Roy Shepard was named the first festival project chairman, committees were formed, and the Culver Lake Festival was born 26 years ago, with the first year’s parade over two miles long with 126 units. Other events that first year included a burnout contest, beauty contest, races, motorcycle show, rock band and a variety of booths, Adams noted.
“Twenty-six years later,” he added, “the Lake Fest is still going strong. They have added an antique car show, cheerleading competitions, kiddie rides, more entertainment which includes our own area pipers, kid’s games, fishing contest, a fun run, food booths and new to the festival last year was a bike tour which goes from a 10-mile tour to a 100-mile tour.
“Organizing the lake fest takes a lot of time and effort. Thanks to the commitment of many area citizens, it has continued for 25 years.”
Adams noted this year’s festival committee officers – present for the award – include Mike Overmyer (president), Glen Patton (vice president), Shelli Dickey (secretary), and Connie Overmyer (treasurer), with this year’s committee members including Dean and Susie Norwich, Jean E. Overmyer, Jim and Donna Weirick, Greg Fisher, Linda McCune, Deb Foley, Mark Damore, Dave Crabb, and Bill Birk
Accepting the award on behalf of the committee, Mike Overmyer thanked the Lions and lauded Lake Fest as a “community event with community organizations taking part in it.”
“As with anything, people get tired after doing the same thing every year,” said Overmyer. “We had that moment last year, our 24th year, where we almost said, ‘enough’s enough.’ But it was the 25th year (coming up), so we couldn’t let it die that year. After (last year’s event), we all looked at each other and said, ‘You want to do it again?’ And everybody volunteered to do it again.”
Overmyer said the group could use help this year with the festival itself, especially manning the information and other booths, and invited the public to assist.
Lion Jim Harper introduced the winner of the group’s 2009 Citizen of the Year Award, Culver’s Norman Kampe, by quoting the Gospel of Matthew: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to every one in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in heaven.”
“These words of scripture really apply to the person to be honored this evening,” explained Harper, noting Kampe and his wife moved to Culver to retire from farming and as a 40-year rural mail carrier. Harper listed some of Kampe’s many volunteer efforts in the community. “Have you been to the food pantry for any reason? If so, you have most likely seen this person stocking shelves or waiting on the customers. The blind need to have materials read to them for many reasons: business, letters from relatives, to get general information, and just for pleasure. (Norm Kampe) has helped fill these needs for people in Culver.”
Kampe, said Harper, also has volunteered moving books and assisting in other ways at the public library, with Hospice, the Red Cross food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and REAL Services.
Kampe frequently visits the sick and shut-ins and gives rides to those in need and unable to transport themselves. While still living in Illinois, he added, Kampe was an active volunteer with Respond Now, the homeless shelter, and Meals on Wheels.
One of his most visible ongoing endeavors in Culver is the upkeep of the large lawn and grounds of Trinity Lutheran church on Academy Road, with which Kampe – the father of three daughters and a son, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren – is very active.
“His family,” continued Harper, “would say he loves music, dogs, and stock car races. He is a private person who believes action speaks louder than words. Everyone I know would agree with his family.”
Presenting Kampe, Harper added, “The light is on the candle stick.”
Accepting the award, which was kept a secret from him by his wife, family and friends until the presentation itself, Kampe quipped, “My wife and I have been married 58 years, and right now our marriage is a little on shaky ground…but we can work it out!”
“It’s an undeserved honor,” he added. “There are a lot more people in town more worthy of this than me, but I thank you. I’m very honored.”
Closing the meeting, Adams added, “Norm is just the type of person we like (to give this award to). You have humility, and you do it (volunteer) for the reason it’s done for, and not for recognition.”