Heritage Syrup Festival

SAVE THE DATE | Saturday November 9, 2024

Gates Open: 9AM-5PM

Free Parking Located: Old City Hall (400 W. Main) New City Hall (300 W. Main)

Information Booth: Located in front of Campfire Coffee Co. (100 E. Main)

GPS address for Historic Downtown is 100 E. Main Street.
GPS address for Depot Museum is 514 North High Street.

You'll Get a Kick out of What We're Cooking!

The tradition of ribbon cane syrup making is commemorated at the Annual Heritage Syrup Festival, held the second Saturday of November from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The highlight of the only folk life festival in East Texas is the syrup making demonstration on the Depot Museum grounds. Experienced syrup makers operate the museum’s antique mule powered equipment to produce old fashioned cane syrup.

While the syrup cooks, other folk artist demonstrate the techniques of lace making, rope making, basket making, blacksmithing, wood carving, quilting, and other old-time survival skills. Folk singers entertain, antique tractors whine, a petting zoo, and local civic organizations offer a varied selection of food and beverages.

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From the museum, the festivities spread six blocks to Heritage Square, which is located in the Downtown National Register Historic District. Browse among the 150 handcrafted arts and crafts booths, sample East Texas cuisine and enjoy the musical entertainment on stage one. Enjoy Henderson’s Civic Theatre performance of a melodrama at the Opera House.

A fun filled experience awaits you on stage two, where you will be entertained by cloggers and square dancers. Relive history while you visit the antique and classic car exhibit. The children’s section provides activities which are sure to promise a fun filled day for the entire family.

Hay ride shuttles, sponsored by the Rusk County 4-H Club, provide rustic transportation between the Depot Museum and Downtown Heritage Square. Call Alexa Duke, City of Henderson Tourism Coordinator at (903) 392-0786 or email tourism@hendersontx.us for more information or contact Vickie Armstrong at the Depot Museum by calling (903) 657-4303.

ENTERTAINMENT

Stage #1 | Located by Western Auto (101 North Jackson Street)

Stage #2 | Located by VeraBank Wealth Management (101 East Main Street)

ANTIQUE CARS ON DISPLAY

Ride back in time with Heritage Syrup Festival's classic cars. A variety of vintage and antique automobiles will be showcased throughout our Historic Downtown. Stroll along and reminisce, take pictures and gather ideas for your own hobby projects.

SIGN IN | 8:00AM There is no fee to display your antique car

LOCATION | Corner of Depot and 306 N. Main Street

Displayed cars will be centered around the (3) blocks of Rusk County Courthouse.

Look for directional signs along Highways 64, 259 and 79.

FOOD & VENDOR BOOTHS

Browse a wide array of local treats offered up with Heritage Syrup Festival hospitality.

Locate your favorites with the handy lists and maps below:

Booth Layout | South Main Street

Booth Layout | West and East Main Streets

Vendor Booth Assignment List | Alphabetical

Familiarize yourself with a street level view of Historic Downtown Henderson.

HAYRIDE SHUTTLE LOADING ZONES

COST PER PERSON | $2

SHUTTLE TO DEPOT MUSEUM | Loading Zone: Corner of South Marshall and East Main St. in Historic Downtown Henderson

SHUTTLE TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN | Loading Zone: Behind the Depot Museum grounds on Mill St., around the fence line.

GPS address for Historic Downtown is 100 E. Main Street.

GPS address for Depot Museum is 514 North High Street.

Street Closures

For the safety of our guests, there will be extensive street closures and patrol by Henderson Police Department for Heritage Syrup Festival.

Street Closures Beginning [Friday, November 10] 6PM 
Shown in red on map
West Main @ Jackson (East side of intersection)
North Main @ West Fordall (South side of intersection)
North Calhoun @ East Fordall (South side of intersection)
East Main @ Marshall (West and South side of intersection)
East Ragley @ South Marshall (North side of intersection)
South Calhoun @ East Minden (West side of intersection)
Sout Main @ West Elk (North side of intersection)
South Jackson @ West Minden (West side of intersection)

Street Closures Beginning [Saturday, November 11] 6AM 
Shown in yellow on map
East Main @ High (West side of intersection) 
South Main @ East Howard (North side of intersection) 
West Main @ Van Buren (East side of intersection)
North Marshall @ East Fordall (North side of intersection)
Reed @ South Calhoun (West side of intersection)
East Ragley @ South Marshall (West side of intersection)
East Ragley @ South Marshall (North side of intersection)
South Marshall @ East Minden (East side of intersection)
East Fordall @ S&N Cleaners

East Charlevoix @ North Calhoun (East side of intersection)
East Van Sickle @ North Calhoun (East side of intersection)
North Main @ Depot (South side of intersection)
West Charlevoix @ North Jackson (East side of intersection)
North Van Buren @ West Fordall (East side of intersection)
West Minden @ South Jackson (West side of intersection)
West Elk @ South Jackson (West side of intersection)
South Van Buren @ West Ragley (East side of intersection)