2009 Strawberry Festival Kickoff Script

2009 Kick-Off

Welcome the 2009 Troy Strawberry Festival Kick Off.

My name is David Pappas, I am the Chairman-elect for the 2010 Troy Strawberry Festival. My first official public act in that role is to host today's kickoff. I'm honored to do so and hope you enjoy yourself today.

Invocation

We are fortunate to be able to again host the event here at the First Lutheran Church. We have asked Pastor Ric Barnes to deliver the invocation. Please stand as he comes forward.

Opening Remarks

Thank you Pastor Barnes.

We have a busy agenda this evening. We will hear from last year’s chairman, from this year’s chairwoman and we’ll hear from one of our many notable previous years’ chairman. We have some entertainment lined up as well – so please enjoy yourselves.

Before we get started though, I would like to take a few moments to thank some of the people who make this event possible.

First, let’s thank the ladies of the church who have volunteered their time to prepare the food, beverages and the setting for this kick off. If I could have them come out so we can recognize them for their hard work:

• May Fishvogt
• Jane Drake
• Pam Weaver
• Pru Schafer

Special thanks to:

• A special thanks to Bill and Joyce Fulton for their continued support of the festival and for the best strawberries in the world
• Trojan Florist for the wonderful flowers they have provided for tonight’s event
• Angie Evers of Forever Design for her development of this year's logo
• Tami Baird Ganley for her continuing support of the festival through the donation of the chairman's coat
• Sabra Johnson, Manager of the festival for all her assistance with tonight’s event

There are many individuals involved in making the festival a success year after year: would the committee chairpersons please stand;

Dance Performance

Stealing some of our 2009 Chairman's thunder, the theme for this year's festival is 'Dance to the Music'. In celebration of that theme, we have a group performing for us. It's my pleasure to introduce performers from Tammy Bellamy-Chaney's Dance Studio performing a jazz/modern piece. Please welcome them.

2008 TSF Review

Thank you ladies.

One of the strengths of the Strawberry Festival is the very deep bench we possess. I have described the festival as a machine which just runs - but it is a machine which operates so well because of its volunteers. Our next speaker is one such person. Last year's chairman, like so many before him, has been involved in the festival forever - or at least it seems like it. Last year's festival was successful on a number of levels. To talk about last year’s event, please join me in welcoming Fred Daffner to the podium to 'talk about berries'.

Introduction of Special Guests

Thank you Fred

I would like to take a moment and recognize the dignitaries participating in tonight’s kickoff:

• The Honorable Mike Beamish, Mayor of the City of Troy – Mr. Mayor
• President of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce – Chuck Cochran
• Director of Operations for the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce – Maria Ariga
• Chairman of the Board of Directors for the TACC – Larry Smith
• TACC Board Members
• Miami County Commissioner Bud O’Brien
• Miami County Commissioner Jack Evans
• Miami County Commissioner Ron Widener
• City of Troy Councilman Tom Kendall
• City of Troy Councilman John Schweser
• City of Troy Councilman Mark Douglas
• City of Troy Councilwoman Martha Baker
• City Manager Pat Titterington
• Concord Township Trustee Sue Campbell
• Concord Township Trustee Robert Shook
• Concord Township Trustee William Whidden
• Concord Township Trustee Patricia Quillen
• Staunton Township Clerk Michael DeWeese
• Staunton Township Jeff Cron
• Staunton Township Norm Ostings
• Staunton Township Dale Bartell (Chair)

Also, this evening we have with us many members of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. I wanted to thank all of you for your continued support of both the community and the festival itself.

The festival provides opportunities and entertainment for all ages. At this point I would like to bring forward some special guests. Sally Reichert, a former chairwoman, is in charge of the Little Miss and Mr event. Sally, sorry -but you are not the special guest. But if you could come up and introduce our next set of guests - who are special, I and the audience would appreciate it.

Introduction of the 2009 Chairwoman

Thank you Sally

For the first time in the history of the festival, the spouse of the festival chairwoman gets the privilege of introducing her. As I will live with the consequences, its an obligation I take seriously. As my family says, Becky is a professional volunteer. She has served in a number of leadership roles within the community. She has served as the President of the Troy Soccer Club and of the High School Soccer parents. Until this past year she co-chaired the Festival of Nations. She was also the long standing Art Show leader with the festival. Becky would rather lead than complain and most of the time she'd rather do as well. Please join me in welcoming the podium to discuss this year's festival - Becky Pappas.

TSF Little Known Facts

Thank you Becky.

Last year's kick off had several highlights. One component of last year's celebration which I enjoyed greatly - and which I believe many others in attendance did as well was a brief review of the history of the festival. We are fortunate to have that man with us again this year. He was the 2000 Strawberry Festival Chairman. This year he is not only helping to lead the water event hosted by the Conservancy District - but he is also going to be our official Parade announcer. Please join me in welcoming Stan Kegley to the podium.

Announcement of the 2009 Grand Marshal

Thank you Stan.

My first official act as chairman elect was performed quietly about two weeks ago. It was one of the simplest, easiest tasks I've ever had. I had the opportunity to lead a group of dignitaries including representatives from the city, the county, and both Staunton and Concord townships as well the chamber itself in selecting this year's Grand Marshal. Like many of my other introductions this evening, I would like to be able to hold some suspense as I introduce this year's winners. Unfortunately, this year's Grand Marshal's contributions to the community are hard to list in an understated way.

This year's Grand Marshal Recipients are on vacation and unable to attend this evening. They are a husband and wife. They feel strongly about giving back to their community and it is evidenced very clearly as you drive around town. But like an iceberg, most of us only see 10% of their community activities. The majority of their charitable acts are not made public - at their request. Whether you are driving on 25A past the YMCA, on Riverside drive past Duke Park, or enjoying the Christmas Lights on the levy - you are seeing only a small portion of the charitable acts from this couple. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor and privilege to announce that our 2009 Troy Strawberry Festival Grand Marshals are Tom and Pat Robinson.
Closing Remarks

Ladies and Gentlemen, this concludes the presentation of the 2009 Troy Strawberry Festival Kickoff. While I have a captive audience, I would like to make you aware of several events where your support can make a difference for the participants. On April 24th, please join us at the Troy High School for the Queen's Pageant. The young ladies that compete for that title are amongst the best young leaders in the county and they deserve your support. On May 31st, at Trinity Episcopal Church at 6:00, the Strawberry Talent show will be hosted. Please support some of the best performers in the county - and enjoy yourself while doing so.

Thank you for coming and supporting the Festival. Enjoy your evening.