The 26th annual Otto Township Old Home Days kicked off this past weekend with record breaking numbers in participation and attendance for the multitude of events and activities.

It was a record-setting year in many ways, with estimates suggesting that it was the largest crowd in Old Home Days history.
For instance, the car show had a record 163 entries. The winner for best-of-show car was Gary Ford of Grove City. “He had the most beautiful ’68 Dodge Charger RT,” said Gary Hoy,  president of Street Dreams Car Club. Ford was rewarded with a trophy.
The winner for best-of-show bike was Justin McDivitt, with his 2016 Harley Davidson. He was also rewarded with a trophy.

The Southern Tier Tractor Pulls set a new record this year, too, as they had 42 tractors competing.
The food vendors had a very successful night as well.

“This is great to hear considering that many of these vendors are local fire departments and other non profit community organizations,” said Mat Coast, an Old Home Days committee member.
The parade had a big resurgence in participation this year with 24 organizations participating, many of them having multiple pieces in the parade.
The Redneck Olympics had 26 teams this year, yet another new record. The competition kicked off with the lighting of the Redneck Olympic flame by last year’s champions, Shawn Gray and Dan Dalton. This year’s champions were Nathan Booth and Mat Coast. Competition was very strong this year with the top three being separated by just five points.
“The fireworks were incredible as always,” said Coast, who credited those behind the scenes who make them possible.

Coast mentioned that the record-breaking event wouldn’t have been possible or as successful without all of the efforts from the volunteers, and the participation of everyone in attendance.

The Otto-Eldred Regional Police Department had zero incidents to report.