As we Fall into Carthage – as our Maple Leaf slogan says this year – let’s take a look at what adds to this small town’s charm.
- Vibrant colors of the foliage (even though it’s a little late this year).
- Beautiful historical homes (which align the parade route).
- Family traditions the whole community can see and enjoy (and this one is the perfect photo op).
All three come into play at “The Barn on Grand.” Located right on the Maple Leaf Parade route near the corner of Grand and Centennial, the Barn is a sweet fall yard display hosted by the Hoover family.
It’s a tradition John and Connie Hoover’s daughter, Brandi Ensor, keeps close to her heart.
“I remember we were kids when it started because at first it was just scarecrows that we made together,” she said. “We lived across from the old junior high (the end of the parade route) and it wasn’t the extent of what we do now … It’s just fun! We love the people who come to Carthage to enjoy it, and it’s just something nice we can do to add to the atmosphere and festivities of the Maple Leaf.”
When the family moved to its current home on Grand in 2002, it seemed the yard display took on a life of its own. A new fixture every Maple Leaf delighted parade attendees – and then Halloween trick-or-treaters – and gradually became a spot for picture traditions … It’s something close-knit communities do.
“We love going to the Hoovers every year,” said Christie Sanders. “We watch the parade there, we go to church with them, [their son] David and I went to school together. It’s tradition we get our pictures there with friends and family – It’s not Maple Leaf without it!”
For years it’s been so great to see families pose for these pictures … wouldn’t it be nice if we had a way to see those pictures?
Welcome, the digital age.
The Barn on Grand is now its own Facebook page and hashtag. Now when families share those pictures online, everyone can see the hashtag or post them on the page itself by tagging @thebarnongrand or using #thebarnongrand.
“The kids get bigger every year and so does the display,” Ensor said with a laugh. “It evolves every year because you try to top what you did the previous year – this year the new feature is the windmill.
Make sure to cruise down Grand Avenue this season and enjoy – not just the Barn – but the whole neighborhood. Because this is Carthage – where people love the colors of fall, history, community and tradition.
