CARTHAGE, Mo. — The 56th Annual Maple Leaf Festival Presented by Mercy Hospital Carthage begins on Friday with Pride Amusements Carnival set up at the Fair Acres Family YMCA. Ride sessions will be from 5-10pm, and on Saturday from 12-6pm and from 6-10pm. Other activities occurring on Friday include the annual tradition of the Carthage Rotary Brats on the Square at 4th & Grant. Rotary will be serving lunch from 11am-2pm and open again on Saturday at 10am. The YMCA 5k will begin at 6pm, along with the Car Show Cruise in around the square from 5pm-9pm.
Saturday before the parade the Carthage Fire Department will be serving up Pancakes at the fire station, 401 W. Chestnut. This tradition returns from a 2 year hiatus due to COVID. Serving from 6am-10am with cost $6 for adults, kids $4 and kids under 8 eat FREE. At 9am is the official $56th Annual Maple Leaf Festival Parade. Over 150 entries have entered in the parade and will tour around the historic square.
Central Park will be buzzing after the parade with the annual tractor show from 10am-3pm. Immediately after the parade enjoy over 125 arts, craft & food vendors lining the whole outside and inside of the Carthage square. Enjoy a Pumpkin Patch on the square and live entertainment beginning after the parade that includes the Ables, The Flyin’ Buzzards, & Pickers Post.
“There is a little something for everyone to enjoy during this weekends Maple Leaf Festival,” said Julie Reams, President of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. “With all vendors spots sold out, a large number of participants in the parade, I am excited to see all of our streets lined with community members and guests throughout the city enjoying the Maple Leaf fun,” added Reams.
For more information and to see a complete list of Maple Leaf activities visit the Carthage Chamber website at www.carthagechamber.com.
