Tens of thousands of people will come to America’s Maple Leaf City in October for the 58th Annual Maple Leaf Festival, which will turn Carthage into a lively tapestry of community spirit, history, and joy.
Inspired by the beauty of autumn foliage, this well-known festival has grown from its humble roots as a marching band competition in 1966 to a regional show with parades, craft fairs, live music and activities that the whole family can enjoy.
It’s an old custom for the City of Carthage and the Carthage Chamber of Commerce that marks the change of seasons and brings people together.
Two sponsors, Mercy Hospital Carthage and Southwest Missouri Bank (SMB), have been a big part of this popular festival for a long time and have helped make it what it is today. Both groups have deep roots in the community and have been very important in keeping the Maple Leaf Festival a regular part of Carthage’s culture calendar.
As a presenting sponsor of the Maple Leaf Festival, Mercy Hospital Carthage is doing more than just supporting an event. They are upholding a tradition that shows the values of family, community, and connection, which are all very important to the hospital.
“Maple Leaf is a tradition in Carthage, and the whole community cares about it,” says Mindi Wilks, who is in charge of running Mercy Hospital Carthage. “First we just took part in the parade, but now we’re involved in almost every part of the festival.” That’s how we can repay the neighbourhood that has helped us so much.
Mercy Hospital cares about the health and happiness of the people in Carthage just as much as it cares about the fair. Over the years, Mercy’s sponsorship has helped improve the festival’s events, such as the parade and other fun things for the whole family to do.
Wilks says this connection is very important: “Sponsoring this event has given us a chance to engage with the community outside of the hospital walls, building relationships with people we may not have otherwise met.”
Southwest Missouri Bank has strong ties to Carthage and has been a supporter of the Maple Leaf Festival for more than 35 years. The bank is more than just a backer; it is also extremely involved in planning and carrying out the event. As a business sponsor for many years, SMB embodies the festival’s spirit of tradition and getting involved in the community.
Jeannette Clem, Carthage market president and EVP at SMB, says, “Our bank started in Carthage 45 years ago, and we’ve been an important part of the Maple Leaf Festival and Parade for over 35 years.” “People who work for us love to walk in the parade, hand out food, and see old friends along the way. “The parade is a highlight for everyone because the excitement in the air is contagious.”
The Maple Leaf Festival is more than just a fun event for SMB. It’s also a way for them to give back to the community that has helped them for so long. “For us, it all began in Carthage,” says Clem. “We’re happy to support an event that brings families from all over and helps the local economy.” We hope that our support will last for many years to come.
At the Maple Leaf Festival, everyone in Carthage gets together and makes memories that will last a lifetime. This year’s parade will go around the old Carthage square, which is a nod to the festival’s long history. The theme, “Celebrating America’s Maple Leaf City,” honours both the town’s past and its future.
Cheryle Finley, who has lived in Carthage her whole life and has been chair of the Maple Leaf event before, is this year’s grand marshal. She represents the spirit of the event. The ideals that the Maple Leaf Festival stands for—community, service, and tradition—are reflected in the way she leads and works for many community causes.
The Maple Leaf Festival is still an important part of the city’s character, thanks to sponsors like Mercy Hospital Carthage, Southwest Missouri Bank, and many others who help make it happen. Wilks from Mercy Hospital says, “This event is about tradition, family, and community—values that are important to both the festival and our organisation.”
As Carthage gets ready for another nine days of amazing celebration, it’s clear that the Maple Leaf Festival is more than just a get-together. It’s a tradition that shows how much the town cares about its people and is made possible by the support of its businesses. Because they helped, the event will keep going strong for many years to come.