Changes announced for Soldiers Reunion
For the first time in fifty years someone other than Wayne Dellinger is going to head up Soldiers Reunion in Catawba County. Dellinger informed the Soldiers Reunion committee this month that he was retiring. In a statement released last week, Dellinger said he appreciated his time serving the community and hoped the celebration would continue to succeed.
Dellinger became chairman in 1972 and grew the annual patriotic event from the small parade and single day event to a week-long celebration with many events to pay respect to the veterans of Catawba County.
The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree as Dellinger’s two grandsons; Will and Alex Yoder were elected by the Soldiers Reunion Inc., Board of Directors at a meeting held this week.
“These young men have grown up volunteering and helping with every aspect of Soldiers Reunion. They are familiar with the financial aspects as well as every logistical concern we face,” said Vice Chair of Soldiers Reunion Yerby Ray.
Will and Alex will co-chair the Board of Directors that consists of Yerby Ray as Vice Chair, Debbie Huss as Treasurer, Mike Sherrill as Secretary, and Zachary Duncan as an at-large member.
“My brother and I hope to lead with the combined experience of our board,” said Alex. Ray, Huss, and Sherrill have each been involved with Soldiers Reunion for many decades and have worked behind the scenes organizing and running the many events that constitute Soldiers Reunion.
“This year will be a challenge as two of the primary streets in Newton that we use for activities are scheduled to be under construction but we are working with the city of Newton so Soldiers Reunion will go smoothly and better than before,” Will Yoder said.
“Not only do we have a change in leadership but we are excited to announce that there will be some new highlights this year,” Ray announced.“All of the events that we have held in the past, the beauty pageant, car cruise, gospel night, beach music night, baby parade, pet mania, street dance, the activities on reunion day and the parade will still continue but we are adding a golf cart parade and a special fund raising opportunity that we will announce in a few days,” he added.
In addition to the new event and fundraising effort the boards of directors are implementing a revamped website where registration for the events and parades can take place as well as spread information to the community.
“We are gearing up for a community meeting so we can recruit volunteers and sponsors so please be patient until we set the date,” Alex said.
2023 marks the 134th year that they event has been held in the county seat of Catawba County. Soldiers Reunion is one of the oldest patriotic celebrations in the nation has long been recognized as an unofficial homecoming for natives of Catawba County.