PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SOFTBALL TEAMS … Members of the Hilltop 8-Under and 10-Under girls’ softball teams pass out candy along the parade route during the Gathering In Unity Days Parade on Saturday, June 13.
CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY… This semi tractor and trailer owned by Bryan Truck Lines brought up the rear in the Gathering In Unity Days Parade held on Saturday, June 13.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
In celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, the annual Gathering in Unity Days kicked off the summer festival season in Williams County as the three-day event got underway on Friday, June 12 at Memorial Park.
Highlighting the opening night was a free movie, “Unsung Hero,” a Christian film made in 2024 that was shown on the big screen.
The film was about the Smallbone family’s move from Australia to the United States after their father’s music company collapses, focusing on their struggles and the rise of their children as successful musicians.
There was also plenty of food to choose from several area food vendors along with 32 other vendors who sold various items ranging from T-Shirts to homemade crafts.
For the youngsters, there were several inflatables and a train ride along with wagon rides driven with tractors representing the Unity Antique Power Club.
On Saturday, it was an early start to the day with a biscuit and gravy breakfast being served as a fundraiser at the shelter house. A yard sale also took place.
The annual parade took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday through downtown West Unity followed by a Cruise In that was held at Memorial Park.
Among the parade participants were the American Legion Riders of West Unity who led off the parade along with several youth baseball and softball teams from the village as well as fire departments from the surrounding townships and communities throughout Williams County.
A 50/50 raffle was held in conjunction with the Cruise In. Proceeds from the raffle went to the Cancer Assistance of Williams County.
The American Legion Riders also hosted a poker run. At noon, the annual Rib cook-off took place along with a hot dog lunch fundraiser at the shelter house.
An alumni softball game with former Hilltop softball players participating followed at Diamond 2, along with a three-point shootout at Memorial Park.
The weekend gathering concluded with a worship service on Sunday. The offering from the worship service went to support LifeWise of West Unity.
