By Jeanne Beechwood
“Hay Day” is an expression that refers to a period in time of great success, prosperity , or popularity. Often this expression is used to describe a time in the past when someone or something was at its peak or in its prime. You see, the phrase actually originates from the practice of harvesting hay, a very important task in agriculture. When the hay is harvested at the right time and under favorable conditions, it is considered to be in its “hay day” signifying a period of abundance and productivity. The expression has since been adopted to describe a wide range of situations beyond agriculture.
In the case of Harry’s Hay Days, this celebration held May 3 – 4 in Grandview celebrates its 40th year of paying tribute to Harry Truman. Harry Truman grew up on his grandfather’s beloved 600-acre farm in Grandview. He was there when Grandview became a city and got its own post office. In 1917, Truman left to fight in World War I. When he came back after the Armistice, he started on the path to the White House.
Harry’s Hay Days began in 1984 according to Annette Turnbaugh, president of the Grandview Historical Society. The first Friday and Saturday in May was picked because it is close to Harry Truman’s birthday on May 8th. Previous parades included the Ararat Shriners, The Grandview Saddle Club and The Jackson County Mounted Posse. Dignitaries included Frank White, Emanuel Cleaver, Charlie Wheeler, Cathy Jolly and Harry Wiggins. Originally the event was held at Truman Corners shopping center. As the event became more popular with each passing year, it moved to Main Street in Grandview to accommodate the growing attendance.
May 3 kicks off this year’s Harry’s Hay Days. Harry’s Hay Days is truly a community event. Grandview churches, the City, Grandview Chamber of Commerce, Grandview Main Street Association, Grandview Assistance Program, Grandview Historical Society and the National Park Service work together to make this family-friendly event happen. On Friday, the Southern Blues AllStars will play a free concert at the Grandview Amphitheatre. Gates open at 5:30 pm and the concert is from 6 pm to 9 pm. The Amphitheatre’s concession stand will be open to purchase snacks during the concert. Please don’t forget your lawn chairs.
The evening will conclude with a stunning fireworks show by Winco Fireworks.
Saturday, May 4, begins with the parade at 11 am. Starting at Blue Ridge and Grandview Road, the parade will go through to Main and 12th streets. The theme for this year’s 2024 parade is “May the 4th Be With You.” Deck out your speeder bike, land speeder or even your minivan in Star Wars fashion. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative entries.
Grandview Communications Manager Valarie Poindexter confides, “This is a huge undertaking to offer this event for the community. Vendors have been contacting us since early January to participate.” She says there will be over 100 vendors with a variety of offerings. She expects around 3000 to 5000 people to attend this year.
The popular Kids Zone will include bounce houses, mechanical rides, balloon animals and face painting. Caricature artists are on hand for drawn keepsakes. A petting zoo from Thornridge Exotics will feature goats, lemurs, tortoises and kangaroos and more. The Kid Zone is also free.
Vendors will include many choices of food and beverages, unique fashion items and jewelry, toys and numerous crafts for purchase. The VFW Post 8100 & Auxiliary was part of Harry’s Hay Days for the first time in 2023 and will be back again this year. The Grandview Arts Council will be offering art activities for all ages.
The mainstage will include free entertainment for all ages. New performances this year include Tiffany’s School of Dance, The Southern Blue AllStars and The Martin City Melodrama featuring senior rescue dogs as pawformers. A Harry Truman impersonator will be walking around throughout the festival.
Jeanne Beachwood is the Artistic Director of the Martin City Melodrama (located in Grandview).