As the third full week of October rolls around, the family of sophomore Katie Ellingsworth travels to downtown Baldwin City. This tradition has been a part of Ellingsworth’s family since she was 4 years old, and it’s in honor of the local Maple Leaf Festival.
“It’s one of my favorite times of the year,” Ellingsworth said. “It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get together to welcome in the fall and enjoy our time. Plus Baldwin is just beautiful.”
This 54-year tradition is not only one for Ellingsworth and her family, but it is the biggest fall family event in the area, with numerous craft booths, food vendors and activities.
Normally the event coincides with Baker University’s fall break, but this year, out-of-town students will have the opportunity to attend because fall break is scheduled the week before the festival.
“I’m not sure I would have gone if it was during break because I live three hours away,” freshman Tayton Trent said. “I want to go to get the full freshman experience and attend everything in the area while I’m here. Plus it’s just something to do.”
The Maple Leaf festival started in 1958 when a former Baker biology professor, Ivan Boyd, noted that the third weekend in October was the preeminent time to view the changing colors of the maple leafs and an opportune time to celebrate a successful harvest.
Every year, the festival brings in revenue and publicity to Baldwin City; vehicles are seen lined up along the sidestreets and the majority of downtown is blocked off for the parade and vendors. But with the added amount of student vehicles and traffic, there is expected to be a problem with traffic control.
Starting the evening of Oct. 19, High Street from Sixth Street to Ninth street will be closed, as well as Eighth Street from Indiana Street to Chapel Street.
Amber Rhoden, the Maple Leaf Festival Chair, urges students to be aware of where they are parking and pay heed to all ‘no parking’ signs, so that their vehicles are not towed away.
“It’s easy to just assume that you can park somewhere,” Rhoden said. “Even though I know it will be frustrating having their normal parking spots taken from them, I still urge students to attend the festival. There is a lot of food and it’s a great time to start Christmas shopping.”
Ellingsworth also suggests that students attend the festival, regardless of if they have been to it before.
“It’s a big tradition in Baldwin and since this is our community right now, everyone needs to check it out and take something out of it,” Ellingsworth said. “It’s a cool experience.”
