The morning of August 3rd dawned sunny and warm. A perfect day to spend in the park. Antwerp Chamber sponsors A Day in the Park each summer. Many began this day with the EMS breakfast and then waltzed down the streets to get ready to watch the parade which began at the school, marched down Canal St., to Main St., onto River St. going right past the park where all the food vendors and crafters and games were finalizing their set ups… and then the paraders concluded back at the school.
The opening ceremonies included announcement of the Gem of the Year: Ray Friend. Acknowledgment of Antwerp’s Small Town Heroes – Fire, Police & EMS… as well as the history making students of the softball, baseball and track teams. MC, Barry Delong kept festival goers informed with the many contests, raffles, silent auction and voting opportunities going on throughout the park.
There was no possible way for anyone to leave the Riverside Memorial Park that day hungry or without purchasing a gift for someone. The crafters all had very unique and amazing pieces displayed for purchase. Crocheted hand towels, plastic bag holders, wooden bowls and stools, home-based businesses with books and teas and wax melts and prints, and there was even homemade slime to buy as a gift for that birthday party next week!
Good food was found on all corners of the park — the Boy Scouts nailed it with their freshly dipped corndogs, funnel cakes and curly fries; the Music Boosters’ Archer Burgers are always a hit; and the Student Council tickled the comfort food vibe with mashed potatoes and chicken & noodles on their menu. Bethel Church always comes through with their delicious homemade ice cream – yum! South Scipio Church added a new menu item which was a hit this year — mixed fruit cups that were very cold and refreshing on the hot day. Mt. Calvary were grilling bratwurst which tickled the olfactory senses of many causing them to stop by and grab one for a donation.
Around Noon the entertainment began with a bang as Strong Tower Fitness did a demonstration of the variety of classes that Trainer, Reta Ptak offers – Cardio Drumming & Refit are just two of the classes that were demonstrated. Antwerp Community Band and K&S Tumblefit followed.
Did you know? Antwerp’s Got Talent!! Some very talented musicians and dancers bravely came out to the stage area and performed for the viewers. First place went to Gus Stuckey who sang his lungs out! Excellent job!!
The excitement of the afternoon was the much anticipated! Pie in the Face, sponsored by the Antwerp Rotary Club. Rotary members volunteered to be in this fundraising event. When the money was tabulated Shawn Dooley received the most voting to his mock chagrin. Coming in a close second was Don Oberlin followed by Tyson Mowery. Brave Annabelle Mowery was given the opportunity to throw the pie. Many cheers and laughs succumbed to this event.
As the afternoon at The Park was coming to an end, winners were announced. Cutie Pie contest winner was Vivian Sensabaugh who won a photo session with Memories by Tawnya Photography and tickets to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. 50/50 Raffle winner was Steve Feasby and all the silent auction winners were announced and they gladly ran over to the auction tent to claim their prize they were watching all day.
Chamber volunteers commenced then with tearing down the tents provided by Antwerp residents and it was heartening to see the camaraderie that goes on with working together for a common cause. To make a small town viable and successful it takes each resident doing their part — using their gifts and strengths for the common good. #smalltownbigpride
