BY AMANDA ARNOLD
newsroom@newsandtribune.com
CLARKSVILLE —
Over the weekend, the City of Charlestown celebrated its 10th Annual Founder’s Day Festival with the theme of “Old Fashion Family Picnic.” While the weather was indeed hot, many Charlestown residents, and people from the surrounding area, came out to have a good time with Friday night’s entertainment and talent show followed by a parade, carnival rides and booths on Saturday.
The Heichelbech family of Charlestown enjoyed Founder’s Day, just as they do year after year.
“They (Alex 9, Claire, 6) like the rides, and we like the art and stuff,” said Jill Heichelbech. For Jill, going to Founder’s Day means a good time and seeing a lot of her friends. Claire had a special time on Saturday when she participated in the parade with Tumbletown Cheerleading and Gymnastics. For the Heichelbech’s, the best way to beat the heat was to arrive early, and return later for the live music and fireworks.
The heat didn’t stop the Keltner family of Jeffersonville from watching the parade and checking out the rides.
“It’s hot though, and we’re trying to stay in the shade,” said John Keltner.
Each year, with the collaboration of Charlestown Beautification Committee and the city of Charlestown, Founder’s Day grows more and more with the help of enthusiastic volunteers who strive for a successful event and beautiful town. For the first time, Founder’s Day included an art section with exhibits such as yard art, jewelry and painters on the corner of Ind. 62 and Market Street.
“We hope to grow that. We had 40 artists right off the bat and it looks like a success,” said Ted Little, co-chair of Charlestown Beautification. Little said there were many wonderful aspects to Founder’s Day.
“The music is always good. We like the rides for young people,” Little said. “We like the entertainment and getting to know each other. The parade is always great too.” This year, the parade had 60 floats.
In order to have a festival complete with rides, vendors, an ice cream social, a classic car show, a parade and a Balloon Glow that kicked the celebration off on June 18, the Charlestown Beautification Committee worked around the clock.
“We’ve been working on the fair all year long, but Tuesday I’ll rest. Then start working on it again the first week of July, when we’ll talk about how it went this year and what we need to keep and do. I think people really enjoy it. I love the gospel music, ice cream and the parade. I just love it,” said Martha Slaughter, who has served on the committee for nine years.
However, Charlestown Beautification works hard on making the rest of the community a pleasant place to live by planting flowers, improving the town square and park.
“It makes our town look better, and hopefully will draw new people and businesses,” said Melissa Crawford, a new volunteer with Charlestown Beautification.
Jill Heichelbech especially enjoys the work done by Charlestown Beautification.
“We come to the park a lot especially since they made it a lot nicer. They do a lot of work around here and it’s great,” Jill Heichelbech said.
