Liquid Gold on the Ridge

Eleven sugar shacks competed for the honor of producing the"Best on the Ridge" maple syrup as there product was judged at the 4th Annual"Best on the Ridge" Maple Syrup Contest held Sunday at the Alpine Elementary School in Alpine Township.

Celebrity judges Buck Matthews, Bob Becker and Penny Weller were on the receiving end of a sugar high but were well enough to declare the Umlor Family with Joe Dietrich from Conklin as this years winner.  The Umlors and Dietrich were runner ups in 2010 and 2012.

The audience of about 80 people had the opportunity to sample the individual products on pancakes skilfully prepared by Rick Cederholm and and Mary Tanis. 

While the judges were busy, everyone was entertained by Davis Stuart O'Neil, a Grand Rapids native who demonstrated his skills not only playing  various bagpipes but also all types of flutes, native and European.

Some of the producers made product available for purchase.  All said this had been an excellent year for production. 

The program is sponsored by the Alpine Township Historical Committee.

Judges were Penny Weller, Bob Becker and Buck Matthews

Judging is serious business

David Stuart O'Neil can be contacted at www.celticwoodwinds.com







The young man on the right is aspiring to be a judge when he grows up.  He is claiming years of experience.  See him in 2011 http://alpinetwp.blogspot.com/2011/04/best-on-ridge-maple-syrup-contest.html



First place winners were Wayne and Joy Umlor (pictured) and Ryan Umlor and Joe Dietrich




Cordes Farms was one of several sugar shacks with product on display

Preparing pancakes this year were Mary Tanis and Rick Cederholm



Some of the entries

Harold Thome, (left) is having  an enjoyable time and is inviting everyone to the next program, Sunday, May 19, the ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW at the Alpine Community Hall and Harold Thome Farm, 2015 7 Mile Road, in Alpine Township.  Tractors will be displayed from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM with Bumblebee Pollination and Tree Grafting Demos at 2:00 PM.  The public is welcome.  Coffee and Donuts will be available.   Contact Don Doyle for more information at (616) 887-8557