Tag Archives: Maple Leaf Festival

Neon is back on at Historic Boots Court

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — As dusk arrived on October 12, 2022, “The neon is lit!!!! We could not possibly be more excited for our beautiful emerald to be shining like the jewel she was meant to be!!” The Boots Court stated in a release of information whilst posting a photo on social media.

Kim Bausinger told KOAM News Now in early September their hope was to have the renovations ready for Maple Leaf Festival. And appropriately so, Maple Leaf us here now!

The neon orange sign out front says “No Vacancy” tonight so they must be booked!

See availability for yourself when you book yourself a room. Click here to visit their website.

| BOOTS MOTEL >> Renovations; Boots Court Motel shows-off historic progress

The Boots Motel was opened in 1939. It began really as a gas station and then expanded over the years. It sits right on Route 66 in Carthage so it attracted travelers of the Mother Road for decades.

CLARK GABLE AND THE BOOTS MOTEL

“Clark Gable spent the night at the Boots Motel on Highway 66 at Carthage, Missouri. Gable was with his friend Al Menasco, who had stayed at the Boots before while on the way to California after leaving the service. They had dinner at Ott’s Café on Central Avenue and reportedly stayed in room ten. A crowd gathered at the Boots when word got out about the famous guest, but he retired early and the crowd left disappointed. The Boots is currently undergoing restoration.” — Vintage St. Louis & Route 66

The Clark Gable room isn’t quite renovated yet. Look forward to photos soon posted on their social media. Follow them when you click here.

All hail the Maple Leaf queen!

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Stephanie Chita, the newly crowned Maple Leaf queen, along with her royal court, and Tierra Haws, the Maple Leaf pageant coordinator,  graced the studio to talk to Tawnya Bach about what it means to represent the Maple Leaf festival. Pageants for Little Prince and Princess, Prince and Princess, and Maple Leaf Queen helped kick off this year’s Maple Leaf Festival; and Queen Stephanie and Tierra talked about not just the role of the pageant royalty, but the responsibilities that come with the prestigious titles. With so many events and attractions featured at the Maple Leaf festival this year, it takes a large royal court to cover it all, so make sure and meet the Queen and her Royal Court when you come out to celebrate the 2022 Maple Leaf Festival.

For more information go to carthagemapleleaf.com or call 417-358-2373.

COPYRIGHT 2022 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

All things Maple Leaf Festival 2022 in Carthage, Mo.

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Maple Leaf 2022 Celebration has already begun and we want to be sure you have the details on the week’s events!

COVID shook things up the past two years canceling many events and even canceling the parade in 2020.  This year marks the return of the Maple Leaf Festival Carnival.

You can save money by purchasing arm bands at the  Chamber of Commerce in advance.

“Only a few days remain to prepurchase your orange arm band card to take to the carnival to exchange for hours of fun! Stop by the Chamber offices, 402 S. Garrison, before noon on Friday October 14th, to purchase your card. $25 at the Chamber, $30 at the carnival!” — MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 👉🏼 CLICK HERE

GRAND MARSHAL OF 2022 MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL

Watch for KOAM News Now and Joplin News First this weekend at the Maple Leaf Parade and other events. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email list so you don’t miss an article.

 

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Four Carthage residents inducted into the Hall of Heroes

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — Four Carthage residents are joining the ranks in the Hall of Carthage Heroes.

The men are being recognized for their unique contributions to the city.

“I think the hall of heroes is part of the historical importance to Carthage.” said Bill Putnam Jr., Hall of Carthage Heroes double Inductee.

Saturday morning four people were inducted into the Hall of Carthage Heroes.

Bill Putnam Jr., Robert W. Stanfield Sr., Vincent Tripplett and Gregory Kyte are now a part of the legacy inside the Fair Acres Family YMCA.

“I appreciate the whole city of Carthage. My wife and family for supporting me over the years without them I wouldn’t be here today,” said Gregory Kyte, Multi-Sport Athlete.

“I really believe the rent we pay for the space we occupy on the earth is public service. And that everybody has an obligation to make their community a better place to live,” said Putnam Jr.

Today Putnam Jr. received a special honor.

He is the first person to be nominated for the Citizen of Distinction award and an Athletic award and being inducted for both.

“Even though I’ve been involved in the Hall of Heroes for a long time I never thought about it happening to me and I never thought it would happen twice at the same time. So that was a big surprise,” said Putnam Jr.

Two inductees were honored posthumously.

Stanfield Sr. created the Maple Leaf Festival and Parade.

Tripplett was a Youth Sports Champion and Coach.

His twin daughters accepted his award.

The wall is honoring the past, present and hopefully inspiring future heroes.

“I think its really neat the younger generation is walking down these halls. And I hope they are stopping to read about these individuals and think gosh that’s really cool. I didn’t know that person lived in Carthage or I didn’t know that person did that or I want to be like this guy. Hopefully people are stopping to learn more and read and be inspired.” said Heather Collier, Hall of Carthage Heroes Chairperson.

55th annual Carthage Maple Leaf Festival

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — An annual tradition is wrapping up in Carthage.

Saturday thousands of people were in the city celebrating the 55th annual Maple Leaf Festival.

“This is a way for our community to come together and celebrate each other and just show our pride in our town,” said Rita Waynick, Carthage resident.

Saturday’s 55th annual maple leaf festival was bigger than ever and back to normal after it was impacted by the pandemic last year.

The day started with the 41st annual car show, Automotive Swap Meet, then the Maple Leaf Parade from the Historic Carthage Square up to Centennial avenue.

“We came out to watch the amazing Carthage High School band play,” said Waynick.

“My grandson played the cymbals today. So exciting to see him,” said Barbara Johnson, Saint Louis resident.

Families lining the parade route to cheer on family and friends.

“We just came because my sister is in the Joplin High School marching band. And we came to support her. And also my dear friend Kevin Fields or his nickname K-Flow he’s performing today and he does breakdancing. It’s very fun,” said Nick Tarr, Joplin resident.

After the parade the party continued on the square with live music and more than 80 vendors.

“Everyone from town is out and taking part in the festival. Not only that but class reunions, family reunions, weddings. People wait all year long to make sure theyre here this time of year for the festival,” said Neely Myers, Carthage Chamber.

The festival started as a marching band competition 56 years ago and transformed into a two-week long celebration.

“People are always happy this time of the year. They love Maple Leaf. It sort of leaves them on a high note for the year,” said Myers.

Maple Leaf Dog Show and Adoption event

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — It was a doggone good time in Carthage for a unique fundraiser.

Saturday afternoon the Maple Leaf Dog Show and Adoption Event and chili cookoff were held in Central Park.

Awards were given to the best owner and pet look alike, best tail wag and the best chili.

All the funds raised from the events are benefitting the Carthage Humane Society.

“I mean who doesn’t love to show off their fur baby? Right so this is an opportunity of course you’ve got all of the dogs and their owners who come to take part in the contest, but people bring their animals to be part of sort of the buzz here in the park. It’s a lot of fun people come from all over,” said Neely Myers from the Carthage Chamber.

The Carthage Humane Society also brought out adoptable animals to find their forever home.

There are several more Maple Leaf events leading up to Saturday morning’s parade.

To see the full list of events click here.

Fireworks shop hosts fall festival

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — A local fireworks shop was transformed into a festival for the whole family.

Hale fireworks in Carthage held its 4th annual fall festival.

The free event had game for the kids including a pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin bowling, gourd tossing and photo opportunities.

Hale’s says they sell a lot of specialty pumpkins this week for families wanting to decorate for the Maple Leaf Festival.

“They are excited when they come in and our customers from the fireworks season and they say oh yay we can get the fireworks too. They say it’s a good combination pumpkins and fireworks. I work at the school during the day and I love giving back to the community having a fun event for them to come out and have family time,” said Stacy Barton, Hale Pumpkins

Hale’s will continue selling pumpkins leading up to Halloween.