Peace! Love! Good vibes for Millersburg homecoming
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
One of the most active service organizations in Presque Isle County will serve as this year’s Millersburg Homecoming grand marshals.
The hardworking volunteers from Millersburg Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 4482, who have given back so much since their founding, received the nod by the homecoming committee.
The organization will get a head start on their 20th anniversary, starting with the parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, and then under the tent at 3 p.m. for a ceremony at the Millersburg Trailhead for the North Eastern State Trail.
It’s where the bulk of homecoming activities will take place during the “feeln’ groovy in the ‘burg’ ” celebration.
Right from the start, the Millersburg Eagles have been community-minded.
Founded in October 2004, with the building going up in 2007 along M-68, members took over the popular Easter Egg Hunt at the Case Township Community Center (CTCC), but have done so much more for youth, Millersburg residents, along with high school students from Rogers City and Onaway.
“We do a lot, Special Olympics, kids’ Christmas party, Project Connect, diabetes camp,” said Colleen Kaltz, who is part of the active auxiliary and has helped build the organization into what it is today. They also have funded scholarship for Rogers City and Onaway students.
“We also help the fire department,” said Larry Kaltz, who is a founding member.
“We have lots of fundraisers, we give a lot of money away,” said Colleen. “We do the food pantries also, Onaway and Rogers City. We do a lot for the kids, more than anything.” She said the Eagles also support cancer fighting causes such as Relay for Life in Alpena and have walked in their event.
“It’s an honor to be recognized. There has been a lot of work that has gone into getting us to where we are now,” said Larry.
What makes it enjoyable being a member?
“It’s like one big family, because you get Eagles’ members from different clubs that come in, and everybody has the same interests,” added Larry.
Members are encouraged to show up to walk or ride the parade route with lineup starting at 11 a.m. along Freel Highway. The club currently boasts about 500 members.
The Millersburg weekend party starts Friday with music from Local Marshall Chapman from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Waylon Hanel from 7 to 10 p.m.
Food vendor, Detroit Frankie’s Pizza, will be on-site both Friday and Saturday along with other vendors.
Saturday starts with the pickleball tournament at the courts near the CTCC.
Immediately following the parade, The Blitz will provide live entertainment from noon to 3 p.m. and then again from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
The cornhole tournament, that is usually busting at the seams with participants, kicks off at 12:30 p.m., and there will be a best-dressed contest for those donning way out, groovy threads.
The duck race is at 6 p.m.
The annual Millersburg Area Firefighters Association bump ‘n’ run is Sunday starting at 1 p.m.
