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Arcanum Old
Fashioned Days kicks off the season
The unofficial start of summer…
By Bob Robinson
May 21, 2012
It was the third full weekend in May and the unofficial beginning of
summer. At 10:15 a.m. there were a few people along Main Street
Arcanum… by 11 a.m. the street was lined with people ready for the
first parade of the season.
Arcanum Old Fashioned Days was in full swing and ready for its annual
parade. Events began Friday evening and wrapped up Sunday. There was
something for everyone, young and old alike.
Ice cream and soft drinks to cool one off as the sun warmed things up
for the day on Saturday. A taste of things to come as festival food and
snack stands offered their specialties. Games and volunteer recruiting
for Arcanum benefits and organizations. The ever-present rides and
games of chance for visitors of all ages.
And of course, the parade.
At its start, people stood as the American flag was presented. I’m not
sure if that respect can be found in many places outside of the
Midwest. I’ve lived pretty much everywhere and can’t remember seeing
it. Made me proud to be living in Darke County during my retirement
years.
Arcanum’s High School Marching band treated spectators with uplifting
and patriotic music.
It wouldn’t be a parade without police, fire and emergency response
vehicles. Floats for all of the local volunteer organizations were
creative and filled with volunteers… children and adult advisors.
Candidates for public office were there, as were your local public
servants. On the Darke County float was a girl much too young to vote
much less serve… maybe she was being groomed for public service in a
dozen years or so.
She offered a much better photo opportunity than the adults on the
float with her.
This year’s Darke County Cancer Association had a huge monkey in the
back seat… “Don’t Monkey with Cancer,” they said.
Then there were the handouts. Gloves, cards and candy were handed out
to spectators. Candy was tossed onto the street to be picked up by
children ready to react before anyone else.
I had a chance to meet with and talk to some of my favorite people… and
talked with a few who remembered me. As often happens, faces were
familiar, names were much more difficult. They were generous in
allowing for my mishaps.
Many of you know Greenville Township Fire Department’s mascot, Rage. He
now has an assistant. They both made an appearance. The little tyke
didn’t have a clue but in another year or so should be right on track
with his bosses.
Then there’s Evil Knievel. He entertained the crowd with his antics on
a miniature motorcycle… even did a “jump.” But not with the fire or
explosions that were set up for him.
Not this time. Maybe next time.
About an hour after it started, the parade was over and spectators
began to check out the multiple vendors, games of chance and children’s
rides. The day for many was just beginning.
Summer in Darke County is a special time of the year with celebrations
of our history and uniqueness. Next up is the observance of Memorial
Day… a Thank You for those whose sacrifices have made Summer Season
2012 in Darke County, Ohio, possible.
Photos on this page: Spectators wait in anticipation… then the parade
begins.
Photo Set 2: Meet many of your local organizations and volunteers, grab
some treats, meet Rage’s new assistant… and Evil Knievel introduces
himself! Click here
Photo Set 3: Evil Knievel makes his “fire and explosion” jump, marking
the end of the parade. Spectators filter over to the vendors, games and
rides. Click here
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