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Stan Kegley Chairman As chairman of the 2000 Troy Strawberry Festival I am honored to invite everyone to head for Troy and join us for a tremendous weekend. On June 2nd 3rd and 4th we will open our doors for all to see and participate in what is truly one of the nation's premier festivals. Each year we gather on the banks of the Great Miami to celebrate all that is Troy and it's Strawberry Festival. |
Troy is where both families and industries enjoy a place they can call home, and the primary reason for that is the Quality of Life. Pride blossoms in our city, and why shouldn't it. We live in a place with top-notch recreational facilities, a vibrant and alive downtown, growing business and commerce, and a school system that's second to none. And this same energy goes into the strawberry festival, and it shows. This was in part the catalyst behind this years theme " Troy, The Berry Heart of It All" The theme reminds us to take a look at the home of the festival, and why it is such a special place. The logo this year represents the fountain in the center of our downtown square as the heart of the city. The fountain is of course a key aspect of the city and an integral part of Troy's image. The red, white, and blue colors reflect the spirit of a proud nation. The "Heart of It All" reminds us of two things. First we all recognize a play off of the State's current theme, but also that the heart is the international symbol of volunteerism. And volunteers are definitely at the heart and sole of what makes our city a special place. In the year 2000 we aim to raise the festival standard and make one goal paramount. Quality is our mission; anyone could make the festival bigger, our goal was to make it better. And we intend to achieve this in all aspects of festival operations. For example come and see the Cheerleader Competition take place inside Hobart Area this year. This event will not only showcase the talent of these young athletes, but will be a national qualifier for which someone could end up cheering at the Aloha Bowl in Hawaii. The judges will be coming to us from other states brought in by the National Cheerleading Association. And this is only the beginning! If we have events that could be nationally sanctioned, we made it happen. Our festival is also a family event, and each year we strive to make it more so. This year we have added some things for the smaller ones with a Kiddy Tractor pull on Friday night as a companion to the Big Wheel Races. We have also returned Children's Water Ball to the line up, not only do the real fireman get to play but also those a generation away. We have also added things for the bigger ones, such as the Strawberry Challenge, for four big days competitors will go head to head in competition in search of the greatest area team. Our Art Show will go interactive, you will not just see art, but you will watch it being made. The Tug of War action heats up as more comrades join in the struggle. Bed Race excitement fills the square and the Bike Tour rolls into high gear. And this is just a fraction of the activities planned for this year. If arts and crafts are more your cup of tea, then you can find no better place to head than the levee. Each year artists from throughout the United States place us on their list of desired destinations. All of our arts and crafts are handmade from only the finest materials. And if food is what you desire, then loosen up the belt for we have an ocean of taste treats for you. From berries to beef, ice cream to donuts, its all here! On Saturday Night head into Troy Memorial Stadium for the hot concert sounds of BTO. Come on, you remember Robin Bachman, C.F. Turner, Blair Thornton, and Randy Murray. Come and see the original people who are "Taking Care of Business Everyday" After all football is not the only thing in Troy that makes people roar, come rock the house. Each year nearly seventy individuals are hand picked to oversee a multitude of different events. Their committees consist of 850 volunteers to develop and build a strawberry festival. But it doesn't stop there; another 1,000 volunteers operate the arts, crafts, clubs, and food booths. Business and industry take an active roll in participation, sponsorship, and the festival's development as well. All in all 10 % of Troy's population is working the first weekend of June in support of this great event. So I hope you'll join us and find out why so many folks give so much to make the Troy Strawberry Festival. Sincerely, |