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Elmo the Clown went out with a bang during his Maple Leaf Festival parade finale. Among his other "chores," Elmo helped push the Baldwin City Fire Department's Quint ladder truck through the streets. Elmo - also known as Danny McMillen - retired from the parade after 27 appearances dating back to 1980. He thought the 50th anniversary was a good time to hang up the over-sized shoes.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

A pair of newcomers to the Maple Leaf Festival show were lauded for their efforts. At left, Theresa Troll, who lives in Olathe, sparkled with her rendition of the national anthem. At right, donning his hat, is Marion Constantinescu who served as the festival's emcee for the first time.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

The Maple Leaf Festival's grand parade was again one of the highlights of the weekend's activities during the fall classic, which celebrated its 50th year. The parade used the new route turning north on Sixth Street from High Street for the second year. The parade lasted just over an hour.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Charles Doudna one of Maple Leaf Festival's founding fathers, was one of the grand marshals fro the 50th anniversary parade. Doudna turned 100 years old in July and was riding in Bert Hitchcock's Model A.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Ron and Eileen Nelson were two of three grand marshals for the Maple Leaf Festival parade during the 50th anniversary. Ron was the festival emcee for more than two decades and Eileen helped him during those many years.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

The Baldwin High School marching band was one of several bands in the festival's parade Saturday morning.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Students from Vinland Elementary School rode in a colorful float during the Maple Leaf Festival's 50th anniversary parade.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Once again, the Rainbow Experience Preschool float was full of color and small children. The float took first place in the parade's competition.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

The Elmo's Fan Club float in the Maple Leaf Festival parade finished third in the best float competition. The float honored Elmo the Clown, who participated in his final MLF parade this year.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Members of the Baldwin Junior High School marching band make their way up High Street waving to the crowd and playing their instruments during the annual parade.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Baker University's "Wildcats on the Prowl" were featured in the 50th anniversary parade. In conjunction with Baker's 150 anniversary, the university has been selling wooden wildcats that have been decorated in various ways.

Photo by Jeff Myrick

Elmo the Clown hitches a ride on the back of a Baldwin City Fire Department truck as it turns the corner at Sixth and High streets. The 50th anniversary parade was Elmo's finale after 27 appearances in the annual parade.

Photo by Jeff Myrick