Disney Hometown Toonfest 2009

Once again it’s almost time for the annual Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest in charming Marceline, MO. As always, this small but wonderful celebration of the art of cartooning in the boyhood hometown of Walt Disney has a stellar lineup of guest speakers. Here’s the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Marceline, MO- As the summer heats up, families are anxiously looking forward to the 2009 Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest, Saturday, September 19th in beautiful Marceline, MO. This will be the eleventh year for this celebration of the life and work of Walt Disney. Director of the Toonfest, Richard Switzer and his crew of reulars are getting thier ducks lined up for what promises to be another banner year.

This year’s headliners include: editorial cartoonist Mark Fiore; creator of the comic strip Non Sequitor Wiley Miller; Hallmark Cards cartoonist David Mowder; and MAD Magazine art director Sam Viviano.

The headliners will be featured in presentations as well as a Q&A session on Saturday in the Uptown Theater. Toonfest guests can see their works on display as well as the works of a variety of cartoonists in the Cartoon Show at the Masonic Temple. The family fun will also include live music, the Toonfest silent auction, giveaways, plenty of food and beverages, exhibits, the Princess and Pirates in training and, of course, the annual Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest Parade down Main Street USA featuring marching bands, floats, Queens, Princesses and Pirates.

For more information and a schedule of events go to the Walt Disney Hometown ToonFest website at www.toonfest.net or e-mail us at toonfest@sbcglobal.net.

I wonder if the “ducks lined up” they refer to all wear sailors caps and jackets but no pants….

This event is always a good time and the hospitality of this small mid-western town is without equal. I hope I can squeeze out some time to go, if for no other reason than to get to hang out with my good friend Sam Viviano.