Callithumpian Festival

Callithumpian 2004 was Incredible

“Another Outstanding Community Event”

As the longstanding tradition in Decatur would predict, Callithumpian 2004 once again treated us to a solid week of activity. Each fall, Callithumpian becomes a time for us to enjoy Halloween related events. It is even more a time for our community to celebrate a heritage that continues to grow in bringing people together to collectively participate in the occasion. It is a time that is known all across northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio and collectively draws thousands of visitors to our community to enjoy the varied events. It was an outstanding community event.

The festival, which officially began on Thursday, October 22, with the annual Decatur Rotary sponsored Poster Painting Contest, proved to be everything we could expect. Well over twenty events were carefully scheduled throughout the extended week, ending with the annual Trick or Treat night on Halloween Day, October 31.

And – of course, Callithumpian Parade Day becomes the focal activity. With plenty of food vendors available to serve the crowds hours before and after the parade, people begin to gather in the afternoon in anticipation of the main event and to enjoy the variety of foods. Many folks literally mark their favorite parade viewing spots early in the morning.

The weather for the week was very mild. Parade Day weather was nearly perfect. And, with that and the variety and quality of bands, floats, maskers and other entrants in the parade – some would say that this parade was one of the best ever. And - it attracted one of the largest crowds ever.

Literally hundreds of hours are annually volunteered by the members of the Callithumpian Committee in preparation of the festival. They are to be commended for bringing us another outstanding event.

This just does not magically happen. Unless you are on the inside looking out, one cannot fathom the amount of details and logistics involved to put together the annual event. Further, we are indeed fortunate to have a committee with many veterans. They all seem to have their own specialties, assignments and more. It is truly a testimony of a love for community service.

Equally important is the need to loudly applaud the many organizations and church families in our community that participate by sponsoring several of the events; the members of our Decatur Police and Street Departments for the respective logistics they take care of and the dozens of sponsoring businesses who help make it happen. And – to the little ones who march, draw pictures and participate in the Trick or Treat night – are only a part of the deserving accolades for the accomplished achievements.

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.

The success of Callithumpian Week is also dependent on our local media, The Decatur Daily Democrat and WZBD Radio. Also, this publication, The Chamber Communicator is a source of information as well as the Chamber’s website - www.decaturchamber.org – which 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.

The Callithumpian Committee

The volunteer members of the Callithumpian Committee with their respective places of employment (if appropriate) are: Mike Gumm (Mind’s Eye Graphics), Mary Friedt (Decatur Parks & Recreation); Linda Morris (Decatur Chamber of Commerce), Tyler Hill (Leland Smith Insurance), Larry Isch (First Bank of Berne), Nancy Schmitt (Woodcrest), Josh Heckert (BP Gas), Wally Gregg (Scotts Foods), Greg Kitson (Mind’s Eye Graphics), Travis Alexander (Ryan Technologies), Mike McBride (Music House), Janice Reynolds (Bellmont High School), Link Miller (LaGrange County Highway), Nan & Randy Everett, Steve Goble and John Hebein.

Once again, our grateful appreciation to all of you and to those we may have failed to mention. I know that you have already started on Callithumpian 2005. It too will be just as exciting and well organized. We, as a community, now have fond memories of Callithumpian 2004 and look forward to 2005.