Don’t Miss The Biggest Festival In Missouri This Year, The Maple Leaf Festival
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 04, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
October is a whole lot of fun in Carthage. That’s when the annual Maple Leaf Festival in Missouri returns for 10 glorious days of fall fun. The family-friendly festival boasts a full slate of fun – from contests and delicious food to the beloved Maple Leaf Festival Parade. It’s definitely one of those seasonal events that belongs on every Missourian’s calendar.
The Maple Leaf Festival returns to Carthage for its 55th season, beginning on October 1 and running on select days through October 30, 2021.
More than 80,000 visitors converge on the charming town of Carthage each year for the epic festival that features what’s billed as the largest parade in Southwest Missouri.
Winding through town on the third Saturday of October each year, the parade makes its way from Carthage Historic Square to Carthage Middle School, with thousands of parade-goers on the sidelines.
If you only visit the festival one day, make it on that third Saturday of October. The day also features such fun as an arts and crafts show and car shows.
The Maple Leaf Festival is also known for its Chili Cook Off, Dog Show, and the always-adorable Dachshund Dash race. If you’ve got a doxie, sign her up or show up to cheer on your favorite sausage-shaped pooch.
Have you been to the Maple Leaf Festival in Missouri? Will you go again in 2021? Let us know in the comments! On the hunt for some spooky fun this fall? How about setting off on a paranormal tour with St. Charles Ghost Tours?
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