Chair of the 2007 Maple Leaf Festival, Donna Curran, will be in to chat about this weekend’s festivities

Moderator

Thanks for joining us today. This is 6News Director Cody Howard, the moderator for today’s chat.

Moderator

For starters, what are some of the highlights this year?

Donna Curran

Thank you for having me today. I’m very happy to have this opportunity to speak about the Maple Leaf Festival.

Donna Curran

This evening, Friday night at 7:30, we’ll be shooting off fireworks. It will be happening north of the high school parking lot. Also we have invited the former grand marshals, Maple Leaf queens and Boyd Scholarship winners to be in the parade. Also we have 50th anniversary buttons and maple tree seeds for sale.

saywhat101

Is there a map or list of the different food vendor locations? I did not find one on the web site. Thanks.

Donna Curran

If you visit the information booth that will be at Eighth and High, there will be a complete listing of all craft and food booths.

cjmn3

I understand there will be a music venue in the Lumber Yard (soon to be Arts Center). What kind of music will be performed, and what will the schedule be?

Donna Curran

It will be mainly folk music, contemporary, community band and the high school girls choir will be performing. It starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. On Sunday, it will be from noon to 5 p.m.

Moderator

How many people are expected in Baldwin for the weekend?

Donna Curran

It’s hard to say, but with the good weather I’m hoping that we’ll have record attendance this year for our 50th anniversary. We’re expecting approximately 20,000 to 30,000 people.

linus

Ms. Curran – Would you PLEASE remind everyone about the policy on pets at the festival? I was never quite clear what the outcome was…but must say I would hope that after last years biting…it will be STRONGLY discouraged! Preferredly BANNED!

Donna Curran

Yes, we would like to inform everyone that the city council does have an animal ban for all public events, not just the Maple Leaf Festival. That’s for any animal that’s not an official part of the festival or service animals. Please enjoy your stay, but please remember to leave your pets at home.

Moderator

What’s the most popular food item at Maple Leaf?

Donna Curran

Definitely, the Lion’s Club funnel cakes has to be No. 1. The turkey legs have to be No. 2. Buffalo burgers and kettle corn and the Catholic Church food booth is right up there. Really, it depends on your taste. There’s plenty to choose from.

Moderator

With the surprisingly green autumn (no beautiful fall colors so far this year) is it tough to keep spirits up this year?

Donna Curran

With the recent cold spell, the leaves have begun to turn. We have some beautiful ones on the Baker campus and north of town. Ralph Rhulen’s trees just north of the high school are also starting to turn. So, we should have a fairly good start for the show this weekend.

Moderator

That wraps up today’s chat. Our thanks to Donna Curran for joining us.

Donna Curran

Thank you for having. I hope you all come down and join us for the Maple Leaf Festival this weekend. It should be one to remember with the 50th anniversary celebration.