A Note from our President:

Howdy, partners!

Our Holiday at Home Planning Committee has been workin’ harder than a ranch hand at sunrise, gettin’ everything ready for the 2025 Labor Day Weekend festival—a weekend filled with family, fun, and good ol’ country spirit!

This year, we’re goin’ all out with our theme: “Holiday at Home Going Country.” So dust off your boots and round up the family, ‘cause we’ve got a lineup that’ll have y’all grinnin’ wider than a coyote in a henhouse!

Over at Lincoln Park on Sunday and Monday, you’ll find a free children’s area packed with games for young’uns of all ages, live country music to get your toes tappin’, and a whole corral of arts and crafts vendors for some one-of-a-kind shopping. When hunger strikes, mosey on over to our food concessions servin’ up some mighty tasty grub.

Car enthusiasts, we ain’t forgotten about you! Sunday, we’ll be showcasin’ VW cars, and on Monday, don’t miss the invitational auto show. And of course, no Labor Day is complete without the Holiday at Home Parade, kickin’ off at 10 AM sharp on Monday morning—so grab your spot early!

This here festival wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated Holiday at Home members, hardworking volunteers, generous sponsors, and the great folks at the City of Kettering. A big ol’ thank you to each and every one of y’all!

We can’t wait to see ya at one—or all—of our events this year. So saddle up and join us for a rootin’, tootin’ good time!

Best wishes,
Jennifer Hart
President

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

GALA

Saturday 8/30/2025 6:00p-10:00p at the Presidential Banquet Center

ARTS & CRAFTS HOURS

Sunday 8/31/2025 10:00a-6:00p
Monday 9/1/2025 10:00a-5:00p

Children’s zone

Sunday 8/31/2025 11:00a-6:00p
Monday 9/1/2025 11:00a-5:00p

Concessions

Sunday 8/31/2025 10:00a-6:00p
Monday 9/1/2025 10:00a-5:00p

Parade

Monday 9/1/2025 9:55a-12:00p

5K run/walk

Monday 9/1/2025
- Kids Run starts at 7:50a
- 5K starts at 8:00a

Auto show

Sunday 8/31/2025 VW Auto Show 11:00a-4:00p
Monday 9/1/2025 Invitational Auto Show 12:00p-5:00p

Grand Marshal 2025

DOUG SORRELL

Doug Sorrell, a Miamisburg native has been selected this year’s Grand Marshal for Holiday at Home. Listed below are some highlights of his accomplishments:

Graduated from the original class of the International Broadcasting School
Was one of the creators of WTUE radio station
Served on the original committee for the Dayton Children’s Christmas Festival
Rode in the Kettering Holiday at Home Parade with the Antioch Shrine Mounted Patrol as well as other notable parades
As a 33rd Degree Mason, served in the Shrine Fraternity as a member in Dayton, serving as Potentate
Worked in the family business “Sorrell’s” Western Shop
Elected to Miamisburg City Council
Co-Founded Miamisburg Citizen of the Year Program
Helped create the Miamisburg Spring Fling event
Over a forty-six year period was involved in the auction of 35,000 equines and was inducted to the National Hall of Fame of equines auction activities
Was an auctioneer for over 1000 Charity Galas across America which generated over 50 million dollars
Auctioned City of Kettering “Sidewalk Cars” event
As a Horse Show Official, judged nationwide events
Currently president on the Committee that restored & reopened the long shuttered non -profit Historic Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg.
Past President of both the Great Lakes Shrine Horse Patrols & International Shrine Horse Patrol Associations
Conducted auctions to support our Olympic Equestrian Team

2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the board: Lisa Rusak

President: Jennifer Hart

Vice President: Ed Koehnen

Treasurer: Jordan Wyant

Quick Dates

Annual Gala: August 30, 2025
Arts & Crafts: August 31-September 1, 2025
Auto Show:August 31-September 1, 2025
Children’s Zone: August 31-September 1, 2025
5K Race:September 1, 2025
Parade: September 1, 2025

Interested In Being A Holiday At Home Volunteer?

Kettering Holiday at Home has plenty of volunteer opportunities from middle schoolers up to retirees and seniors! We offer a rewarding opportunity to give back to the South Dayton community which also can fulfill community service or volunteer hour requirements for schools, clubs, or even your employer. We would LOVE to have you join us. We have jobs that are a little as 2 – 3 hours or as long as an entire day (or weekend if you’d like to join our committee). If you’re interested in joining with us to spreading a little joy and make a difference in your community, simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!

I'm Interested!

ACTIVITIES

INFORMATION

A Brief History Of Holiday At Home

The Holiday At Home celebration began on Labor Day, 1959, under the sponsorship of the Kettering YMCA which held the event to promote a membership drive. It was known then as “Kettering Day.” The YMCA board accepted a suggestion from President Robert Eichenlaub to plan a community parade and program. The events first year success was so great that it was deemed worthwhile to conduct for a second year. Many leaders of the community and the YMCA worked together to organize a parade and evening program. From this well-organized beginning, Holiday At Home was refined and enlarged to the present Labor Day weekend festival that is now enjoyed by thousands of south suburban residents and visitors. The name, Holiday At Home, was selected through a contest. It promotes the idea of staying at home over the holiday weekend, rather than becoming part of the large group of travelers at that time. Kettering is used in the name to indicate the location; however, the festivities are intended for all of the communities south of Dayton. All southern communities and townships are invited to share in the Holiday At Home activities and to become part of the organization.