Cool and Partly Sunny.

The 43rd Annual Maple Leaf Parade has 210 entrants for tomorrow’s festivities. The parade route begins on the west side of the Square, goes north then east on the Square, then heads south down Grant/Grand Ave., turns east on Centennial, and ends at the Carthage Middle School (River & Centennial).

The Marching Cobras will be in the parade again this year and they will do a special performance in the afternoon at two o’clock in the new Junior High Auditorium located at 714 S. Main. Cost is $3.00 per person, kids 10 and under are free.

The traditional Fire Department Pancake Feed at the Carthage Fire Department (401 West Chestnut) will be from 6:00 - 11:00 am or until food runs out. Adults $4.00 and Children (8 & under) $2.00. Includes pancakes, sausage, and drink.

The weather forecast for Saturday is mostly cloudy in the morning then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. North winds around 10 mph. The temperature forecast for 7 a.m. is 36 with a dew point of 36. No precipitation is in the forecast.

Looks ta be ‘bout the perfect day for gettin’ out and watchin’ a parade on Saturday.

Like most, I have ta pick and choose each year as ta what exactly I wanna participate in each year. I’ve tried to make it around to most of the various activities, but I’m gettin’ behind I’m afraid. Seems like each year there are more and more worthy projects bein’ promoted.

I’m particularly pleased with the number of folks who are keepin’ to the Square in recent years after the parade. Although you would think the outside vendors would compete with normal business, the increased traffic is typically very good for the permanent businesses downtown. Many of the visitors return to the Square weeks after the festival for a more leisurely look.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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artCentral

ART NOTES from Hyde House

by Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

In this my third in a series of articles tracing the history of our organization artCentral, I will begin in the year 1989, and a facility called the Art Center. Memberships were being sold and art shows were happening. Sandy Higgins became the first director of the center in June after resigning as President of C.A.S.T & Co. At the beginning, along with classes and shows were barbeques, quilt shows, and other events were held in the Central Avenue facility. Financial gifts from Sam Butcher as well as various foundations were received. Numerous local businesses donated materials and equipment. A letter dated December 9, 1989 from then City Administrator Tom Simpson to Managing Director Higgins refers to the center for the first time as artCentral, combining the words Art Central as it appeared in minutes from November 22nd, and as does minutes from a meeting held there on the 5th of December. At some point the name began to be used as a combined word, as it is today. The current logo which contains the fuchsia Nike-like "swoosh" and the title "artCentral" was designed by Tom Simpson I am told, and was done with his fingerprint. It is a distinctive logo, and one that clearly identifies us I believe. During this time the boards were burdened with the responsibilities of refurbishment and planning of a new facility while they undertook the remodeling of the old building. Board members came and went as people’s interest became exhausted along the way. Those that held in for the long haul will be honored next year as our 25 Valued Founders, as we celebrate these first 25 years as an art organization. Next week we will move out of the 80s and look at the 90s and what was accomplished.