The 2014 Harlan Days Honorary Citizens are George and June Kurtz. One of the reasons George and June were chosen to be this year’s Honorary Citizens is because of the many, many years they have worked to help Harlan Days become what it is today. George and June started volunteering with Harlan Days in 1953. They started out in the Novelty Tent and did that job for many years. June also filled the position of Craft Tent Chairman. Other jobs they have done for Harlan Days include: Garbage Removal, serving in the Food Tent, Lion’s Hamburger Tent, money counters, the chicken BBQ and George was one of the first Skunk Mountain Boys. George said one of the hardest jobs he had was driving tent posts into the ground by hand.
George grew up just two miles east of Harlan and June grew up on Hurshtown Road. They were married on July 21, 1951 in Butler, Indiana. They are the proud parents and grandparents of four children, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. George and June are active members of Pathway Christian Church in Harlan, on the Park Board and have served with the Lion’s Club for 60 years. George is a retired farmer and June is a homemaker, but they both still keep busy with hobbies. George enjoys geo-Indian artifacts and coins collecting while June enjoys church music and sewing.
When asked if they had anything memorable to say about past Harlan Days events, this is what they remembered most: Back in the 50’s or 60’s, when a big storm took down the tents; Years of hauling and shoveling sawdust to keep the walking areas passable; Driving tent posts into the hard, dry ground; Hot Air Balloons; Bungee Jumping; Steam Engine Thrashing; Chainsaw Competitions; Farm Tractor Pulls; Talent Shows; Centennial Pageant and Dress-Up; and the Sunday morning clean-up. George and June probably have many more memories that are too numerous to even be listed here.
Harlan appreciates all the time that George and June have donated to volunteer at Harlan Days and they are still both great assets to our community. Be sure to wave as they pass by in the Parade on Saturday morning and recognize them for their service over the years at Harlan Days. Harlan is honored to have these special citizens!
—Harlan Days
Committee
