Zane’s Trace Commemoration Continues with Parade, Entertainment and Community Spirit – WHIZ

Interviewed by WHIZ reporter Gabe Hutton

The second day of the Zane’s Trace Commemoration wrapped up with a full schedule of activities, entertainment and family-friendly fun in Putnam.

The day began with a parade and a 5K before crowds gathered at Putnam Park to browse vendors and enjoy a variety of performances throughout the afternoon.

What was once an event that had faded away has found new life over the past several years. Event organizer and Zane’s Trace Commemoration President Rick Buck said the celebration has continued to grow since volunteers revived it five years ago.

“We’ve been here five years now,” Buck said. “This is the fifth year of bringing the event back because we’re trying to get the younger generations out here so they don’t lose the history. It’s history, but it’s fun too. We’ve got kids fishing going on right now, live music, the A to J Dance Studio performing behind us — just a little bit of everything today.”

Activities throughout the day included a kids fishing contest at Putnam Landing, karaoke at the corner of Putnam Avenue and Adams Street, and SCW Pro Wrestling performances.

Buck said community involvement has always been at the heart of the celebration and hopes to see even more residents participate in the future.

“I think it’s good for the community to come out,” Buck said. “It’s a community event. We’re all volunteers, even myself as president, and I’d like to get more community involvement. Back in the 1970s when it started, the whole community came together.”

The celebration continues on Father’s Day with a car show and a full lineup of live music on the main stage from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For anyone still looking for Father’s Day plans, organizers say the final day of the Zane’s Trace.