Oneida Tractor Supply Says ‘Thank You Hometown Heroes’
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Oneida Tractor Supply Says ‘Thank You Hometown Heroes’
Photos by Jodi Bond
Oneida Mayor Lori Phillips-Jones was on hand at Tractor Supply for the store’s Hometown Heroes salute. The Mayor helped present a check to local fire departments, above, and served as a special guest judge for the pie contest, pictured below, with the winners.
By Shane Gilreath
[email protected]
Over the weekend, Tractor Supply brought the community together to honor the area’s veterans and First Responders with its “Salute to Our Hometown Heroes” celebration. The event, organized by Manager Mike Greenwood and held Saturday along Alberta Street in Oneida, offered a heartfelt tribute to the many local men and women who have proudly served in the Armed Forces, as well as those who continue to protect and serve through careers as America’s lauded First Responders. Area fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, and forestry service were all recognized by the national chain.
The store’s patrons and local families enjoyed a variety of events that allowed the community a firsthand look at the careers that included multiple firetrucks, as one hoisted the flag high into the air over the store’s entryway. As part of the celebration, Tractor Supply presented $500 donations to two fire departments in appreciation for their on-going dedication and service to the community.
Adding to the hometown atmosphere, vendors provided the feel of a Farmers Market, including Amish donuts that were made on site and the first-ever Pie Baking Challenge, which, according to Greenwood, pitted community bakers against “the big guns” of the local heroes. As a pet kangaroo was seen on the grounds, Lorenzo Garcia, the proprietors of Lona’s Loven Oven, and Oneida Mayor Lori Phillips-Jones served as special judges for a good-natured, hometown competition that brought joy – and a taste of Autumn – to the audience.
“Hometown Heroes is a great chance to celebrate our First Responders—from fire to EMS, military and law enforcement,” Phillips-Jones told SCN. “These are the folks who put their lives on the line for the public every day. We should come out to support them so their service does not go unnoticed or unthanked. This celebration was full of good things like community fellowship…and pie,” the mayor added.
First place in the pie contest went to Sarah Hollers for an apple pie entry. Second place went to Mary Sims and third place to Robyn Davis, who was represented by her husband, Andy.
The day ended with smiles, gratitude, and a renewed sense of pride in Scott County’s heroes – past and present.
