Traditionally, the town of Winona Lake has held a community dinner each autumn to bestow the Reneker Award to a person or persons who have added value to the town. A few years ago this recognition dinner morphed into a family festival in the park in the summer. Better participation by all ages (no need to get a babysitter) and a time of relaxation, fun, and interaction.
Yesterday's festival ran from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. by the shores of Winona Lake. Thankfully there was some breeze as it was very hot and humid. We arrived about 4:40. We parked up the road from the activities near the town maintenance building walking along Cherry Creek and past summer cottages.
As we ambled through the park we were able to enjoy scenes of children having a good time petting animals, using the bounce house and slide, having pony rides, and driving a race course.
At 5 p.m. after a blessing was said for the food, we joined the serving line. The meal was free provided for us by the town. We had BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, mac and cheese, chips, sliced apples, and a giant chocolate chip cookie. A large tent had been set up to provide seating in the shade.
Near the end of the meal a special award was presented to Terry White. Terry had won the Reneker Award a few years ago, but they had a special surprise for him yesterday. He was given the Circle of Corydon recognition not by the town, but by the state of Indiana. The document was signed by Governor Holcomb. Mr. White researched and published a book Winona at 100 several years ago for the centennial. He is "Mister Winona". He can answer questions about the town going back to its founding. He has worked tirelessly to promote the town and region.
The event ended with the distribution of door prizes. I really wanted to win one of the gift cards for the local restaurants, but instead I got a scented candle from the Mercantile Store. Since we are not allowed to have "live flame" in our leased condo, I will need to bestow it upon someone else.
Before heading to our car, we took time to eat a dish of free ice cream donated by Kelainey's.
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