Rain and chilly temperatures could not deter the fun and festivities of the 39th annual Chesterville Heritage Days.
The day was packed with activities for the whole family.
Due to inclement weather, the “walking tour of Chesterville” was held at Selover Library using pictures to tell the stories.
Sporting rain gear, participants of the parade, which started at noon, smiled and waved as they traveled down Portland Way. The procession was lead by Arlin Bradford of Morrow County Emergency Management, Homeland Security, followed by the color guard which paused in front of the Village Hall and presented the colors for the singing of the national Anthem by Stacey Beck.
Other parade entries included Morrow County Veterans Services; The Highland Marching Band; The Red Cross representing both Marion and Morrow Counties; decorated bicycle entries of Isabelle Arnett-Tomasek as Rosie the Riveter and Audrey Arnett-Tomasek as Amelia Erhart; Beau Sharp, Don Morris and Austin Bowman representing Murphy’s Pizza; The Morrow County Democrats, Dick Sears driving; The Morrow County republican’s float, Hinton For Sheriff with his Allis-Chalmers tractor which won the best tractor award, The Chesterville United Methodist float which won best float; Wes Goodman for State Representative, Big Walnut Joint Fire District Engine 33; Big Walnut Joint Fire District Rescue 31; Chesterville Masons Lodge 238, decorated bicycles by Katie Beck and Lizzie Beck; David Lee aka Marathon Man; Taylor Robinson of Robinson’s farm on a John Deere A; “Miss Ruby,” Selover Library; Harry and Phyllis Griffith in a 1962 Chevy Corvette, Susie Lyle, Selover Library; Terry Robinson with his 6430 John Deere; Cub Scouts Pack 48 representing Sparta, Marengo and Chesterville; “The grim Reaper” 2008 Chevy, Ben Mahon with Haley and Wilton Looker and bringing up the rear of the parade, Morrow County Sheriff Steve Brenneman.
The Methodist Church Fellowship Hall packed in a full crowd for lunch after the parade and people mingled in the streets looking at vendors displays through the early afternoon. Morrow County Commissioner, Tom Harden kept folks laughing in the Chesterville Town Hall at the afternoon Pie Auction.
Third place pie contest winner was Vicky McKinney with her entry of a pecan pie. The pie sold to John Hinton for Sheriff for $75. Second Place was Christina Morris which sold for $80 and was purchased by the Big Walnut Joint Fire District, and the First Place winner was a Key Lime Pie baked by Danielle Moreland sold for $100 and was purchased by John Hinton for Sheriff. The auction raised $2,665 for the Chesterville United Methodist Church.
The Chester Lodge 238 Free Masons held a Spaghetti Dinner at the Town House from 4-7 pm. A steady line of people enjoyed the meal.
Midway through the show the Chester 238 Free and Accepted Masons presented Jane Taylor with the Community Service Award for her many achievements and accomplishments throughout the years.
The grand finale of the day was Dr. Chester’s Medicine Show at the Town Hall This is the 39th year the production has been performed in Chesterville. It is reminiscent of the traveling vaudeville shows that have performed on the Chesterville Town Hall stage since the late 1800’s! David Lee once again stole the show as the flying “glow worm.” Cast of the medicine show directed by Mike Follin included; Marc Follin, Susan Tomlinson, Mary Fuller, Susan Fowler, Deb Define, Cheri Ulrey, Megan Van Dyke, David L. Smith, Darrell Van Dyke, Rick Chilcote, Mike Follin, Ken Paul – Dr. Chester, Viola Johnson – pianist, Indians: Robbie Schmidt, Brooklyn Geiger, and Faith Geiger.
Next year they hope to have as many remaining cast members of the original show as possible.
Reach Donna Carver at 419-946-3010, ext. 1804 or on Twitter@MorrCoSentinel.
