The Harlan Days committee is pleased to announce that the 2025 Honorary Citizen is Brian J Amstutz. Brian is a long-time Harlan Days volunteer, Harlan Park volunteer and resident of Harlan. Brian grew up in Harlan and has lived on the same farm for over 60 years! He attended Harlan Elementary and Leo High School. He is married to Wendy McConnell and has 4 children as well as 4 grandchildren. He has also served on the Harlan Park Board for over 15 years, was a member of the Grabill Fire Department for over 26 years, current member of the Northeast Fire District Board, member of the Springfield Township Advisory Board for over 22 years, and member of the Scipio Cemetery Board.
Brian has volunteered for Harlan Days in various capacities for over 40 years! Over the years, he has helped park cars, cooked chicken on Saturday mornings, cleaned the elementary school parking lot before the parade, and helped with Harlan Days set-up and tear down. Some of his fondest memories are of the bands, fire trucks, and Skunk Mountain Boys in the parade, Saturday afternoon pony races, the antique tractor tent, and the hot air balloon in the early years of Harlan Days.
Brian is self-employed with Amstutz Excavating for over 35 years and works alongside his son Kyle. Some of Brian’s hobbies are farming, helping the community, camping, driving tractors, and riding his Harley motorcycle.
Don’t forget, on Saturday, August 2nd, Brian will be front and center in the Harlan Days 2025 Grand Parade! So come out early to grab a front row seat at the parade and be sure to wave to Brian as he passes by, being sure to thank him for the time he has given over the years to the Harlan Days Festival! Hope to see you there!