Marceline, MO hosts 10th Annual Toonfest

I think I’ve mentioned that my father currently lives in Marceline, MO, often referred to as Walt’s boyhood home (even though he was born in Chicago and lived in Marceline for only about 5 years as a youngster).  Walt often credited Marceline with being the foundation of so much of his life in film, the parks, etc.

In fact, dad lives about 5 blocks from the home the Disney’s lived in, which is still on the edge of town.  Today it’s on the main north south road, Highway 5, that runs along the eastern edge of town (which is not the same as the town’s Main Street by the way, which is Kansas Avenue). 

A house is still there, though I believe it’s not the original and it’s in private hands.  Out back however still stands a barn and a tree many in the area refer to as Walt’s Dreaming Tree.  There is a little walkway from the side street, which is Broadway as I recall where you can walk to the tree and a few small benches in the area.  There is a nice picture on the web here, along with some good pictures of the recreated barn.

Every year they host a festival in town called Toonfest.  Over the last decade they’ve attracted some pretty big names to come and speak, including the likes of Pete Doctor, Ann Telnaes, and many others. 

I’ve yet to make it myself, but my brother was there this year.  I asked him to take some pictures for us, so we’ll see if he got any that are worth sharing.