Ruritans hope for parade
Published 9:21 pm Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Holland Ruritan Club hopes it doesn’t have to let rain stop its annual Founders Day celebration on Saturday.
The international service organization was founded in Holland 88 years ago. Tom Downing of Suffolk and Jack Gwaltney of Holland formed the group that would come to be known as Ruritan when they recognized the need for an organization where community leaders could meet and discuss ways to make their community a better place to live.
Holland Ruritan Club President Donald Worrell said the club hopes for a break in the weather so it can get in a parade, barbecue cook-off, cornhole tournament and children’s activities.
“The idea is for all the people in the surrounding area to come out and enjoy the day’s festivities,” Worrell said.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m., and the barbecue cook-off starts at noon. Tickets to the barbecue cook-off are $10 each.
Pioneer Elementary School will have a bounce house and games for children, and vendors will display their goods. The cornhole tournament will also take place that afternoon, as well as children’s baseball and softball games.
“When there is a need, Ruritans are always there to help,” Worrell said. “Please support your local Ruritan Club, because the money goes back to the community.”