Heritage Syrup Festival
SAVE THE DATE | Saturday, November 12, 2022
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 Kaitlin Smith, 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)
9:00a – 9:15a – High School Drill Team
9:20a – 12:00p – Swampland Revival
12:15p – 1:45p – Brooze Brothers
2:00p – 2:45p – Shake, Rattle, and Roll
3:00p – 5:00p – Brooze Brothers
Stage #2 | Located by VeraBank Wealth Management (101 East Main Street)
10:00a – 10:45a – East Texas Men’s Harmony
11:00a – 11:45a – Rhythm Rockers Cloggers
12:00p – 12:30p – Intensive Dance Company
12:45p – 1:30p – Down Home Cloggers
2:00p – 2:45p – Texas Rhythm Clogger
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.
Familiarize yourself with a street level view of Historic Downtown Henderson.
Download our food and retail vendor list.
Check out these booth location maps to help find your favorite items quickly.
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.

