The Frazeysburg Homecoming was nearly here, rides were being set up, the schedule was set, and the community was gearing up with anticipation for one of their largest annual events. Like with most small towns, Homecoming is a time of celebration and bringing residents current and past together, a true example of small-town life, community support, and pride. This year, the days surrounding homecoming set an even higher bar demonstrating the power of community in the village of Frazeysburg.
On June 6th around 1 a.m. an EF-2 tornado touched down in Frazeysburg with 130 mph winds overturning and moving vehicles, downing trees, scattering debris across town, ripping into buildings, and leaving the village without power. It was a sight the residents of Frazeysburg had never seen but were more prepared than they knew to handle it. The strength of the community was evident and they were not alone. The surrounding communities came together to provide assistance. Many businesses, churches, and organizations provided water, food, supplies, generators, and many stepped up to help repair what was broken and pick up the pieces. An outpouring of help came from all directions even bringing hot meals to residents for days after the tornado struck. Waste Management donated several dumpsters to help with the cleanup process. AEP worked long hours to bring power back on in what seemed like record time for the amount of downed wires and trees. Frazeysburg Mayor Fred Wolford tirelessly took on the task alongside Frazeysburg Fire-Rescue to make sure the residents were safe, and that cleanup efforts were swift.
“Thursday the whole community and the whole county came together. I mean we had people from Coshocton County, Licking County it was just amazing how everybody came together in support of our little village, I can tell you that,” stated Mayor Wolford. “It is just amazing how in just a short time we put our village back in operation that’s for sure. … There’s just so many out there (people to thank) AEP was awesome. I mean they had us up and running … at 1:00 in the morning we had the disaster and by 8:00 at night they had our village lit back up again. AEP, all the fire departments, the county, I mean just anybody that was involved, there were so many people were involved, it’s hard to even keep track of who was here, it was a great group effort.”
Frazeysburg Fire-Rescue took to Facebook on Friday making this statement, “We would like to thank Dresden Volunteer Fire Department-Ohio, Falls Township Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Hanover Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Licking Township EMS & Fire Department INC. , South Zanesville Fire Department and Genesis Community Ambulance for assistance the other night with our devastating disaster. We would also like to thank National Trail Fire Department and Three Rivers Fire District for covering Dresden and Falls Twp while they were helping in Frazeysburg. Also thanks to Frazeysburg Police Department, Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Muskingum County EMA, Licking County EMA, Coshocton County EMA, Muskingum County Firefighters Association, Village of Frazeysburg, Muskingum County Highway Dept. and ODOT as well as anyone else we may have missed. We appreciate everyone’s help!
Although delayed by a day, the Frazeysburg Homecoming was still held. Frazeysburg Fire-Rescue left another post on Friday, “We’ve got the go-ahead from Mayor Wolford to proceed with the Homecoming festivities!!! We will be having Homecoming tonight and tomorrow night 6pm-10pm!!! After our events yesterday, we all need to have a little fun!” The rides that were set up prior to the storm were untouched and roads were cleared of debris and downed trees allowing the Homecoming parade to travel down Third Street and giving the community a chance to cheer and applaud emergency personnel, the Fire Departments, and police officers who jumped into action directly after the storm passed. The Homecoming Queen, Audra Randall was crowned on Friday and her court including Bailey Rice, Chloe Hood, Emmah Florian, and Marley Miller were all introduced on both Friday and Saturday. Previous to the tornado, the Homecoming Parade Marshals had been selected. Mayor Fred Wolford and his wife Diane could not have been more deserving of the honor, especially after seeing them in action in the wake of a tragedy.
The takeaway from June 6th and the days that directly followed is not the damage or devastation but the strength to overcome and willingness to help one another. That is what makes Frazeysburg and Muskingum County, Ohio a great place to live.
