Roots Run Deep In Orchard Community For Dean Holliday

Holliday monitoring children in the bounce house.

Dean Holliday has lived near Orchard all his life. In fact, he still lives on the section of ground where he was born. 

A president of the Orchard Community Club and a member of the Orchard Volunteer Fire Department, Holliday is well known for his community involvement and his love of the little town is obvious.

 “Orchard’s a good community," he said. “There are a lot of good people here.” 

Holliday owned the tavern in town for about 30 years and when he sold it, he still wasn’t quite retired. He was asked to run a hay grinder for a friend’s business, and has been doing that ever since. Not only that, but he also runs a road grader for the township. He said he is busier now than when he was working. 

Despite his busy schedule, he pitches in every year during the Celebration Days and other community events. However, he says that he doesn't do it all alone.

“I help a little bit with a lot of stuff, but I can’t do it myself. There’s always somebody there to help.” 

He raves about the community's work ethic.

“Whenever there’s something to be done," he said, "people show up to get it done.”

One of the events he enjoys the most during Celebration Days is the community beef barbecue. 

According to Holliday, the tradition of the barbecue dates back to the 1950s. This event is a favorite in the community and brings out hundreds of people.

“They’ve been having this beef barbecue every year, and it’s a really good meal,” Holliday said.

Although this humble man doesn’t care much for the spotlight, he loves promoting his town.

“I was born and raised here,” he said, “I guess you could say my roots are here."

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