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Hillary Cherry of the Hilltop Club conducted the
ceremony and she surprised a couple local residents with her
announcements.
First up was the Volunteer of the Year Award. This year’s recipients
were Tim and Jodi Deibert of Mount Pulaski. This dedicated couple
was honored for their years of service to the Mount Pulaski Township
Park District. Jodi, who has been a commissioner for the park
district for 15 years, has always went above and beyond with her
dedication to the community. Jodi and her husband, Tim, were both
instrumental in getting the township pool up and running this
summer, if even for just a short amount of time due to so many
ongoing issues with the pool.
The next surprise announcement was that of the 2022 Parade Grand
Marshal. Rick Volle, a life-long resident of Mount Pulaski and a
local banker, was named the Grand Marshal of the “Rock’n the Hill”
parade. Volle, who has seen his family invest in this community for
many, many decades and who continues to carry on that legacy, was
shocked and speechless as Cherry made the announcement.
In addition to guiding the Farmers Bank for many years, Volle has
served on many community organizations, including the local business
association and the local volunteer fire department. Volle and his
family have given their time and money to this community and without
a doubt have made it a better place for everyone to raise a family.
It was a perfect Friday evening for crowds to gather on the town
square to enjoy food and conversation. The weather could not have
been more beautiful. The kiddie tractor pull drew a large crowd,
with as many as 70 kids involved in the event. The participants of
the tractor pull were given free t-shirts and several kids were
proudly wearing them. Bounce houses, an Exotic Petting Zoo and a
Bubble Bus kept the kids entertained all evening while the Hilltop
Club’s Beer Tent featured live music by Brandy Kristin and the
Revival Band.
Saturday was a busy day with the second Annual Kids' Duathlon, which
featured a color run and a bike race. Charlie Bingo and a Tractor
Show also filled the square. The Soap Box Derby ended early after a
few minor mishaps. A Bags Tournament kept adults entertained while
kids continued to enjoy the bounce houses and face painting.
The Rock’n the Hill Parade began at 4 p.m. with local musician Lee
Holmes kicking off the parade with a marvelous rendition of “The
Star Spangled Banner” on his electric guitar. The parade featured
some creative floats and displays, all supporting the parade theme.
Fire trucks, semis, tractors, jeeps and side-by-sides all kept the
parade flowing at a steady pace. In addition, Senator Sally Turner
and her friends walked in the parade. There was a lot of candy
thrown during the parade and a lot of smiling faces filling the
streets of Mount Pulaski.
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Craft vendors and food trucks also filled the square.
The food tent served a meal each night so there was no reason for
anyone to walk away hungry.
A popular act made their return to Mount Pulaski on Saturday night.
The Dueling Pianos featured two guys who tickled the ivories,
playing a variety of music and entertaining everyone. Little kids
even gravitated towards the music and danced in circles all evening
long.
A real treat to cap off the family entertainment on Saturday night
was a special concert by local Mount Pulaski High School senior,
Walker Allen. Allen has experienced musical success over the last
year as a participant in the National FFA Talent Competition. He
finished in the top ten last year and has also been invited to
perform at this year’s event to be held October 26-29 in
Indianapolis. Allen sang a variety of today’s country and pop hits,
as well as a couple Elvis tunes. He even squeezed in a gospel tune.
He also performed an original song that he wrote recently for his
sister, Hannah, and her future husband, Bryce. The song was entitled
“If I Could Spend One Evening Alone With You” and it was truly
incredible. Allen’s voice is a gift from God and his stage presence
makes him a natural talent. Mount Pulaski was very lucky to have
this special performance on the square Saturday night.
The festival wrapped up on Saturday night with a DJ in the Hilltop
Club Beer Tent.
Great weather all weekend and a number of class reunions brought a
large crowd to the Mount Pulaski square to enjoy the festivities.
The hill was indeed rockin’.
[Teena Lowery]
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