Maitland City Talk

Not a day goes by when I am not proud of the hardworking men and women in Maitland. Today, congratulations go to the Leisure Services Department for producing this wonderful event. Congratulations and thanks to Chuck Jordan, Leisure Services Director, and Mari Smith, Event Coordinator, for their contributions to this week’s City Talk.

—Mayor Doug Kinson

On Saturday, July 17, the City of Maitland, founded as the Town of Lake Maitland in 1885, will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a community event beginning at 3:45 p.m. when a whimsical parade will saunter down Maitland Avenue, once a portion of the Old Black Bear Trail, which ran from Montreal, Canada, to St. Petersburg, Fla.

In the 125 years since its founding, Maitland has grown to become one of the most respected communities in Central Florida. With some 17,000 residents, Maitland boasts three award-winning public schools, numerous well-respected private schools, civic organizations, churches, a modern sought-after office park complex, sports and fitness centers, local businesses, a vibrant and active cultural community, a network of beautiful parks and green spaces, the home of the Audubon Society Birds of Prey, a system of cherished lakes and waterways, activities, events, and a farmers market. All of these create a sense of identity, community – a sense of family. The City of Maitland has many, many things to celebrate.

Blaring sirens and flashing lights will kick-off the parade that will include City officials, mayors from years gone by, live music, vintage automobiles, clowns, stilt walkers, jugglers and many surprises for all to enjoy. And this is just the prelude for an event to be held on the shores of Lake Lily Park beginning at 4:45 p.m.

The event at Lake Lily will showcase all of the City of Maitland Cultural Partners including the Maitland Historical Society, Art Center, Performing Arts, Public Library, Civic Organizations and Businesses. Chalk Artists will be decorating our walkways with color and creativity. There will be strolling musicians and entertainers who will fill the air with music and provide enchanting encounters for youngsters of all ages. Clowns, games, and balloons will create a festive setting where summer eats and treats like hotdogs, popcorn and much more will be available for purchase. There will be fun for all!

In addition to the color and excitement of the event, Lake Lily will present two performance stages that will feature live music through the evening. The Maitland Stage Band will perform at 6 p.m. followed by Goldenseal at 7 p.m., and on the main stage, a special celebration concert will be performed by the Maitland Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m.

The evening will be topped off by fireworks at 8:45 p.m. with live musical accompaniment performed by the Maitland Symphony Orchestra.

This will truly be a community event made possible by a who’s who of sponsors and local businesses. This event is made possible in part by Sheraton North Orlando, FAS Windows & Doors, Gulf States Credit Union, Wharton & Smith, Avcon, Weiss Legal Group, Seacoast Bank, Direct Buy, The Orlando Sentinel, Costco, Fairy Tale Dreams, Florida Natural Healing and Medical Arts, Don Reid Ford, The Maitland Civic Center, Fifth Third Bank, Windstream, Mindfull Body, Roach Family Chiropractic, Lake Fairview Marina, New Traditions Bank, ReMax, Stillwaters Healing Center, Harbor House, and Regions Bank.

We invite you to enjoy our community as we celebrate this milestone in our history. Bring a chair and enjoy a great evening at Lake Lily Park!