This year, we are honored to select Robert Hibner and Don Luken, two CCP founders and former committee members, as grand marshals.

Robert Hibner passed away in 2008 and Donald Luken passed in 1998.

Three of Robert Hibner’s family members, Bob, Joe and Mike Hibner, who also served on the CCP committee, have agreed to represent him as parade marshals this year.

In 1961, Robert Hibner had the vision to put on a community picnic. He presented his idea to Don Luken. They formed a committee and held the first CCP meeting Aug. 2, 1961, at the former Betties Restaurant. They created the first slogan: “The library is for the mind, the park is for the body.”

All proceeds from every CCP since have been donated back to help fund projects for the library and park.

We thank Robert Hibner, Don Luken and every CCP committee member who served after them for carrying on our favorite tradition!

This is the 65th year of the Coldwater Community Picnic. We selected the theme “It Takes a Village,” as it truly takes an entire community to put on such a great event.

We can’t wait to see all of you July 31-Aug. 3 at this year’s picnic!