[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 189 (Wednesday, November 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THANK YOU, DON SMRECAK

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 1995

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, grand events often start from small ones, 
and keeping them grand requires a special skill. Over the years the 
Munger Potato Festival has grown from a local event attracting area 
residents to one which today boasts over 42,000 people who over a 4-day 
period celebrate the importance of potatoes to the local economy with a 
carnival, contests, wonderful food, and memories galore. Don Smrecak 
has served as the chairman of the festival for 10 years, and his tenure 
will always be fondly remembered.
  During his term, the festival grew to its present size. He created a 
special Kids Day, when children age 5 to 12 are able to participate in 
games free of charge. Every participant wins a prize for being 
involved. This follows his work on the parade committee for several 
years which helped make this parade one of the most attractive of all 
area events.
  Don has been a member of the Munger Volunteer Firemen Corps, the 
sponsoring organization for the festival, for over 20 years. He 
continues to serve on various festival committees, as well as serving 
as the finance chairman of St. Norbert Church in Munger.
  Don and his wife Lori have two children, who have been blessed in 
their family to see the value of giving to one's community. What better 
lesson could we ask our young people to learn than the importance of 
being involved as a volunteer to help make your home town an even 
better place? The Munger Potato Festival has done this by providing an 
important source of funding for recreational activities and facilities 
that are used throughout the year in Munger and Merritt Township.
  Mr. Speaker, when a town of 1,700 is visited by 42,000, a major 
impact is felt. The Munger Potato Festival has been vitally important 
in helping to provide resources to a wonderful small community, and it 
is because of dedicated, willing people, like Don Smrecak. I urge you 
and all of our colleagues to join me in thanking Don for his years of 
service to his community.

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