Contest Winners
2024 Hay Bale Toss
Women's Division
1. Megan Platt - YMCA gift certificate (need to get this to you) and Cagney's gift cards
2. Ashley Harneshfeger-McConnell - Cinema 10 Movie passes and popcorn
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Men's Division
1. DJ Higdon
1. Daron Scudder
1. Mark ?
These guys split pizza gift cards from Cagney's and Greeks, Cinema 10 movie passes, and a YMCA gift certificate.
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Kids' Division
1. Bella Scudder
2. Ethan ?
Both kids received several passes to Rupert's Arcade!
2024 Gun Raffle
Winners by Order of the Draw
James Huntsman
Jordan Caldwell
Brad Yantiss
Pam Lochard
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2024 House Decorating
1. The Jaspers - Columbia St.
Chicken Inn gift cards from KeyBank and Chicken Inn
2. Patty Schonfeld - S. Elm St.
Waldron Restaurant gift certificate
3. Jeanette Hood - N. Eden Way
Nostalgia on 9 gift certificate
**All participants will receive and Waldron Mohawk coaster set
2024 Float Decorating
1. The Cecil Family - Cagneys' gift cards
2. WHS Football - Pizza Hut gift certificates
3. Girl Scouts - Greek's Pizza gift cards

2025 Gun Raffle
Sponsored by Nationwide Contracting
To purchase tickets, contact Jason Yantiss 317-517-8872 or Deb Dalley 317-840-8816
OUR 2025 GRAND MARSHALS
Heart of the Community: Hugh & Ruthie Garner

Announcing our other Grand Marshal of Freedom Festival Parade 2025- Mr. Hugh Garner!
Our committee has chosen Hugh as a grand marshal because of his dedication to all things Waldron for many, many years. He became a Mohawk his freshman year of high school. At that time, students could spend one day at Waldron and another day at Milroy and then could choose. Hugh chose Waldron, because he felt it was a good school and there was great discipline here. It didn’t hurt that the love of his life, Ruthie, was also a Mohawk!
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After high school, Hugh served four years in the Air Force, spending most of his time in California, Texas, and Oklahoma. He married Ruth in 1960 and eventually became the parents of a son, Bill. Hugh worked for Mormon Manufacturing, but eventually farmed for several years until he retired just four years ago. Upon retirement, he had more time for his hobby of woodworking, and he made many beautiful items and pieces of furniture for Ruthie.
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Hugh’s other passion is anything to do with Waldron school, especially sports. He is often seen at games of basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and tennis. He commented that he simply loves the nice kids and people at the games, and they are like family to him.
Over the years, Hugh has helped with various projects in the school, such as fixing the lights in the scoreboards and helping with festival cleanup. He and Ruth also donated the huge flag which comes out of the ceiling in our new gym for the Star-Spangled Banner. He said he wanted people to pay attention to the flag and to show proper respect, and he felt that the big flag would help this to happen. He is right!
When asked if he had words of wisdom for us, Hugh said that he thinks it is important to be polite and friendly to others. As a people person, Hugh enjoys talking with others and has learned that when you are nice to others, they tend to reciprocate. Well, Hugh, you certainly practice what you preach! You love Waldron, and Waldron loves you in return! Congratulations!
Leaving a Legacy - Mark Smith

Mark Smith is one of those quiet hero type of guys. Our committee has chosen him as a member of our Waldron school family who spends the majority of his waking hours taking care of the Waldron school grounds. His main duties include keeping up with the grass, maintaining the ball diamonds, snow removal, and outdoor maintenance of all kinds; but Mark does so much more! He treats this place as his own and is a friend to all. Why Mark doesn’t run when he sees me walking toward him with a notebook in my hand is beyond me… but like he does with everyone, Mark is always willing to help, and that includes helping with 1 million details to do with our freedom festivals year after year. He helps all of us with that little smile and sense of humor…. and an amazing work ethic! Mark has also saved our school a lot of money, because he often fixes stuff instead of throwing broken items out and buying a new one. Mark is truly one of a kind!
Here are a few extra facts about Mark.
He is married to Teresa, and they have four sons and lots of grandkids and even some great grandkids. Mark was born in Rush County and grew up on a farm. Maybe that is where he learned his love of the outdoors?
Mark is the recipient of a kidney (in 2016), after dealing with dialysis for about three years. He was in Wisconsin when he received a call that he needed to come home right away for a new kidney and a new lease on life.
Mark has been living and working in Waldron since 2007. When asked what he likes about Waldron, he said that he likes that it is quiet! He chuckled when mentioning how there are even cows behind the baseball diamond and how the kids at baseball games love to feed them grass.
Next year, Mark and Teresa will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It looks like they will be going on a cruise, and we hope they have the best time ever!
When asked what he likes to do in his spare time, he said that he likes to stay home and relax, watch TV, and fall asleep. When asked if he had any words of wisdom for all of us, he said that we should all try to enjoy life.
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Mark, congratulations on being one of our honored grand marshals. We look forward to seeing you, probably with one of your grandkids, in the parade on July 5! Thank you for being you!

Freedom Fest T-Shirts
Front Back
Sizes and prices:
Adult small -- XXL = $15
Adult XXXL = $18
I am happy to ask the printer about additional sizing, if needed.
Pre-event sales are open NOW!

You can email your order to: waldronfreedomfestvendors@gmail.com
Please include the number and size shirts you are ordering, as well as payment method.
*T-shirts will be available for pick up in Waldron.
ORDERS AND PAYMENT ARE DUE: THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH
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**payment options:
VENMO: @Amy-Dingman-6 (0400 - last 4 of my phone number)
Cash App: $DPFAMILY
Mail a check to: Amy Dingman, 1661 E. Main St. Greenfield, IN 46140
***Please note - without payment, Orders cannot be placed.***
