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Jenn Guthrie, Content Coordinator for HSJ, stated this in her promotional HSJ column for Hope Heritage Days: “It will showcase a beautiful blend of all that makes Hope such a Surprising Little Town.”

Well, the wind and the rain that hit this year's event brought out the beauty even more. I could not sum up that beauty any better than the observations of Hauser's FFA Advisor, Aleesa Dickerson, who posted the following on Facebook: “While we were on the square, we saw people helping others all night long; we saw patrons, rain dripping down their noses, come get dinner from various nonprofits; we also saw several nonprofits and vendors scrambling to save their tents, just to watch them crumble and blow away with the next wind gust. I was amazed at the teenagers who jumped in to help strangers save what they could, while they were dripping wet and shivering.” (While eating dinner under the protective roof of WILLow LeaVes Friday evening, this writer saw those drenched teenagers as well as adults moving sound equipment inside to the stage area for Caddo Parish, a band that lifted the spirits of all in attendance with their impressive musical talent.)

“We couldn't do anything about Friday night's weather; but, Saturday and Sunday, we have the opportunity to show folks what our town is made of. For many, this is the only fundraiser that sustains an entire year of activities. Put on your jacket, a good attitude, and come on out to Hope Heritage Days 2024. We are ready for you.”

And people did come, from Hope and from all over even in a drizzle off and on, mostly on, in particular during the parade featuring 55 entries going the distance even in the rain. In fact, I can't recall seeing the sun one time from my HSJ Table in the shelter house. But, I did observe families, friends, children, babies, and pets all seemingly enjoying themselves with the wonderful food options, exceptional entertainment, multiple vendors with a variety of merchandise, and brilliant fireworks lighting up the night and cloudy sky while music played in the background.

It was quite appropriate for David Clouse to be named Grand Marshal. David, retired Hope Utility Superintendent, with this devoted crew worked hours for years on the Town Square preparing it for Heritage Days and other events. (Also worth noting, David's parents, Merrill and Norma Clouse, were among the founders of Heritage Days and former Grand Marshals.) The ceremony brought back really good memories for me when totally unexpectedly named Grand Marshal in 2010 with long-time friend and colleague, Mike Wilkerson.

Undoubtedly, this Heritage Days will always be remembered. Hopefully, all will recall something positive. Below, you will find some of my highlights:

* My table was close to Susan Thayer Fye's Hope Area Visitors Center Information Table, long-time Hopeite, and there was never a dull moment. Of course, she was constantly taking photographs, something she likes to do and another way of many for her to serve the community. (If you haven't, I would suggest you check our Susan's Facebook posts about Heritage Days. As she stated on a post and as is obvious to whoever knows Susan, “I love our little town for who we are and will always be!”

*A Hauser graduate chose to sit on a bench in my area with her small dog. I looked over and grinned as she was gently hand-feeding her friend a HSJ Strietelmeier Corn Dog.

*Another Hauser graduate and a student I had in fifth grade stopped by to talk and mentioned a hip surgery he has been waiting on for years. Then, he gave me $20 to give snack bars to children. After two young children organized the Hope Changes All Wristbands on my table, I will never forget their smiles as I presented them each a Rice Krispie Bar, my favorite too, for their help while informing them a former student had kindly made that possible.

*When at Hauser to hear other outstanding musicians, it was inspiring to see many members of the Shoaf family being there in support of singer/songwriter Jenna Shoaf and to talk briefly to the matriarch of the family, Elsie Shoaf, who is now 93. The Shoaf family is well known and respected in this community with Elsie's husband, Paul, spending numerous volunteer hours on the one room schoolhouse, Simmons, that has now been a memorable part of many students having the opportunity to experience school in 1892.

*As I was leaving and walking on the side of the Hope Library, I noticed the smile on a lady's face and complimented her. She indicated the smile was important to her, that she had found a positive attitude was essential no matter what.

I think that is what I will always remember about this Heritage Days, that Jake Miller, CEO of Heritage of Hope, his committee, and many others tried to make the most of not the best of conditions. And I, like many, am thankful for all the time and effort committed to this year's event and look forward to the 57th Hope Heritage Days. It seems somewhat ironic yet fitting that as I finalize this piece the sun is shining through the clouds while looking through my window and that I am listening to one of my favorite songs by my sister, “Family Ties” (Google Sally Webster Albums), with one line being: “The family ties that bind us keep us strong.” Hope is family, a family that stays together no matter what!