Founders Day 2008 was a another resounding success! The annual event in Holland has grown bigger and better each year.

On May 17, 2008 Ruritans from all over the country gathered to celebrate the founding and 80th birthday of our organization.  National President Wayne Outlaw, National Vice-President Donald Worrell, Executive Director Mike Chrisley, numerous National Directors and candidates for National office attended the morning ceremonies.  The annual parade, one of our largest ever with over 100 units, followed the ceremony. 

One of the highlights of the annual parade was the participation of five different local High School Bands.  This year's competition was won by Nansemond River High School of Suffolk, with Southampton High School placing second and Windsor High School third.  This year we also welcomed several new units in the parade, including Kings Fork High School.  The parade was one of our best ever with many floats, marching units, Shriner units of many types, Scouts, livestock, classic cars and many local, state and national dignitaries, including Congressman J. Randy Forbes taking part.

The third year of our Annual BBQ Competition brought out NINE TEAMS, including Ruritans from as far as away as South Carolina.  For the judged event, for First Place the judges chose the South Norfolk Ruritan Club of Chesapeake for the best overall BBQ, followed by the Suffolk Ruritan Club in 2nd place and Holland Ruritan Club Team #1 in Third.  The coveted “People’s Choice Awards” ended up with local favorite Holland Ruritan Club Team #1 taking the title, followed by one of Ruritan's newest clubs, Western Branch of Chesapeake, in second place.  Perpetual favorite the Hickory Ruritan Club, also of Chesapeake, took Third Place.

Entertainment included vocalist Brad Street, the Peanut City Cloggers and singers of several musical genres.  The day ended with a spectacular fireworks display on a clear and beautiful evening.  

The Holland Club would like to thank all who helped us make this day special.  Thanks to all of the clubs who participated in the BBQ contest and to all Ruritans and members of the community who helped make the event a success.  With your help Founders Day is becoming better every year.

We would like to thank the City of Suffolk, Mayor Linda Johnson, Councilman Jeff Gardy, the City of Suffolk Dept of Parks and Recreation, the City of Suffolk Dept of Public Works, and the Suffolk Police Dept.  Without their assistance this event would not have been possible.

A special thanks goes out to the Suffolk Sheriff's Dept for assisting with the parade, traffic control and access to the event field - and we hope that their sunburns are better soon!

Finally, many, many thanks are in order for our event partner, Smithfield Foods and their generous support of Founders Day and Ruritan.

We hope that you will join us in May of 2009 for our
81st Anniversary Celebration!