Fun and games, a presentation, a parade and fireworks usher Holmes into its 200th year
MILLERSBURG − A parade Sunday in Millersburg kicked off the yearlong celebration of Holmes County's bicentennial year, along with food vendors, bounce houses, a petting zoo, proclamations and presentations honoring the 200th anniversary of the county.
People lined both sides of Jackson Street from the east end of town through downtown Millersburg as representatives from villages, townships, the county, state and local politicians and businesses alike shared in the festivities that took place a day later than planned, as Mother Nature threw a curve ball at event planners, forcing the postponement from Saturday to Sunday.
In spite of the temporary setback, the event went off without a hitch, according to Bicentennial Committee Chairman Melissa Patrick.
"I don't think I could have a bigger smile on my face for the way things are going," Patrick said Sunday afternoon. "And we still have the fireworks tonight. Families are still out enjoying the atmosphere. Everything went great today - the weather, the crowd, the participation. I am so happy. It's been a fantastic day."
After the parade, visitors to were treated to bounce houses all around the courthouse for the kids, sponsored by Rodhe's IGA Marketplace, a petting zoo provided by Cute, Weird & Wild Petting Zoo and at 3 p.m., a presentation of proclamations commemorating Holmes County's 200th anniversary, with presentations from Patrick, Millersburg Mayor Kelly Hoffee, Holmes County Commissioner Joe Miller, state Rep. Troy Balderson, representative from Governor Mike DeWine's office Mary Kate Hastings, Republican Party Chairman Rob Hovis and Democratic Party Chair Ramona Stoner.
A video presentation about the history of Holmes County compiled and narrated by Patrick and produced by Bronson Allison of Live More TV was debuted after the presentation by the politicians.
The video will be made available to villages and communities throughout Holmes County to display during bicentennial celebrations and festivals by contacting Patrick. Organizers of festivals, fairs or any event wanting to show the video can provide a flash drive and Patrick will make a copy.
"This is just the beginning," Patrick said. "We've got so much more planned with other events coming up over the next several months."
Identifying as Holmes Countians
In his presentation about Holmes County, Hovis shared how he spent many years in other counties before coming to Holmes County in 1989. He said in the other counties he lived, people identified more with the town or city they lived, not the county.
"People in Holmes County identify more with being residents of Holmes County," he said. "There is a tradition here of a Holmes County identity, which I find unique. There is a strong work ethic here and a tradition of self-reliance; one takes care of one's own problems. There is a tradition of getting along with your neighbor. Roads are shared by cars and trucks, bikes and buggies and motorcycles. There is a great respect for qualified craftsmen and the trades.
"A milestone anniversary such as a bicentennial of a county is a time to think about the treasures with which we have been blessed, which have evolved and grown over the past two centuries," he continued. "There is a tradition of respecting history in Holmes County. We have several museums which showcase various aspects of our past, and hold public education events frequently to remember how we got there."
Hovis noted that in the bicentennial parade he drove a 96-year-old Model A Ford, but he assured everyone that he wasn't the original owner.
He acknowledged the effective government that has been running the county, including long-tenured public officials, who provide stability and continuity.
"Finding a balance between commercial prosperity and the preservation of pastoral beauty is a constant challenge for our leaders and planners," he said.
He hopes there will be another similar celebration in another hundred years, sentiments that were shared by the other dignitaries on hand.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes County turns 200 in style with parade, fireworks, events
