Carthage Gears Up for 60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival with Full Week of Events

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage Chamber of Commerce has released the official schedule for the 60th annual Maple Leaf Festival, locking in more than a week of community events running October 9 through October 17.

The milestone celebration kicks off Friday, October 9, at the Carthage Saddle Club Arena with the Maple Leaf Festival Rodeo at 6 p.m., followed by a second night of rodeo action on Saturday, October 10.

Opening weekend brings heavy foot traffic to Central Park, featuring the Baby and Toddler Show at 10 a.m. and the BBQ Cook-Off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Sunday shifts to the annual Chili Cook-off at noon, followed by the Chicken Pageant at 1 p.m. and the popular Dog Show and Dachshund Races at 2 p.m. Over at the Carthage R-9 Auditorium, the Maple Leaf Festival Pageants get underway Sunday at 4 p.m.

Midweek programming moves between the historic Carthage Square and local parks:

• Monday, Oct. 12: Touch-A-Truck runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Historic Square, featuring a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday also marks the kickoff for the weeklong Quilt Crawl.

• Tuesday, Oct. 13: Taco Tuesday takes over Central Park starting at 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 14: The annual Night of Praise begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Park Pavilion. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

• Thursday, Oct. 15: Local performers take the stage for the Maple Leaf Live! talent contest at 7 p.m. inside the Carthage R-9 Auditorium.

Festival weekend opens Friday, October 16, with Carthage Rotary serving up "Brats on the Square" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday evening features live music on the downtown stage, starting with Chad Jesee at 6 p.m. followed by 80s tribute act Members Only at 8 p.m. Cherry’s will operate an on-site beverage bar beginning at 6 p.m.

The festival peaks Saturday, October 17. Runners start early with the Maple Leaf 5K, checking in at 7 a.m. at Carthage Junior High. The headline 60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival Parade steps off around the Historic Square at 9 a.m., accompanied by street vendors open throughout the day.

Saturday's lineup also includes:

• Tractor Show: 8 a.m. at Central Park

• Car Show: 8 a.m. at CRM (1900 S. Grand Ave.)

• MapleCon (ToyCon): 10 a.m. at the YMCA Youth Activity Center

• Marching Band Field Competition: 11 a.m. at David Haffner Stadium

• Encore! Concert: Free live performance on the Historic Square following the parade

For complete schedules, vendor registration, or event details, contact the Carthage Chamber of Commerce at 417-358-2373 or visit carthagechamber.com.