Sunday, July 20, 2008

Preparing For The Annual Alexandria Fun Days Parade




(photos above...(top) Licking County Commissioner Doug Smith, County Sheriff Randy Thorp and Commissioner Tim Bubb with the County Bicentennial Float; and Commissioner Smith, Granville resident Guy Martin (volunteering to walk for Congressman Pat Tiberi), State Representative Jay Hottinger, and Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb)

It was a hot midday in Alexandria on Saturday (July 19) and hundreds of parade participants and spectators gathered for the annual Alexandria Fun Days Parade. The Parade is one of the major events in the annual five-day fun festival, and participants included elected officials, candidates, participants in the Little Miss Fun Days competition included Caroline Liggett who was crowned Little Miss Fun Days, and floats representing area businesses and agencies. Special congratulations to Fun Days Chairman Syd Kean and his Committee for a great job!

County Commissioner Tim Bubb, who also serves as County Bicentennial Chairman, says one of the highlights was the Bicentennial Float featuring the County Courthouse, County Flags and Banners decorating the historic 1950's era GMC 250 flat bed truck donated to the cause and driven by Commissioner Doug Smith. The Bicentennial Float has been and will be a participant in most of the area's parades this summer and fall, commemorating the founding of Licking County 200-years ago in 1808. For more information on the County Bicentennial visit ...LickingCountyBicentennial.com

Commissioner Bubb Enjoying Alexandria Fun Days with Hundreds of Residents







(photos above...Commissioner Tim Bubb, joined by Commissioners Doug Smith and Mark Van Buren, stand with the 14-contestants who were judged to select Little Miss Alexandria Fun Days on July 16th, former Alexandria Mayor Jim Jasper recognizing the 2008 Little Miss Fun Days Caroline Liggett, and Little Miss Fun Days 2008 Caroline Liggett with Parents Dave and Julie Liggett, (left) maternal grand parents Scott & Jane Hutchinson, and (right) paternal grand parents Joe and Phyllis Liggett) *Councilwoman Naomi Compton provided the photos.


A fun time was had by all as the Village of Alexandria celebrated their annual 'Fun Days' from July 16-20. The festival was highlighted by contests and games, great homemade food, rides and dozens of activities including the annual parade.

Commissioner Tim Bubb, and fellow Commissioners Doug Smith and Mark Van Buren were honored to be the judges for the annual Little Miss Fun Days contest on Wednesday evening. Some 14-little girls' ages 5 to 7-years, and all 'beautiful', were judged on poise, appearance, stage presence, and their ability to answer questions from the 'friendly' judges. Caroline Liggett (see above photo) was crowned Little Miss Fun Days, and was featured in the Saturday parade.
Congratulations to all the participants, and the dozens of family members and friends who were on hand to support them. Former Alexandria Mayor Jim Jasper was the master of ceremonies, and Councilwoman Naomi Compton spoke for everyone when she introduced the program and talked about the important of family and community in the lives of today's youth! Also, congratulations to Fun Days Chairman Syd Kean for a great job!

Commissioner Bubb Celebrates Bicentennial Garden With Licking County Junior Gardeners and Mentors











(Photos above include...Commissioner Tim Bubb with Sandy Gartner and Paula McDonald at the entrance to the Junior Gardens on the Saturday Open House Day, Jim Rengert standing beside the Licking County Flag done in annual flowers in the garden, Commissioner Tim Bubb talking to the participants in the 2008 program, and a shot of the beautiful flowers and vegetables in the Junior Garden plots off East Main Street.)


Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb, who serves as Chairman of the County Bicentennial Commission, joined dozens of Junior Gardners and their families, friends and relatives for a Bicentennial/Open House on Saturday July 19th.

Commissioner Bubb commended the Master Gardner Program mentors for their dedication to the program. Looking back 200-years to the founding of Licking County, in 1808, Commissioner Bubb explained that those ancestors made the planting of crops and the harvest their number one priority for survival. By making the County Bicentennial their 2008 gardening theme, he explained that the youth and their mentors were making a connection to the people who settled this County some two centuries ago. Commissioner Bubb offered an insight into this unique program where adults and young people share fun and fellowship, while sharing in the success of the gardening year. Commissioner Bubb observed that the real purpose of such a program is to 'raise' young people to be intelligent well rounded adults, and the raising of plots of vegetables and flowers is simply a reason to bring young people and mentors together for a summer of learning and sharing!

Commissioner Bubb notes a special 'thank you' is due Sandy Gartner and Paula McDonald for their dedication and enthusiasm. Each year they, and the committee, outdo themselves with creative and inspirational gardens and activities that make each Saturday a special occasion. This year they focused on local history and the County Bicentennial, and selected heirloom vegetables that would have grown in pioneer gardens and to native wildlife found in the County some 200-years ago.

The 'Junior' Gardens are located at 771 East Main Street. The Junior Gardner program was begun in 1998 by a group of enthusiastic and dedicated people, and it has provided children the opportunity to experience first hand the satisfying sense of accomplishment that comes from working the soil and growing plants. The program is supported by the Licking County Cooperative Extension Service.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day From County Commissioner Tim and Marianne Bubb




It has been a Red, White and Blue week and weekend in Licking County, and even with the many rain showers, a most enjoyable time!

Marianne and I have enjoyed seeing hundreds of old friends, and many new ones as well, this past week at Independence Day celebrations throughout Licking County. From the parade and fireworks last weekend in Hanover, and to the celebrations this week in Newark, Heath, Granville, Utica, Johnstown and others (large and small) it has been a great time to reflect on our many blessings. While we face many challenges in the year ahead, we are still part of the greatest nation on earth!

I hope you and yours were together over the July 4th holiday period to enjoy the many fireworks displays, as well as picnics, BBQ’s, and social gatherings.

And for the thousands who dodged the raindrops to enjoy the annual Granville and Gratiot community July 4th parades, 'thanks' for waving and offering so many words of encouragement and support!

Indeed, I know you also enjoyed seeing the Licking County Bicentennial Float using Commissioner Doug Smith's antique GMC 250 flat bed delivery truck as a base.

In fact at the Gratiot celebration and parade, Commissioner Smith won second place, in the antique vehicle category, with his Bicentennial Celebration Float on his historic GMC truck. Bowling Green Township Trustee Jeff Chorpenning and his family, and friends, had a walking delegation in the parade, including a vintage World War II era Army Jeep, celebrating the Bicentennial of Bowling Green Township this year as well!

* The top photo shows Johnstown Councilwoman Sharon Hendren preparing to join walkers in the Independence Day Holiday Parade in Gratiot (eastern Licking County).

* The second photo above shows (left to right) County Commissioners Tim Bubb and Doug Smith, Clerk of Courts Gary Walters, and candidate for Commissioner Brad Feightner!

Thanks Trustee Jeff Chorpenning for the photos above.

Best Wishes for the extended Independence Holiday Weekend!

Commissioner Tim and Marianne Bubb