Minerva homecoming opens with parade, festival

The 103rd annual Minerva Homecoming brings four days of community festivities, entertainment, food and family activities to Municipal Park June 10-13.

The celebration kicked off June 10 with the annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Minerva. Serving as grand marshal was the family of Ryan "Smitty" Smith, who passed away May 5. Smith dedicated 30 years to Minerva Youth Football as a coach and volunteer and recently retired as a captain with the Sandy Creek Joint Fire District after 26 years of service.

This year's Homecoming featured live entertainment, a cruise-in, comedy show, demolition derby, professional wrestling, a cornhole tournament, the annual Lion Burger eating contest, the Roxy Theatre duck race, amusement rides, food vendors and community organizations.

Due to the temporary closure of the community building, vendors and organizations were relocated to outdoor spaces throughout the festival grounds, creating a new layout for the event.

Parade entries were judged by Jim Moore, Willis Cline and Donna Cline.

Award winners included Franklin Township FD Tanker in the antique fire department category; Darren Zwick and his 1947 Farmall A in the tractor category; Augusta Fire Department for brush truck; Misty Karlen’s Dance Studio for float; Minerva First Christian Church for nonprofit; Timeless Floral Designs for business; Shriners for marching unit; Prendergast Towing for wrecker; and the Corvette Club for car.

The annual Homecoming once again brought together residents, businesses, organizations and visitors to celebrate Minerva's community spirit and traditions.