HDM ushering in a thunderous celebration

While there may have been plenty of rumbling skies recently as Mother Nature unleashed her fury on the area this past month, the thunder that will be heard Saturday, June 30 in Millersburg won’t be of Mother Nature’s making, but rather of the man-made variety created to entertain the masses.

Thunder Over Holmes County will take place in Historic Downtown Millersburg June 29-30, and the crowd-pleasing grand finale will be the fireworks display that will culminate a busy two-day event that is packed with things to do.

“Thunder Over Holmes County is one of those events where you can come to town on Saturday morning and spend the entire day celebrating,” said Judy Lamp, Historic Downtown Millersburg’s executive director.

One big draw will be the Vietnam Moving Memorial Wall, a half-size replica of the real Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The wall will be available for viewing throughout the event and will be situated at Hipp Station along the Holmes County Trail.

While the touching tribute wall will be a huge drawing card for the event, there will be a lot more to do, and the name of the game for Thunder Over Holmes County will continue to be to provide great family entertainment.

A huge children’s area on the south side of the courthouse will be home for plenty of free activities for children, like inflatables, interactive games and games designed for anything from toddlers to teens.

The kids’ game area will be sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2418 of Millersburg, and as has been the case in the past, the games will be operated and overseen by the crew of counselors from Skyview Ranch, who add their own zeal and make the games even more enjoyable for the kids.

“This year the games are even bigger and better than ever with more to do and more for the kids to enjoy, whether it is games that are active to face painting,” Lamp said. “And the fact that all of this is free to families is a huge bargain because kids can play all day and have a blast.”

The Lions Club military band will play live music Friday evening, and Saturday will usher in a huge number of activities, starting with the kids’ games that are free and go all day long. While the counselors give ample supervision to the young ones, adults can venture throughout town to the various stores, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Holmes Fire District 1 will present the fire prevention truck.

There also will be live music on the courthouse lawn, where the band Tequila Mary will perform from 3-6 p.m., and Luke Watson will take the stage from 7-9:30 p.m.

While people will certainly be active and hopping all over town during the day on Saturday, come dusk they will settle into their lawn chairs or blankets or find a spot to take advantage of the fireworks that begin around 9:30 p.m.

“This is such a wonderful way to celebrate our community and Independence Day,” Lamp said. “This event has really continued to grow and become bigger and better each year.”

With plenty of food on hand throughout the downtown area, bring your family and make a day of this celebration.