Referring to flooding conditions from the river, Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter said, “I was ‘baptized’ by the Yellow River on days nine and 45 and then 15 months later after I took office.”
All of the booths were manned by local organizations. Several food items were on sale that were cooked over open fires.
Boy Scout Troop 222 not only expanded their food choices to include turkey legs, ribs and corn-on-the cob, but expanded their exhibit to include games for children and adults.
One of the original organizers of the event, Jerry Nikitas, said, “I’ve had calls from Ohio and Illinois asking for booths, but this event is only for local people only.”
Nikitas said, “What we are seeing is the real definition of community. It is a beautiful market that did not cost one drop of city money.”
He said, “They say if you put one foot in the Yellow River, you’ll return to Marshall County.”
One exhibit, “The Fence of Knowledge,” was expanded this year to provide information on poisonous and non-poisonous plants along the river. Several copies of original property plats were also displayed.
Dan Shuppert, Yellow River Fest committee member, said, “We are so thankful for the weather.” “The turnout for the opening ceremonies was fantastic.”
Popular local folk singers provided entertainment. Among those were George and Michele Schricker and Brent and Kirsten Martin.
Eric Anderson brought his troop of Civil war re-enactors to set up camp on the grounds as did the Many Waters Indian Tribe. The tribe performed a number of drum circle dances. The main entertainment featured both Kennedy’s Kitchen and Pay the Piper.