2014
1814
| Planning | Program of Events | Promotion | Fundraisers | Supporters |
The opening ceremony was about to start, in E-Dot Park, Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11 AM, as people began gathering in front of the stage.
When 11 AM arrived, the stage was set (literally), thanks to the sponsorship of Phil Abshire of the Edward Jones Co., in Oxford, Ohio.
Sound checks were conducted and the program was about to begin.
And then... off to the northwest ... a bi-plane appeared in sky.
As it got nearer, a parachutist descended ...
... toward E-Dot Park!
RIGHT: The parachutist landed in the farm field just west of E-Dot Park ... just as planned by the Bicentennial Steering Committee.
FAR RIGHT: The parachutist was greeted by a member of his landing team.
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Unbeknowst to the audience members, the parachutist (Jeff Jordan out of Middletown, Ohio) carried a softball that he turned over to Committee member Joe Pater.
The reason for the delivery of the softball is explained at the bottom of this page.
RIGHT:
Auctioneer Doug Ross was the scheduled Master of Ceremony; but, his arrival was delayed and Steering Committee member Fred Lindley filled in as a substitute.
FAR RIGHT: John Witt delivered the invocation.
Official proclamations and congratulations were extended from the state of Ohio to Darrtown.
Mrs. Carolyn Coley, wife of Senator Bill Coley, was instrumental in securing these proclamations from state officials.
RIGHT: State Representative Tim Derickson
FAR RIGHT: State Senator Bill Coley
Click to see state proclamations.
RIGHT:
Steve Baker, the radio voice of Miami University sports, led the audience in the singing of the National Anthem.
The opening ceremony concluded with an announcement by Darrtown native, Bob Young. The ball field at E-Dot Park was being named the "Don Beckett Field" to recognize Don's role in creating E-Dot Park in 1972 and organizing Darrtown softball teams and leagues for many years.
The softball that the parachutist delivered prior to the start of the program, was presented to Don Beckett, along with a proclamation from the Bicentennial Steering Committee, in conjuction with the Mllford Township Trustees. The ball had been autographed by the steering committee members.
Audience members were then invited to attend the unveiling of the Beckett Field sign near the main entrance to the park.
ABOVE: Bob Young coordinated the project to name Don Beckett Field. Bob secured contributions to fund the project and arranged for the production of the sign at the right.
ABOVE: RaxGraphics of Seven Mile, Ohio designed and produced this sign which was installed along West Street at the east edge of E-Dot Park, which now is home to Don Beckett Field.
DARRTOWN BICENTENNIAL
Welcome to
THE OPENING
CEREMONY!
Let's get ready to...
rumble!
