Cheryle Finley named Maple Leaf Parade Grand Marshal

(From the Carthage Chamber of Commerce)

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce and the Maple Leaf Festival® Committee announce Cheryle Finley as the 58th Annual Maple Leaf Festival® Celebrating America’s Maple Leaf City Grand Marshal.

“We are thrilled that Cheryle has been selected as this year’s Grand Marshal,” said Julie Reams, President of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. “This festival is a cherished tradition that celebrates our wonderful community and brings together so many people to enjoy Carthage and this joyful time here in our city,” added Reams.

Cheryle has been a lifelong Carthage resident, has served many years on several community committees, and previously chaired the Maple Leaf Festival®. She serves as a board member for United Way, the Laverne Williams Children’s Christmas Party President, and a committee member for CASA. Some of her past awards have been the recipient of the Business Journal Most Influential Women, ATHENA International, Carthage Chamber of Commerce Presidents Award, and the grand marshal of the Carthage Christmas parade.

 
Cheryle has been in banking for 40 years and is a Community Banking Representative at Guaranty Bank in Carthage. Cheryle and her husband, Chris, have been married for 46 years, and they have a daughter named Sarah and a grandson named Atlas. 

When asked what this means to her, Cheryle stated, “I love Carthage; it was a great place to grow up and raise our daughter. I treasure the many friendships I have made over the years. The Maple Leaf Festival® has always been a part of my life, and I am honored to be this year’s Grand Marshal.”

Maple Leaf Festival® activities run from October 11th to 19th. The parade on October 19th will feature floats, marching band competitions, and performers. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Carthage Square in Carthage, MO, and follow the nearly two-mile route around the square, down Grand Street, and end at Carthage Middle School. Attendees can expect a vibrant celebration filled with entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

For more information about the parade and the week-long event details or to view the full schedule of activities, please visit www.carthagechamber.com or contact the Carthage Chamber of Commerce at 417-358-2373.