Callithumpian 2006 is a Wrap
“Callithumpian Festival Another Huge Success!
Biggest Parade Ever!
One hundred sixty parade entries. Sixteen bands. Eighteen floats. An estimated 8,000 people in attendance. The weather was perfect. All this adds up to another huge success for the annual Callithumpian Festival Parade.
Mike Gumm, the Callithumpian "Great Pumpkin" declared, "it was one of the smoothest running parades ever. The bands really got into it."
The week's events kicked-off with the Callithumpian Canter on Sunday October 22 nd . 18 people participated in the Fun Run and 94 (32 women 62 men) ran in the 5k race.
Thursday the Festival kicked into high gear with the Rotary Poster Painting Contest, the 2 nd Annual Hotel Halloween and Trick or Treat at Golden Meadows.
Thursday through Monday Ritter's Flowers hosted the Son of Classic Move Monster Toys & Collectables. An outstanding collection of toys and advertising from the days of great monster movies was on display at Ritter's Flowers and gifts.
Saturday people were able to enjoy several breakfast options before visiting the Juried Art Show and the Quilt Show.
The Fifth annual Callithumpian Car Show and Poker Run was held on Sunday October 29th.
Monday dawned cool but sunny and the rain had departed. A brisk wind was blowing and by noon Second Street was lined with chairs. The food vendors had their booths in place.
The parade started promptly at 6:57 with burst of fireworks. The Color Guard from American Legion Post #43 proudly led the Parade.
The first place band award went to the Heritage High School; second place to Blackford; third to Elmhurst; fourth to South Adams and fifth to Antwerp . The Larry Reed Spirit Award went to the Norwell/DeKalb Combined Band
Float awards went to the Decatur Dance Academy , Sportsman's Lodge and All American Homes.
The great Callithumpian Festival is only possible because many people spend many hours working behind the scenes to make it happen. The volunteer members of the Callithumpian Committee and their respective places of employment are: Mary Friedt (Decatur Parks & Recreation), Mike Gumm (Mind's Eye Graphics), Tyler Hill, Larry Isch (First Bank of Berne), Lind Morris (Decatur Chamber of Commerce), Josh Heckert (Christner's Pizza King), Nancy Schmidt (Woodcrest), Greg Kitson (Mind's Eye Graphics), Travis Alexander (Ryan's Technologies), Mike McBride (The Music House) Janice Reynolds (Bellmont High School), Joyce Williams (All American Homes), Link Miller (LaGrange County Highway), Nat Everett (Thunderbird Products), Steve Goble and John Hebein.
We also need to express our thanks to the Decatur Police, Parks and Street Departments for their logistical support. We also thank the many families, churches and businesses that sponsor various events.
Thanks also go to the Decatur Daily Democrat for publishing the Callithumpian Schedule. Radio stations WADM promoted the week's events and WZBD provided live coverage.
We gaze forward to the next Callithumpian Parade Monday October 29, 2007.
The spirit of Callithumpian spreads throughout the community as
literally hundreds of homes and businesses decorate to fit the
occasion. As it is at Christmas time, it is a real treat to walk
or drive about the community to view the various and many intricate
residential displays.
Playing a major role in the success of the Callithumpian Week
are our local media – The Decatur Daily Democrat, WZBD Radio, WADM Radio
and this publication, The Chamber Communicator. Also, the Chamber’s
website - www.decaturchamber.org - had received many recorded visits.
If you would like to participate by volunteering for a large or
small role or even hosting an event, your service is welcome.
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