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En route to the Bartholomew County Fair over the summer Michael Dean drove with purpose.

With wife, Tina, riding shotgun the Friday evening was perfect as the couple were on their way to a fish fry hosted by the Hawpatch-Hawcreek Conservation Club.

But not before a quick stop at Tina’s behest.

The Yellow Trail Museum’s Old Fashioned Independence Day celebration was just getting underway as the Deans made their way to the Hope Town Square.

It was obvious their arrival had been spurred by a wee bit o’deception as the couple weren’t exactly on the same page of “Why You Are Here”.

“I had no idea I was part of it,” admits Tina recalling the evening. “I was shocked when Jessica [Deckard] added me during the announcement.”

Clearly, the couple were part of the larger crowds gathering for the evening's festivities. And then came the announcement. 

The Grand Marshal for the 58th Annual Hope Heritage Days would be Michael and Tina Dean.

Surprise! 

And a surprise it was.

Despite his seemingly stoic demeanor, Michael was far from unhappy. He was reflecting on the magnitude of what was taking place.

“I was actually thinking of all the people who had the honor in the past,” he says. “And, who I would have chosen this year instead.”

And he wanted a fish sandwich.

When the Deans moved to Hope a little more than three decades ago it was a welcomed unique change to the day-to-day they were accustomed to.

Hope had its charm. They couldn't help but fall in love with the people and the tranquil rural landscape that seemed to support the slower approach to life.

Since that time, the Deans have become what some might mildly call well-known in the community.

It started with the Hope Kiwanis whose invitation opened a door for Michael to more easily meet amazing area people and representatives from area organizations, he says.

Then came his involvement with the Hope Summer Playground, the Hartsville Church of Christ and First Baptists Church of Hope all of which ushered in instrumental years that introduced Michael to some of his best friends.

“A huge opportunity was teaching for six years and having the time to run for school board – and losing,” Michael says. “I actually won for a day, and it was printed on the front page of the paper.”

Granted, a swiftly corrected glitch led to the mistake but the victory was swift and sweet.

Even sweeter still, the gentleman who won went on to do a great job, Michael says.

Keeping his word, Michael honored his vow to help the late Don Dillman, the then-CEO of Heritage of Hope (HOH), in the event he lost his bid for school board and became the VP of Entertainment. That essentially amounted to doing whatever Don asked of him, he humbly recalls.

Involvement at that time included the annual Hope Heritage Days celebration and soon after Michael joined its board, Tina says she became involved with the craft booth soon afterwards and continued to do so for many years.

Little did Michael realize at the time how widespread his impact would become as the HOH spread its wings of influence throughout the Hope community.

“Our involvement as an organization led to the creation of HSJ Online, Hope Main Street, Hope Visitor Center, farmers’ markets, Cruise In to Hope,” Michael explains. “And then I held positions on the Area Endowment Board and the Columbus Area Visitor’s Center – both as a representative of HOH.”

It’s not just meetings, notes and numbers.

It’s Top Hats and Important Announcements, too.

Speaking of hats, Michael has worn many in the community, but he says there is no higher honor in the area than to be named HHD Grand Marshal.

“I was part of the group that selected and presented the award for many years,” Michael explains. “And it was a revered process that none of us took lightly.”

Not only did Michael write the announcement letter, but he also got the letter framed for presentation and would read it to the recipient.  

“It was my favorite duty,” Michael says. “Seeing the reaction of each one of them was something that has stayed with me. When I see them now, I still see that image.”

Among his most memorable presentations to date are those he made to Bertha Sneed and the Robertson's at church, Doc Harker and Mike Deckard at work, the Hauser softball and basketball teams, and Mr. Webster at a Jets volleyball game were all memorable.

Clearly, the site and time of delivery of the announcement is always the kernel of surprise.

This year, it was the Deans' turn. On the Hope Town Square.

At the time of this writing, details are still pending, but the Deans' appearance this weekend will be one for the memory books. 

“If everything goes as planned, Tina and I will get a chance to see how my kids felt by being a part of Hauser athletics,” Michael teases of their appearance in Sunday’s HHD parade at 2:30 p.m.

“Having Tina to share it with has helped make it extra special for me,” Michael says. “And my children and granddaughters will get to be with us during the parade.”

Likewise, Tina is excited for the parade saying she and the family “will be ‘tipping’” their hats to the crowd.

She adds that the annual celebratory weekend has always represented family as her side of the family travels here from Terre Haute each year.

“It’s lots of laughs, food and shopping,” Tina says. “If you want to find me during the festival, just visit the crat vendors.”

In fact, when asked, if the feeling of HHD were expressed in a song, what would it be? Tina’s pick, the Pointer Sisters’ “We Are Family.”

And for good reason.

During a recent dine-in trip at a local restaurant, a gentleman on a return trip to Colorado asked Michael where he was from while standing in line striking up conversation.

The man was visibly worn out from a day of exploring Columbus – clearly a possible reconnaissance mission for future work or residential potential.

“You need to go see Hope,” Michael said. “And Heritage Days is a great way to see that difference.”

It was a recommendation he readily makes when opportunity presents itself.

“Everyone has a presence and a history somewhere,” Michael says. “We are lucky that ours has been in Hope, a place that has opportunities for people to contribute.”

The man speaks from lived experience. 

The Deans’ extensive international and domestic travel have proven one thing beyond the hint of shadow of a doubt.

There’s no place like Hope.

“Hope is different,” Michael says. “It’s not like Hope everywhere.”