Message from the Chamber

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER

For some reason, the spring season always puts me in a reflective state. I am not sure why; maybe it is the excitement of seeing green on the trees and no more snow on the ground, or maybe it is getting the chance to watch my kids participate in some of the activities I enjoyed most while growing up. When I think back on my time growing up in Wilmot, the thing that sticks out to me most is the excitement I had as a child for the annual Harvest Fest .

The Harvest Fest was an event our town put on in the summer. I remember it was something I looked forward to every year . Even though these were the same people I would see almost every day at baseball practice or riding my bike around town, there was something magical about the event . Some of the fondest memories I have from summer come from time spent at the Harvest Fest .

I remember helping my mom at the concessions stand during the annual softball tournament and participating in the coin hunt in the sand box . But no memory is greater than when I won the annual bike race. I remember taking my chrome Huffy bike to the race and having “Taking Care of Business” by BTO in my mind as the race began . But nothing will compare to seeing how proud my parents were when I crossed the finish line.

At that age, I did not realize how special it was for a whole community to come together and celebrate. Looking back now, I can see why my parents loved coming to the Harvest Fest . They got to see the smiles never leave our faces, they got to see their friends and family, they got to enjoy the company of everyone in the area in a relaxed setting, and more than anything, they got the opportunity to spend a weekend and celebrate our town – its history and future – together as one community .

I am now the same age as my parents when they would take me to the Harvest Fest, and I can say with absolute certainty I understand how special community celebrations are . I understand the importance of celebrating our city’s successes and looking at our past and future. After we had to cancel last year’s celebration, it felt like a big piece of my life was missing . I missed seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces as they rode the Ferris wheel, I missed seeing the immaculate condition of all the cars in the auto show, I missed the excitement from the live music, and more than anything, I missed seeing everyone in the community coming together to celebrate .

After a year off, it is going to be a blast to bring everyone together and showcase the tremendous growth we have seen our Mayor Derick Wenck city undergo . This year’s celebration promises to be one of the best yet! There are some fun new activities and there are the classics which everyone loves. I wish I still had my chrome Huffy to race, but I will settle for the memories for now . My wish for families is to create some of your own fond memories together during Harrisburg Days. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you!

Derick Wenck

Mayor Derick Wenck City of Harrisburg