A Note from our President:
On behalf of myself and the rest of the Executive committee who collectively have close to 100 years experience with Holiday at Home, and fellow committee members, welcome to Kettering Holiday at Home 2026! We’ve been preparing for this patriotic Labor Day weekend filled with family fun, music and community spirit since last September.
This year’s theme – “250 Years Celebrating America’s Independence“ – will honor Our Nation.
The festivities at Lincoln Park in Kettering on Sunday and Monday will offer a free children’s area filled with games, live music and dancing, and arts and crafts vendors selling American made items. Fire Up! your taste buds and savor the flavor of dozens of food vendors, and maybe even enjoy a slice of apple pie. Car enthusiasts, “Rev up your engines!” On Sunday, we’ll be showcasing VW cars, and on Monday the invitational auto show with a newly added 80’s class. The themed Gala is Saturday night at the Presidential Banquet center. Don’t forget my favorite (lol) the Holiday at Home Labor Day parade on Monday at 10 am- the largest parade in the Miami Valley.
The weekend wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated Holiday at Home committee members and volunteers, generous sponsors, and the support from the city of Kettering! Thank you Team!
Looking forward to celebrating America’s Independence and Freedom with you; we encourage wearing the patriotic colors of red, white and blue.
Sincerely and my pleasure,
Ed Koehnen, III
President and Parade Chair
Holiday at Home 2026
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Schedule of Events Coming Soon!
Grand Marshal Nominations Now Open!
Nominate an outstanding citizen for Holiday at Home Grand Marshal for 2026! Applications are being accepted for nominees of persons from the south Dayton area to serve as Grand Marshal for the Holiday at Home activities held over Labor Day weekend.
If you know of a person who should be nominated, submit a brief biography and list their accomplishments, highlighting community involvement and a history of volunteerism. Past nominees may be re-nominated.
Nominees must be residents of the cities of Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood or West Carrolton; or the townships of Beavercreek, Miami, Sugarcreek, or Washington. The nominee for Grand Marshal may not be an announced candidate for an elective office between the time of the parade and December 31st of that year.
The nomination deadline is Monday, May 4, 2026.
2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman of the board: Lisa Rusak
President: Jennifer Hart
Vice President: Ed Koehnen
Treasurer: Jordan Wyant
Interested In Being A Holiday At Home Volunteer?
Holiday at Home is always on the lookout for passionate individuals eager to contribute their time and energy to help make our community celebrations truly memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or considering giving your time for the first time, there’s a role for everyone. Many of our volunteers cherish the sense of camaraderie and purpose they experience while working alongside neighbors and friends.
From assisting with event setup to managing activity booths or helping with cleanup, the opportunities to get involved are as diverse as the people who make up our community. Volunteering with Holiday at Home provides a chance to develop new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and create lasting memories for yourself and others.
LET’S CONNECT!
A Brief History Of Holiday At Home
The Holiday At Home celebration began on Labor Day, 1959, under the sponsorship of the Kettering YMCA which held the event to promote a membership drive. It was known then as “Kettering Day.” The YMCA board accepted a suggestion from President Robert Eichenlaub to plan a community parade and program. The events first year success was so great that it was deemed worthwhile to conduct for a second year. Many leaders of the community and the YMCA worked together to organize a parade and evening program. From this well-organized beginning, Holiday At Home was refined and enlarged to the present Labor Day weekend festival that is now enjoyed by thousands of south suburban residents and visitors. The name, Holiday At Home, was selected through a contest. It promotes the idea of staying at home over the holiday weekend, rather than becoming part of the large group of travelers at that time. Kettering is used in the name to indicate the location; however, the festivities are intended for all of the communities south of Dayton. All southern communities and townships are invited to share in the Holiday At Home activities and to become part of the organization.
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