When Bob Eldridge became Mayor of Chardon in 1967, one of his duties was to attend the Geauga County Maple Festival Board meetings.  Little did he know this obligation would last over 40 years and Bob has been an integral part of the festival ever since. 

He has served two terms as President in 1986 and  1991.  For years, he spent Easter Sunday night on Chardon square helping direct the rides to their proper position.   Throughout festival weekend, one of his 'chores' was to escort the queens to their different events.  He would arrange the parade line up for the visiting queens and make sure everyone was in their proper location.  Bob could then be seen on the Entertainment Stage helping out his wife, Doris, at the pancake eating contest. 

These days, Bob makes all the arrangements for the Main Tent, Pancake Tent, and Main Stage to be installed. He schedules the transportation system for the shuttle service.   He is the liaison with the Geauga County Senior Center to coordinate the activities for the Festival's Senior Day event.  Even after 42 years, Bob continues to be a very active Director of the Maple Festival.

One of Bob's greatest Festival memories was when he had the honor to meet a young Senator and his wife from Massachusetts , John and Jackie Kennedy.  Bob’s greatest accomplishment has been keeping his family involved in Festival tradition.  You will certainly see him at the festival this year..and next year....and the next year!

Loretta Mae Holmes began volunteering at the Old Timer’s Luncheon back in 1954.  In 1970 she took over the duties and has run this event ever since.  The Golden Wedding luncheon was held separately at that time, and in 1978 the two events were combined to what is now known as the Golden Old Timer’s Luncheon. 

For years, Loretta also counted money for the Maple Stir Booth and worked in the Festival office.  At one time, the stir booth was located at the end of the main tent on Short Court Street and you could buy a maple stir for only .15 cents!  Loretta also volunteered at the Producers Hall of Fame Luncheon for many years and in 1999 was presented with a plaque thanking her for her service and dedication to the Producers. 

Loretta held the position of Vice President on the Festival Board and her favorite things about the Maple Festival are the maple stirs (she LOVES them !) and the parades. 

A retired Special Education teacher for the Cleveland Hts school district, Loretta is now a volunteer at the Geauga Senior Center.  The Festival Board cannot thank Loretta enough for her years of service and dedication to the Golden Old Timer’s Luncheon and the Maple Festival.