When current Palmer Twp. Board chair Mike Ganz thinks back to 1999, he fondly remembers the humble beginnings of Palmer Day, which began with some traditions that have survived the past two-plus decades. When it returns this year after a one year covid-induced hiatus, the celebration will retain much of the same format, albeit much grander in size and scope.

“That first year, it all started in January, as I thought we needed to have a party – a neighborhood get-together – so I went and talked to Joann Stegura,” Ganz recalls. “I think she thought I was crazy, but she said she would help out so we started the planning.”

Stegura and Ganz recruited some additional helpers and put together many of the happenings for that first year, which included hots dogs in the park, a dunk tank and some live music to go along with the Clear Lake Lions’ beer garden. That first year featured a lesser-known band at the time named Keystone, but they were a hit and the group would soon go on to bigger celebrations that brought a bigger pay day.

“We brought in a flat bed truck and used it as a stage,” Ganz remembers. “They were a really good band but within a couple of years we couldn’t afford them any longer.”

Little did the then-organizers predict, but their “party” soon turned into quite the production, drawing huge crowds and enabling the committee to become self-sufficient within just a few years.

“The Township provided $2,000 in seed money the first year and so we had to make sure there were some things aimed at the history of the area,” says Ganz, noting that the resulting historical display was helpful in educating the many new residents about the area’s past. “Even the parade was bigger than expected, as we had to expand the route because there were so many entires and spectators.”

There were many other last minute items that have survived the test of time, such as the naming of a King and a Queen to reign over the festivities.

Ganz says that the format and the date of the event – held the first Saturday after Labor Day – have become something that is widely anticipated and embraced by local residents.

“We once tried it in August, but it was blazing hot and people seemed to prefer having it in September, once vacations are done and the kids are back in school,” says Ganz.

This year’s celebration will be held on September 11 and will be highlighted by the parade, which starts at noon. Other activities include the 5K Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m., Kids Games from 1-3 p.m. and a Children’s Parade starting at 1:15 p.m. with the theme of “Celebrating America’s Heroes” - a fitting tribute to the 20th anniversary of 9-11.

There’s also the beer garden, horseshoe and bean bag tournaments, as well as two separate live music events, headlined by the “Smok’n Guns” playing from 7-11 p.m. As always, there will also be plenty of good food to eat, as well as some thrilling games of BINGO, which are sure to keep the audience delighted. A complete listing of the day’s events can be found on the Palmer Township website.

Ganz notes that a number of the same organizers are still active on the committee that puts the celebration together, but they are always interested in finding some new people to help out with all of the planning.

“We’re kind of in a transition and we would like to get some younger people involved,” noted Ganz.  

In the meantime, Patriot readers should circle the date on your calendar and head to Palmer for their “neighborhood get-together” and they surely will not be disappointed.