CARTHAGE, Mo. – The Maple Leaf committee has selected Gary “Tree” Haggard and Terry “Stump” Prine as the 2021 Maple Leaf Grand Marshals. On being advised of their selection, Tree was very humbled and super excited and Stump said “I guess we’re more famous than we thought!”
Nominations read in part “Gary Haggard CHS ‘76 and Terry Prine CHS ’71 lovingly known as Tree and Stump, are legends of sorts to many Carthaginians. These two are Carthage “Super Fans” supporting Carthage High School athletic programs both at home and away.”, “Tree and Stump are as loyal to the City of Carthage as anyone you will ever meet! They live and breathe Carthage!”, “Mr. Haggard (Tree) and Mr. Prine (Stump) have been dedicated Carthage Tigers superfans for decades……. They are deserving of this honor as they have spent the entirety of their lives in support of the Carthage community.”, “Tree and Stump are representative of our small town, just as the Tiger mascot, the laughing hill bridge, historic homes, the square and its majestic courthouse, as well as so many other icons we know and love” and “No matter what the weather, they are there to support the Tigers. I cannot think of anyone more deserving to represent our town.”
Maple Leaf Chair Becky Purinton said “Every year we receive nominations of passionate community members. It’s clear from those who know Tree and Stump that there is no one more passionate than they are when it comes to their hometown. It is always exciting to give back some love and recognition to residents who give so much of themselves to love of Carthage.”
The 55th Annual Maple Leaf Festival has events running the entire month of October including a 5K run, pageants, a dog show, chili cook-off, Oktoberfest, a hot air balloon glow, art and music events, car and tractor shows, and tons more. The Maple Leaf Parade will be Saturday, October 16th beginning its route on the historic downtown Square. Food, art/craft booths, commercial vendors, and live entertainment on the Square and the annual Marching Band Festival will provide a variety of activity for this year’s attendees. For a full schedule, Maple Leaf Festival brochures are available at the Chamber, 402 S Garrison and locations throughout the area. Details are also available on the festival website www.CarthageMapleLeaf.com.
