ARCHIVE

Committee recognizes Gene Winkler

He's a fixture at most civic functions — operating a sound system, unloading chairs and tables, or helping in some other way.

He's the volunteer's volunteer.

So it's no wonder that the Chingawassa Days Steering Committee decided to make this year "The Year of Gene."

Gene Winkler was not a committee member at its inception but he was an active member for the next 10 years. Last year was his last festival as a committee member.

"I was elected to Marion City Council and decided I needed to give up something. It was a tough decision but I decided to give up being on the Chingawassa Days committee," he said.

The 60-something Marion resident has spent more than 35 years as an EMS volunteer, and serves as treasurer of Marion Kiwanis, Marion Country Club, and Marion Chamber of Commerce.

One of Gene's responsibilities during the past several years was working with committee member Mike Powers and figuring out the logistics for the Saturday night entertainment.

Gene said he secured the sound equipment and managed the preparation part while Mike handled the bands.

"I intend to participate this year," Gene said. He said he's always wanted to do the poker run, poker tournament, and some of the other events but couldn't because he was a member of the committee.

And now he can.

But Gene's not totally walking away from volunteering for the festival. He plans to help scoop ice cream Friday night and his business, G&J Videos, still is the place for buying tickets via mail order.

During the past 10 years, Gene said the biggest challenge for the group has always been securing the Saturday night entertainment.

He's looking forward to hearing the Diamond W Wranglers perform Friday night and thinks the band will fill a niche.

"This band will be a good draw for the older people," Gene said, adding that there hasn't been a lot of entertainment for people in their 60s.

Another reason for resigning from the committee was to spend more time motorcycle riding, something he and his wife, Doris, enjoy together.

Gene said he will miss the camaraderie and being there with everybody for the weekend but there's an "up side" to being a festival-goer.

"I'm going to enjoy the festival as a participant instead of as a worker," he said.

Quantcast