Volume 2, Issue 9 JULY 26, 2024
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• Brendan Samuels/Echo
• Contributed Photos
A decade of Heroes on the Dunes By Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
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Another successful installment of Heroes on the Dunes saw hundreds of attendees in Silver Lake over the weekend, with several events taking place between Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. This is the tenth year the popular event has taken place, honoring military personnel and first responders, and according to Janet Dodge, one of
the organizers, attendance has only continued to grow. “We had good attendance, with probably around 740 people, including Heroes and their family members,” Dodge said. “We had just over 220 volunteers. It just keeps growing, with every year topping the previous one.” Dodge and other organizers are always looking for opportunities to add new things to the itinerary. This year, the popular fly over on the dunes by Hooligans Flight Team was replaced with two new elements.
“People love the Hooligans Flight Team, but it’s always nice to see something different,” Dodge said. “This year we added paratroopers and had a Huey helicopter fly over during the event. The helicopter even landed at Val-Du afterward, so people were able to walk around and view that right up close.” Even with 220 volunteers, Dodge noted that they’re always looking for more help – in whatever form that comes in. “We would not be able to do this event without our volunteers,” Dodge said. “An army comes together to put
this on for heroes and their family members, but we’re always looking for more volunteers and any financial support. “You never really understand the impact an event has until you come out and experience it. Once you do, you’ll understand what it means to the heroes.” Heroes on the Dunes is put on by The Heroes Organization. The group hosts several events each year, with their next one, a color run, taking place in St. Helen, Mich. Saturday, Oct. 14.
Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show and Camp leave lasting impact 4-H Program Coordinator Jennifer Payne said she is excited to share with this community “the wonderful experiences and successes from the 2024 Oceana County 4-H Horse Camp and the Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show. The Oceana 4-H Horse Developmental Committee hosted this enriching event at the Oceana County Fairgrounds from July 18-20, concluding with the memorial show on the final day. “The 4-H members enjoyed an array of activities, both on and off horseback, fostering camaraderie and learning throughout the camp. They participated in fun games (stick horse jumping, musical chairs, limbo, egg on a spoon and toilet paper race), crafts (air fresheners), and sessions enhancing their horsemanship skills and creating lasting memories,” she explained. “We were honored to have several expert clinicians donate their time and knowledge to educate our youth.”
These included: Ashley Mauer, Mauer Equine Sports Care, conducted an insightful presentation on massage and PEMF therapy. Zack Hintz demonstrated harnessing and driving techniques. Melissa Dewitt, Trail representative of Michigan Horse Council offered valuable
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tips on trail riding and preparation. Shawnna Burns provided a western pleasure lesson. Addison Lohman, Dynamic Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, held a chiropractic session focused on horses. “A special highlight was the Hart Fire Department’s visit, where they cooled off our 4-Hers by spraying them with water, much to the delight of everyone involved,” Payne said. “The camp culminated with the Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show on July 20, featuring a combination of jumping and speed events. The show provided an excellent platform for the participants to showcase their skills and hard work. “Overall, the 2024 Oceana County 4-H Horse Camp and Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show were resounding successes. The participants left with a deeper understanding of their horse projects, stronger bonds with fellow 4-H members and a collection of cherished memories.”
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