How to go
What: Holiday at Home
When: Sunday, Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 7. The Holiday at Home parade begins at 9:55 a.m. Monday.
Where: Locations vary, but many activities take place at Kettering Government Center/Lincoln Park Commons on Shroyer Road. The parade runs along Far Hills Avenue.
More info: www.holidayathome.org.
Residents can spend the Labor Day weekend in the Big Easy without even crossing state lines. This year’s Holiday at Home theme is Mardi Gras comes to Holiday at Home.
The purpose of Holiday at Home being held over the Labor Day weekend is to provide area residents a reason to stay at home safe and sound rather than travel out of town over the holiday.
The weekend includes a 5K race with an emphasis on a children's Fun Run at 8 a.m. Monday. Runners can register by going online to www.keysports.net. The Arts and Crafts exhibition featuring more than 150 artisans from all over the country takes place at the Kettering Government Center on Shroyer Road from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Also on Shroyer Road near Lincoln Park Boulevard from noon to 5 p.m. on Labor Day is a car show for auto enthusiasts. A children’s zone with movie stars, games, inflatables and face painting runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and noon to 5 p.m. on Labor Day.
The crowning jewel of the weekend is the Holiday at Home parade. It starts at 9:55 a.m. on Labor Day. The route runs north on Far Hills Avenue between Stroop Road and Dorothy Lane.
There are 135 units in this year’s parade. The Antioch Shriners who haven’t participated for several years are returning this year. The parade, one of the largest in Ohio, features civic groups, high school bands, car clubs, veterans, civic groups and more. This year’s parade grand marshal is Charley Schuerholz, owner of Schuerholz Graphics in Kettering. Schuerholz is a member of the Dorwood Optimist Club and involved in the community. Approximately 100,000 spectators are expected. There will be food concessions along the parade route for hungry spectators.
There is no longer a Holiday at Home queen and instead two students are chosen to each receive a $5,000 scholarship. Molly McGinnis, Holiday at Home spokeswoman, said in addition to the top recipients, seven other students will receive scholarship money. “The judges were so impressed with the students and area businesses offered up the money for the scholarships.” The scholarship recipients will be announced at the Holiday at Home gala Saturday night.
Throughout the weekend there will be plenty of entertainment at Lincoln Park Civic Commons. Returning this year are the Fries Band, Eric Loy, Meg Renee and Soul Express. New this year are The Ashley Martin Band, Allen Lane Band, Groove Attack and Amy Sailor. The Epic Xpressions Photo Booth will be back complete with props and costumes and karaoke will be available.
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