Amongst the lazy August heat, the villagers of Edon once again rallied in support for their hometown during the traditional Edon Days celebration.
Festivities kicked off on Friday, August 1st, as residents were taken back to yesteryear with elegant vehicles lining up for the event’s Custom Car Cruise-In, held in the parking lot of the Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church. That same parking lot would later be cleared of the classic cars to make room for the Street Dance, which was meant to provide suitable entertainment for the teenaged crowd. Music for the dance was provided by Supercool Karaoke and Disc Jockeying.
Also on Friday, the fifth annual Edon Alumni Flag Football Game was played. Despite the use of flags to replace tackling, the contest still got a bit rough at times. The first night of the event concluded with live music performed by the rock band Ratnip and the country band Cactus at Red Book Photography and the Edon Steakhouse, respectively.
Things picked back up Saturday morning, beginning with the Fireman’s Breakfast. Eggs, sausage, pancakes, and ham were served to hungry attendees, with only a free will donation requested of them. For the second straight year, a co-ed slow-pitch soft ball tournament was played. A craft show also took place in the crowded morning hours, allowing craftsmen to show their wares in Baker’s Park.
But it was in the afternoon that the main event took place; the Edon Days Parade. Doug Stayner signaled the start of the parade with his rendition of The National Anthem, while Ora and Betty Stayner served as Grand Marshalls. Working with the theme “Holidays on the Pavement,” participants showed off floats dedicated to everything from Halloween to Arbor Day. Of course, the usual fair of marching bands, farm machinery, and emergency vehicles from surrounding towns were present as well.
Afterward, Ratnip played a second performance and the Church of Christ hosted children in their parking lot with various games and a bounce house. In the evening, the Truck and Tractor Pulls, a local favorite, brought in a slew of people from Edon, as well as other parts of the county.
On Sunday, area religious figures gathered together under the Pavilion at Waltz Park for an inter-faith service, which drew in a sizable crowd. Upon the conclusion of said service, an Ice Cream Social was put on by the Edon High School Band, asking only for free will donations. The band itself played for those in attendance.
Edon Days concluded with a co-ed beach volleyball tournament. A fitting end to the event, as working together and supporting each other is what Edon Days has always signified.
