Hartland in Hindsight #10- Community Celebrations
Although in its broad definition “community” simply means a group of people living in the same place or having a common characteristic, a deeper sense of community extends beyond this surface interpretation. Community, in a broader explanation, encompasses feelings of belonging and living in fellowship with the people around you. As Hartland Township has continued to grow, our connections to others must be intentional in order for residents to develop a sense of belonging. Some of the greatest examples of this intentionality have been accomplished through our community celebrations.
Our oldest Hartland tradition is the beloved Memorial Day Parade. Since 1936, this community event has brought residents together for a day of remembrance and honoring our nation’s veterans. The day kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast at Village Elementary put on by the Band Boosters program. A Memorial Day Run/Walk through the Village of Hartland brings out athletes and spectators alike before the Epley Park setup begins. And as crowds fill the streets, a historic plane flyover is followed by a moment of silence in memory of those we have lost before the parade commences at noon.
All this cumulates in the big event- the Hartland Memorial Day Parade. For generations, young and old have watched and participated in the parade. Many who have grown up in Hartland have memories of working on float preparation or walking with their favorite community group. Memorial Day festivities in Hartland provide the perfect venue for longtime residents to catch up with old friends and newcomers to make connections.
“Having been here almost 4 decades and having watched the growth of Hartland, it is really encouraging to see the community come out to enjoy and support our community-wide events,” says Township Treasurer and longtime resident Kathie Horning. “Even though we have grown in numbers we still have a small-town feel. I’ve never felt prouder to be a Hartland Resident than I am right now.”
In 2015, a new community event was added to our calendar. A success from inception, Hartland Winterfest welcomed over 2,500 community members in its inaugural year. This free event is made possible through the work of dedicated community volunteers and organizations, and through the generous donations of local business sponsors. Families spend the day enjoying outdoor winter activities and listening to live performances in the warming tents. As dusk approaches, a firework show lights up the winter skies.
“Adding Winterfest to our growing list of community events has been major win for Hartland,” says Township Clerk and Winterfest Chairperson Larry Ciofu. “Sponsored by local businesses, Winterfest illustrates what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common purpose.”
And as other events, such as Polar Express Day, the Polo Classic, and Large Item Clean-Up Day grow in numbers we look to the expansion of community events in the future. If there’s one message that Hartland Township Board, employees, and volunteers want you to hear it’s this: get involved- be a part of our special events- build our community as we all build connections!
