Williamstown Ice Cream Social enjoyed by many
By JEFFREY SAULTONWILLIAMSTOWN - Tomlinson Park was filled with the sights, sounds and odors of the 64th annual Williamstown Ice Cream Social.
Joe Ruf, chief of the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department, said Friday's event brings more than 1,000 people to the park every year.
"We get at least 1,000 people in the park for the social," he said. "It's the same when the weather is bad and when it's a beautiful evening like this year. Everything is on track for a successful social."
Ruf said the supplies of drinks, hot dogs and trimmings, cakes, pies and, of course, ice cream appeared to be more than sufficient for the 2008 edition. Cakes and pies sold at the event were donated by individuals in the community, Ruf said.
Ruf, who has been with the department since 1952, said the event is part social gathering and part reunion for Williamstown High School classes.
Suzi Adkins and Judy Adkins Segall said they attend the social every year to catch up and visit with old friends and classmates.
Adkins, who lives in Oklahoma City, Okla., said the social is something she looks forward to every year.
"I look for all our old friends at the reunion," she said. "This is the event of the year in Williamstown."
Segall said she moved away from the area but then moved to Marietta from New Jersey a few years ago.
"This is the one place to go and see everyone in town," she said. "Everybody here comes to the ice cream social."
Fenton Taylor of Pomeroy, Ohio, said he was at the social to see old friends and to attend the reunion for the Williamstown High School Class of 1963.
"We came here to come back home for a visit and for the reunion," he said.
Ruf said the social does not have entertainment lined up like other summer events. He said the town's social does not need entertainment with all the visiting taking place.
The event is the largest fundraiser for the department, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. Last year's event raised between $6,000 and $7,000 for equipment, Ruf said. Proceeds are applied toward the purchase of equipment and to upgrade programs.
