By: Angel Steiner
At the June 15th Chamber of Commerce meeting in Antwerp, members were busy getting the plans together for all of the areas of the annual Day In the Park festival at Riverside Veterans Memorial Park in Antwerp. The participating members divide into committees and take charge in securing all things needed in every avenue that is Day in the Park. From the parade, to Gem of the Year award; food, crafts, games, all the way down to the 50/50 drawing and making sure there are chairs, a sound system, trash bins, and extra toilets at the park – all of this takes hours of volunteer efforts to ensure an enjoyable day for all.
Holly Beach Splash Pad committee is again sponsoring the 2nd Annual Holly Kobee Memorial Turtle Trot 5K to begin the day bright and early at the Antwerp UMC parking lot on Oswalt St. This fundraiser was a huge success in its inaugural year, that the committee deemed it a worthy annual tradition in memory of former Antwerp resident and educator, Holly Kobee. For more information, see their Facebook page “2nd Annual Holly Kobee Memorial Turtle Trot”.
Island Vibes is the theme for the 2022 Day in the Park Parade. Think outside the box for 2022 – lounging with a fancy drink and big sunglasses on the beach is one way to look at an island theme, but what about other island references? Jurassic Park took place on an island, Pirates of the Caribbean maybe? What about Castaway or Treasure Island… or Lost. Start brainstorming now and register your float or entry for this year’s parade. Forms are available on Antwerp Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or at antwerpchamber.com.
Gem of the Year nominees are currently being submitted. If you know a Gem who deserves this recognition, forms are available at the Antwerp Pharmacy, Antwerp Exchange Bank, on Chamber Facebook page or Chamber website. The Gem will be announced during the opening ceremonies of the Day.
Entertainment for the afternoon will include the band, Island Vibe. This group originates in Angola, IN and have a wide variety of music for the listening ear. Bring out those lawn chairs or find a seat in the park, and make plans to take a break and listen.
For the families with children, Schuemann Farms of Woodburn will bring a Pony Ride and Inflatables. Area 4-H groups will have a vast array of games for kids of all ages as well as a Dunk Tank! The Maumee Express Train will be making its trek thru the park to let those kiddos have some fun riding around.
Numerous food vendors will be on tap to satiate the hunger pangs of the day. Crafters – come one, come all! Bring your wares to display and let the festival-goers check them out. There is still time to get signed up to bring your food or crafts. See the Facebook page or Website for more information and registration forms.
The Business and Industry Tent keeps growing each year. Organizations and businesses take this opportunity to hand out samples, offer special deals, etc. The Silent Auction is always a big hit as local businesses, people and organizations donate some great prizes. The Cutie Pie Contest draws many for the bragging rights of having a “Cutie”. This is the Chamber fundraiser for their scholarship fund.
This is a full day that is enjoyed by all who choose to participate. And it takes many hands and lots of hours all working together cooperatively to make sure Day in the Park 2022 sails smoothly. If you would like to volunteer your time or ideas for Day in the Park festival, please contact a Chamber member. You can send a private message to the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce facebook page or email antwerpchamber@gmail.com. All Forms for Parade, Food, Craft, Gem of the Year are on the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce’s website – www.antwerpchamber.com
