Millersburg Homecoming draws crowds for annual celebration

The Millersburg Homecoming comes around once every year, and is quite the popular event, drawing crowds for the parade, bump and run competition, and the duck race. This year, the Homecoming was proudly led by lifelong Millersburg residents Eenie and Ivan Auger, who were both honored as the 2006 Grand Marshals.

The annual celebration is sponsored by the Millersburg-Ocqueoc Business Association (MOBA). It was a two-day event packed with activities for the entire family to enjoy.

The 5K Run/Walk kicked off the event Saturday morning. Runners lined up by 8:30 a.m. to partake in the three-mile run or one-mile fun run/walk. Event organizer Wendy Robins said the race was another success for its sixth year running. This year, the top female runner was Mandi Zemda, who finished in an impressive time of 18: 09. The top male runner was Joe Cantwell, who earned a first place trophy for his 17:24 finish.

The popular skeet shooting competition followed the races Saturday morning at the Millersburg Fairgrounds. First place honors went to L. Flemming, while second place was awarded to Marty Scherzer, and third place was Steve Stiles.

The parade began at noon on Saturday with its Mardi Gras theme to commemorate New Orleans during its one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The parade had a nice turnout, and parade participants were treated to a fine lineup of float entries. This year the first place float was awarded to the

Smillie Family.

Other events during the Homecoming Celebration were the Kid Games, River Raft Parade, the Historical Display and Bake Sale, the Ocqueoc Baptist 3-on-3-basketball tournament, and the Sportsmen?s Club Dinner. The annual duck race at Russell Memorial Park also was a crowd pleaser, with proceeds from the ducks going back into the MOBA fund for future celebrations.

Pulling the largest crowd during the weekend was the ever popular Bump and Run, which was at the Millersburg Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon. The event attracted more than 700 spectators and more than 40 participating cars.

The winner of the Fire Association Truck Raffle was Al Meyers of Rogers City.