Another fun-filled festival in Greenfield

I stand corrected on two fronts (so far) this week.

Yes, I accidentally referred to the Greene Countrie Towne Festival as the Wheels of Progress Festival this past weekend. Just once.

To my credit, I did not make that mistake in print. (I did, however, make a different error in print that my friend Tom Stanforth brought to my attention. More on that in a moment.)

One thing I've learned after 32 years in publishing, there is simply no better advice on the planet than that of longtime journalist Arnold Dornfield: "If your mother says she loves you, check it out."

So here's where I went wrong: In trying to add some background information on Shaffer Park to HCP sports editor Stephen Forsha, I wrote that Hillsboro's Eddie Robbins was one of the area's former Major Leaguers. He wasn't. Tom Stanforth was kind enough to point that out.

Today, I looked through some of my old baseball stories and, in my defense, I have written previously that Eddie Robbins was a "professional" baseball player in the early 1970s. That is correct.

And I do recall that Dick Shaffer often said that Robbins was the best player he ever coached. Robbins was 16-14 with a 3.62 ERA in three minor league seasons with the Pirates and Reds (I think).

My apologies to all HCP readers and for leading Mr. Forsha astray. (It doesn't happen all that often!) Rest assured, the error was all mine.

* * *

But back to the Wheels of er, Greene Countrie Towne Festival.

One of the first things I noticed – after almost being run down by the wayward WVNU golf cart operator (hi, Pat) – was that this year's festival included a good, old-fashioned dunking booth.

For my entertainment, there's nothing like a dunking booth. The anticipation with each toss. The look on the "dunkee's" face. The splash of water on a hot summer afternoon. The side wagers.

Yes, I am a fan of the dunking booth. Just ask my wife.

Not long after the near-miss with the aforementioned golf cart, I watched as Brenda Losey's grandson (I think it was, but I've been wrong a lot this week) paid the man for five tosses. The girl on the platform survived the first two throws. But on the third try, the pitch nailed the target. Splash!

I cheered for the pitcher.

* * *

A few minutes later, I was talking to a small group of people about how much they appreciate Brandy Chandler and Stephen Forsha. Well, so do I. But what about … never mind!

Greenfield really seems to support its annual festival. The Greenfield Rotarians do a great job and provide many community services, the majority of which go unreported, but not unnoticed.

Yes, I like to joke with Pat Hays and other Rotarians, but I do realize they are a vital part of their community. I could start name-dropping at any time, but if I do, I'll surely miss some very deserving people. Suffice it to say your efforts are appreciated by all those you have helped through the years.

And, for what it's worth, my family and I had a great time at this year's festival. We had some good food (thought about the "cheese on a stick," but passed), talked with several friends, and watched a great parade. I think I even saw Coach Rick smile a couple of times! (There weren't any referees present.)

Speaking of the parade, two people I will acknowledge are Ohio Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (who has my personal thanks for his words of kindness and support) and Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins.

Counselor Collins had a rather unusual gift for parade watchers. Instead of passing out the traditional candy, she offered ice-cold bottles of water along the parade route on an 87-degree July afternoon.

For what it's worth, I thought that was a very nice gesture.

Of course, there are other ice-cold beverages that fit neatly inside coolers, too. But I digress.

The 2012 Greene Countrie Towne Festival was most enjoyable. It also raised a lot of money for worthwhile causes. Thanks, Greenfield Rotary. Keep up the great work.

And one final word of appreciation is extended to Annette Weller. Her press releases and festival information were greatly appreciated. Thank you, Annette.

Rory Ryan is publisher of The Highland County Press.