CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage Chamber of Commerce announces the 58th Annual Maple Leaf Festival® parade theme: “Celebrating America’s Maple Leaf City.”
“We wanted to return to our roots and have a fall celebration that celebrates our amazing city, and there is nothing like being in Carthage in October to see the beautiful foliage,” said Julie Reams, President of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. Zimmer Marketing designed this year’s parade theme logo. “We are so blessed to have members willing to step up who want to help us celebrate such a staple event in our region,” added Reams.
The Maple Leaf Festival® is not just an event; it’s a testament to the spirit of our community. What began in 1966 as a marching band competition, and since then, volunteers have come together to organize an event that celebrates the beauty of maple-leaf trees’ fall foliage. Mercy Carthage is once again the title sponsor of this event. Mercy Carthage has played a significant role for the past three years with its continued support of the enhancements of this Southwest Missouri event.
The Maple Leaf Festival® will kick off their nine-day celebration on Friday, October 11th, at the Carthage Rodeo Arena for the Maple Leaf Festival® Rodeo and continue with events every day afterward leading up to the Maple Leaf Festival® parade on October 19th. This nearly two-mile parade begins at 9 a.m. and encompasses the beautiful Historic Carthage Square, traveling down Grand Ave. and ending at the Carthage Jr. High School. To sponsor, participate in the parade, become a vendor, volunteer, or learn more about the Maple Leaf Festival® events. Contact the Chamber at www.carthagechamber.com or follow them on Facebook for daily announcements of events.
