Saturday, June 5th, 2021
Festival fun returns
'People are ready to go out and do something'
By Leslie Gartrell
Photo by Leslie Gartrell/The Daily Standard
Rachel Werling, 18, and Gabe Koesters, eight, play cornhole on Friday at the Coldwater Knights of Columbus Picnic held on the grounds of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
COLDWATER - The weather was perfect and the mood was light Friday night for the kickoff of the Coldwater Knights of Columbus Picnic, one of the first events signaling the start of the summer festival season in the area.
Adults caught up with friends, shared drinks and swapped stories from the past year. Kids ran around the parking lot and rushed out to a grassy area near Holy Trinity church in anticipation of a free movie on a huge blow-up screen.
It's a welcome change from the single-day event in 2020, said K of C member Dan Fullenkamp. Last year's event consisted only of a raffle and chicken dinners, he said.
Many area festivals were canceled and pared down last year due to the pandemic.
"People are ready to go out and do something," Fullenkamp said. "It's all about families."
For Coldwater couple Jason and Kristina Livingston, the picnic is one of their favorite events of the year for that very reason. Their three children could be spotted playing in the grass nearby waiting for the movie to start.
"It's a great atmosphere," Jason Livingston said. "We love coming out here every year because it's very family orientated, and that's important to us and also the community."
Jason's brother, Brian Livingston, agreed.
"It's a safe environment," Brian Livingston said. "Our kids are 100 yards away, and we feel safe about that. The kids are always within our eyesight."
Abigail Stall, a Coldwater native and volunteer at one of the beer stands, said the K of C Picnic and the Coldwater Community Picnic later in August are community essentials worth coming home for.
Robert DeMange provided music throughout the evening, serenading the crowd with easygoing, classic tunes. DeMange will perform at several festivals and picnics this summer, including on his home turf in St. Henry.
After missing out on gigs last year, DeMange said he was happy to return to the stage Friday and looks forward to performances at the St. Henry Community Picnic and the Maria Stein Country Fest.
"It's perfect weather, and I love these small community festivals," he said Friday. "It doesn't matter how many people come. I see people and they just love getting together, talking with their friends, seeing the little kids everywhere - it's just fun."
Events such as the Coldwater K of C Picnic are a welcome escape and relief from the everyday grind and drama in the world, DeMange said.
"This world is full of enough conflict, and everybody needs an escape," he said. "It's just a great relief from all the other things going on in the world."
Father-daughter duo Chris and Gina Dues, who were operating a stand for their Coldwater-based winery Vineyard at Evergreen Farm, said several customers had commented how much they had looked forward to the picnic.
"The vibe is great, and everyone is out to see their friends," Chris Dues said.
Several community members also were abuzz as local couple Ralph and Janet Gels will be serving up their famous waffles this weekend, making it their 50th year as waffle-making wonders.
The festivities continue tonight from 5 p.m.-11:30 p.m. on the church grounds and again on Sunday from noon-9 p.m.
Correction:
The name of the musician who played during the Coldwater Knights of Columbus Picnic on Friday was Roger DeMange.
The error was due to reporting.
Photo by Leslie Gartrell/The Daily Standard
Robert DeMange sings and plays guitar Friday during the picnic.
Correction:
The name of the musician who played during the Coldwater Knights of Columbus Picnic on Friday was Roger DeMange.
The error was due to reporting.
