Published: October 11, 2008 02:00 am            

HARVEST HOMECOMING: Annual luncheon isn’t all business; 2008 event honors heroes

Vernon Niemeier has been involved in Harvest Homecoming for 39 years. He has watched the festival grow from a few booths to one of the biggest events in the state.

He remembers when the annual business luncheon on the Friday of booth days was attended by only a handful of people.

“It was real small. We had a hard time selling tickets,” Niemeier said as he gazed at Friday’s crowd inside the riverfront tent. “Now, it’s so big.”

From only a few businessmen to more than 800 people, the luncheon has taken on its own identity. It has become the event to attend and there is a waiting list for tickets each year.

“It’s probably one of the biggest events of Harvest Homecoming,” said Art Niemeier, Vernon’s son and a former president of the festival. “It’s one of the few times when the business community in New Albany comes together. There are getting to be more events for businesses because many are working closer together. But this is the place to be.”

This year’s theme was Hometown Heroes, and along with skits that kept the crowd entertained, several local heroes were introduced. Those honored included police officers, firefighters, teachers, doctors and military personnel. It was well received by all participants.

“I think it’s great to have people support you. I wish we had more,” said Marine Sgt. Josh Logsdon who was waiting backstage ready to be introduced. “I think it’s good for the military, police and fire department and everyone else who serves the community.”

Work on the luncheon begins early in the year when the festival’s president comes up with the theme. Committee member Tina Geary said as soon as the luncheon is over, the work actually begins.

“There is a lot of work that goes into it,” she said. “But it all comes together.”

Like it did Friday.

“I think the luncheon is such a tradition. It’s an opportunity that people have to come together and see friends they haven’t seen in a year,” said Amy Niemeier. “It’s also a good place to network.”

Harvest Homecoming President Bill Greenwell said the luncheon is what the festival is all about — it brings the community together.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s a place where you can go, see friends, and just have a good time.”

        

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