Maitland City Talk

Our founding celebration — a huge success!

Maitland celebrates our founding each and every year with a Party in the Park. This year was special as it commemorated 125 years since our founding as the Town of Lake Maitland in 1885. On Saturday, July 17, Maitland put on a spectacular show that will be the model for all celebrations to come.

The celebration began with a parade down the historic Black Bear Trail, today known as Maitland Avenue. It was evident from the beginning it would be stifling hot, but enduring the heat was a small price to pay for what we were about to experience.

The parade began slowly as Maitland Avenue was dotted with spectators, but as we approached scenic Lake Lily, the crowds became more raucous. I even caught a slight glimpse of a few fans doing the 'wave'. The parade was special as it included Maitland dignitaries of the past, including Mayor Darcy Bone, Mayor Bud Parker, and Mayor Jim Houser. We can all thank them for what we have today, as our community is part and parcel to decisions made by these important leaders of Maitland's past.

At Lake Lily everyone enjoyed the kid's games, booths, food tents, ice cream and popsicles. It was breathless anticipation waiting for the Maitland Stage Band along with their energetic performances and solos. Goldenseal provided a rendition of 'The Maitland Song' assisted by members of the Performing Arts of Maitland.

At 8 p.m., it was on to the main stage where I kicked off the evening and the Maitland Symphony Orchestra. The Maitland Symphony Orchestra is made up of an ensemble of 90 performers, all volunteers, who played their hearts out the entire night. The grande finale, the crescendo, the climax, the pinnacle, the highlight of the show was when blazing fireworks were set to symphonic overtures, resulting in one of the most memorable shows of all time.

Nearly every person who I walked by at the end of the show thanked me profusely for Maitland putting on this wonderful event. One person from Boston said she liked it so much, she was going to move to Maitland!

Many thanks to all who worked so tirelessly for the event. The Performing Arts of Maitland (PAM) once again outshined even their prior performances by providing nearly 1,000 person hours of volunteer talent. Typically, an event like this would cost a community in excess of $30,000. The symphony, singers, performers and stage band were provided to the City at no cost. In fact, through PAM and sponsors, the event completely paid for itself.

In addition, thanks to Mary Hodge and the Maitland Chamber for providing an opportunity for many to network and show their wares. But most of the credit goes to Maitland's Leisure Services Department. Chuck Jordan and Mari Smith, along with their entire team and other City departments, created an event that produced memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to all who had such an impact on our community by making this event a huge success!

For additional information, please visit the following sites:

City of Maitland: www.itsmymaitland.com,

Performing Arts of Maitland: www.pamaitland.org

Maitland Chamber: www.maitlandchamber.com

Channel 13 News Clip: www.cfnews13.com/video?clip=http://static.cfnews13.com/newsvideo/cfn/maitland_071720100653.flv