Our annual festival came and went like a cool summer’s breeze. Friends, neighbors, classmates, and kin met once again on the grounds of Harlan Park. They’ve been doing it seventy-two years now. Smiles, handshakes, hugs and laughs filled the night’s air. Not one child was to be seen who was not covered in ice cream, dirt, or sweat. Only the best in all three. The young men strutted while the young women pretended not to notice, just as it should be. The old were given their place of honor, on a folding chair, in the shade. And as the sun reluctantly set again on Harlan Days, they all reflected on how God had been good to them. And on how they should be good to His. We’ll see y’all next year, God willing and the creek don’t rise.
—East Allen Volunteer
