This post documents my experience on August 4, 2012.
In 1912, a group of women in Independence, Ohio got together and decided to have a high school reunion for women who graduated before 1900.
These ladies had such a fun time that their husbands wanted to be included in the next reunion…
…which would eventually lead to the inclusion of the entire village and former residents.
It must have been one heck of a reunion!
The annual event became known as Home Day and it was filled with games, local entertainment and plenty of homemade ice cream and turtle soup (although many brought their own picnic baskets)….
…and this festival is still going on (for two days)!
Celebrating its 96th year, Independence Home Days had an Indy 500 theme…
…which meant the presence of race cars…
…a remote controlled car racetrack…
…and plenty of racing decor both above in the air…
…and below on the booths (notice “Fueling Station” for this food booth).
There were plenty of local booths decorated in this theme…
…from the cookie booth (Independence Presbyterian Church) to the animal shelter…
…while Boy Scout Pack #297 even had a racing game.
Local booths seemed to be put into sections based on what they offered.
The grassy area, for example, was perfect…
…for games of skill…
…games of chance…
…and organizations offering informational services (IDC/CGS).
Meanwhile, near the gazebo…
…local clubs sold foods such as french fries, lemonade…
…and even floats…
…but that’s not to say that vendors weren’t also present with pierogi, funnel cakes…
…and Chick-fil-A sandwiches.
In terms of activities, the Independence Home Days really offered a lot.
Along from an Art Show…
…car show…
…and fast-paced bingo game…
…games and rides filled all the empty spaces.
There was a corner dedicated to teenagers…
…who could use any angst for car-smashing purposes.
And for those who would rather lay back and be entertained….
…there was plenty of local talent to enjoy at the gazebo…
…as well as blasts from the past, thanks to good ole Frank and Dean.