission on Aging or may be picked up at the entrance to Heritage Festival the day of the event. An opening ceremony kicks of the festival at 10 a.m. and the buildings in Heritage Village will be open immediately following the opening festivities. Self-guided tours will begin at this time, as well. The buildings will be open each day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Friday is Children’s Day with pony rides, a small petting zoo, and other activities, crafts, games, and prizes. 

Saturday is Salute to Veterans Day with a free lunch provided to Vietnam veterans by the Stanton American Legion.  

Saturday’s festivities begin with the Montcalm Community College Foundation’s annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. outside MCC’s Activities Building. The cost is $5 per person in advance or $6 at the door. Proceeds from the breakfast support MCC’s “Transforming Lives, Empowering People” community campaign. Advance tickets may be purchased from MCC Board of Trustees members, MCC Foundation Board members or by contacting MCC Foundation Executive Director Lisa Lund at 989-328-1284 or lisal@montcalm.edu.  

“This festival is put together with a love for our heritage that shows throughout the village,” Kilduff said. 

“The Civil War Camp and Mountain Men reenactors plan to return this year. They really get into their role, setting up camp and staying in character all three days,” Kilduff said. 

Music and entertainment are available all three days, with Vintage Base Ball games on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

During all three days, Stanton Women’s Club offers lunch to purchase under the pavilion including sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, apple pie from Anderson and Girls Orchard, cookies from Leppink’s Food Center and drinks. 

The festival is offered by the Montcalm Heritage Village Volunteers; MCC; and the MCC Foundation. Montcalm Heritage Village was established in 1986 on MCC’s Sidney campus and has grown to include 28 buildings and hundreds of artifacts from local areas depicting life in Michigan in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. All events are free unless otherwise noted. 

For a complete schedule of events or more information about Montcalm Heritage Festival, visit montcalm.edu/heritage-festival. 

Media contact: 
Shelly Springborn 
Director of Communications and Public Relations 
shellys@montcalm.edu 
989-560-0833