Killbuck Early American Days hits a home run in homecoming fashion

When Killbuck Early American Days dialed up its deepest wish for weather for the annual event Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31, it couldn’t have expected to get what may have been the most perfect weather of the year to invite the masses to Killbuck.

The ideal weather opened the door to a fantastic weekend of festivities as Killbuck celebrated a sense of community and unity.

The annual grand parade drew a crowd with loads of parade entries and floats representing the community and royalty from outside the area adding to the flavor of the parade.

Lifelong Killbuck resident Lisa Kauffman served as the Early American Days parade grand marshal. Kauffman was being honored for her 44 years serving as a vital part of the team at Killbuck Savings Bank.

Kauffman was honored post-parade on stage, where emcee Terry Logsdon presented her with a special plaque.

Kauffman said she was honored to serve in such a terrific community and be part of the KSB family for more than four decades.

“There’s such a commitment to the community,” Kauffman said of KSB, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary and was a big part of the weekend’s celebration, providing cake and ice cream to the masses. “It’s wonderful to work for an organization that cares so deeply for its employees and cares about the people of the community.”

Kauffman has been employed at KSB through five different bank presidents and said the one key to being a successful community bank comes with building relationships.

“Here, you’re more than just a number,” Kauffman said. “I’m not saying anything about the big banks, but there is just a real sense of community and building relationships here, and you’re more than just a number to us.”

In addition to the parade, there was plenty of activity going on throughout the two days including the circus crew that entertained the masses with a Sunday show at 5 p.m., with an aerialist, juggler and stilt walker highlighting the experience. The classic car show, a fireman’s water fight and a performance from the West Holmes marching band also took place, with the night wrapping up with a summer outdoor movie, “The Minecraft Movie.”

Saturday featured a 5k, softball tournament and an evening concert featuring the band Chasin’ Aldean Experience.

While kids enjoyed a tractor pull, petting zoo, kids zone and a giant bubble station, the adults partook in the Killbuck Valley Museum opening its doors. More than 700 visitors flooded into the museum.

But most importantly, it was an invitation to relish the joy of community and unity, with many people viewing this weekend as a homecoming experience.

Erica Ash, one of the committee members, said, “I think we had a great weekend of family fun.”

Logsdon agreed, saying he has been here for every one of the past EAD weekends, which began in 1970.

“I’ve enjoyed every one of them,” Logsdon said. “We had a fabulous crowd and a perfect weekend weather-wise, but to me this is always about the shared togetherness and the social part of seeing people come back to share memories and friendships.”

He said honoring the people who have passed on and cherishing their memories while reuniting with old friends who may have moved away is always nice. He said events like these tend to mean more to small communities.

“Without that closeness and the feeling of community, where would we be?” Logsdon said. “The togetherness and sharing and caring that we see here every year during this event is special. Many areas don’t have the blessing of experiencing that type of joy in their lives. We appreciate each and every person who comes to make Early American Days something worthwhile.”