Shepherd’s Maple Syrup Festival Activities Include 4-H Club Petting Zoo – The Morning Sun

As part of the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, the The Country Neighbors 4-H Club ran a petting zoo at Shepherd United Methodist Church.

The Petting Zoo was held on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees were able to see the animals that 4-H club members look after for their projects. Some of the animals included horses, goats, and bees, among other animals.

Apache, a horse owned by Jill Spinder’s daughter was one of the horses at the petting zoo. Apache is around 27 years old and will be retiring from show seasons soon after this current season.

“4-H helps kids learn about art and animals,” Spinder said. “It also helps children make new friends, learn responsibility and helps the community.”

Attendees could also donate to feed animals, purchase baked goods and drop off bottle returns. Proceeds from this sale will be used to further support the 4-H Club.

The Country Neighbors 4-H Club has around 30 child and parent members and has been participating in festival activities for several years. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, in-person group activities have been suspended for a few years.

“The kids are so excited to be here,” said Country Neighbors 4-H Club representative Jennifer Gieger. “This is our first official 4-H event.”

For more information, visit the Country Neighbors 4-H Club Facebook Group or bergermaplesyrupfest.org.