LITTLE HOCKING — The Little Hocking Volunteer Fire Department’s ice cream social made a triumphant return on Saturday after a five-year absence, drawing a large crowd of community members eager to partake in the festivities.
The event, which began in the early 1970s, had become a cherished tradition in Little Hocking. However, it was put on hold when the fire department lost its venue. The community felt the loss keenly.
“It was a big disappointment,” said Faith McClay, a Little Hocking resident. “We’ve been coming here since our kids were little; now they’re a little bit bigger, but I think they’re just happy to have it back.”
Saturday’s social kicked off with a parade featuring fire departments from Belpre to Little Hocking. Sirens blared, and children eagerly collected candy tossed from the passing floats. The parade concluded at the former Little Hocking Elementary School site at 95 Federal Road, where the social was held.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of food and, naturally, ice cream. The event also featured a raffle, a dunk tank, a bounce house, an inflatable obstacle course, and hay rides.
In the evening, the community was treated to a live performance by The Matt Hansell Band. For the first time, the social concluded with a fireworks display, adding a spectacular finale to the event.
“We wanted to try to make it special,” said Little Hocking Fire Chief Mike Chevalier. “We had a bunch of good sponsors. The fireworks wouldn’t have been possible without the support of corporate and private sponsors.”
The return of the ice cream social was a joyful occasion, rekindling a beloved tradition and bringing the community together once again.
