Jennifer Pieratt was at the helm of the annual KILA Fish Fry Friday evening, featuring Joel Byer’s famous fried perch. Frank and Dean performed their classic favorites, and over 200 people had a great dinner and wonderful evening.
Saturday kicked off with the Homecoming Parade; islanders love a good parade! Superintendent Ben Ohlemacher and the Kelleys Island Estes School students served as the Grand Marshalls celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the school. The weather was perfect, and newcomers, the Huron Cheerleaders, took the parade’s first prize. Back at the Pavilion, the Island Singers, joined by Josie Gaither and the Island Cello Quartet, performed God Bless America and the National Anthem in the opening ceremony.
The cheerleaders gave an encore performance after that. Fat City, perpetual musical favorites, entertained attendees while they enjoyed an old fashioned cookout and delicious pies from the pie contest participants. Back to the Wild brought their wildlife education program, and people enjoyed the wares of our vendors.
Thank you to all of our volunteers; they are too numerous to list, and I am afraid I will leave someone out. You know who you are. Thank you also to Dockers and The Pump who allowed us to use their cooler and supplied us with ice for our refreshments.
I also want to acknowledge our sponsor, Shores & Islands Ohio, who awarded KILA a generous grant to support Homecoming weekend.
The success of this weekend will be passed forward by donations from KILA for projects led by island organizations. Apply for funding on the KILA website if you have a project that supports our island.
The KILA Annual Meeting will be Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:00 am at Estes School. All KILA members, current and potential, are encouraged to attend. You will hear about the year’s activities and future plans. Directors will be elected to serve on the KILA Board. Active KILA members seeking nomination for a director position are encouraged to email info@kila.rocks. We welcome new directors, so if you want to get involved with fellow landowners, please contact us.
KILA’s annual Family Halloween Hayride and celebration will be on Kids’ Halloween Weekend on Saturday October 17 from 3:00-5:00. Dress up in your Halloween costumes and enjoy an afternoon of crafts, hot dogs, sweets, and of course a hayride at the Kelleys Island 4-H Camp, rain or shine.
Fall on Kelleys Island is awesome!
Homecoming fun!
