For the second year in a row, we had perfect weather for Community Day. Saturday started out rather chilly, so for the vendors and those playing or watching the 9 a.m. soccer games, layering was a must. But, by late morning, sweatshirts were shed, shorts replaced jeans and sneakers were traded for flip-flops. My idea of a perfect day!

And it was a perfect celebration of our community. I don’t think there was anyone I know who lives in Stanfordville who was not at the big event Saturday. Between all of the activities, contests, shows and the terrific weather, everyone in town seemed to have turned out. We even had a few guests from out of town in the form of candidates for state and national offices. 

I had a very special treat when Larry McKeough asked Bridget if she would like to ride in back of his antique pickup in the parade and then invited me to join him in front. What an incredible vehicle that is. It’s a 1920 Willys Whippet that was once a car. According to Larry, it was common in wartime for farmers to convert cars into pickups because trucks were scarce during those years. Larry also told me that in the early 1900s, Willys was one of the largest carmakers in the U.S. (Some Google research indicates that from 1912 to 1918, Willys was actually the second-largest car manufacturer in America, second only to Ford.)

Larry told me he’s had the truck since the 1970s, when he bought it with his brother. Soon, his brother lost interest in historic cars and bought himself a “modern” 1975 Barracuda. So, the Willys restoration project slowed as Larry was now doing it alone.

“After Debbie and I got married,” Larry tells, “we moved several times. We would just pack the truck in the moving van along with our furniture.”

Finally, some years ago, Larry got serious about finally restoring it and it is now on display occasionally in the McKeough’s Farm and Home Center store or parking lot. It is really nifty inside – beautifully restored and the engine purrs like a kitten. The clutch apparently isn’t the easiest thing in the world to operate, but Larry did a terrific job keeping us moving along at parade speed (slow).

I had great fun riding in this classic vehicle in the parade and even though I had to hitch a ride back to my car afterward, it was worth it!

All in all, Community Day was a rousing success and as always, we thank the Stanford Grange and President Margaret Plantier for organizing the event. Also, special recognition goes out to the Stanford Garden Club for running the flower and vegetable show and to Karen Gale for arranging all of the entertainment. The Lions Club also deserves our thanks for all of their support and for organizing the flea market. Supervisor Virginia Stern arranged the rain-barrel workshop and also ran the artists showcase. We thank her as well for her dedication and commitment to our town and to Community Day.

Thank you also to all the vendors, community organizations, the Stanford Recreation Commission and the performers who donated their time. It was a spectacular celebration of community and friendship and we thank you all for your hard work on our behalf.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Heidi Johnson