Decatur Celebration Opening Ceremonies
Honors Two Celebration Legends

Release: Immediate

Decatur Celebration opening ceremonies, Friday, August 3 at 6:00pm will salute Reverend C. William Nichols. Nichols was the Senior Minister at Decatur’s Central Christian Church for 19 years beginning in January of 1973.

In 1991, Nichols and his wife Claudine moved to Indianapolis when he was elected to the post of President and General Minister of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, at the Church’s national headquarters for two years, after which he retired – he thought. But then he received a call from the National City Christian Church in Washington, DC – the church known as the National Cathedral, where many of the nation’s leaders have worshipped – and Reverend Nichols served as Pastor there for three years, then retired again. Bill & his wife Claudine then moved back to Decatur.

In Nichols’ early career, he was involved in many local organizations, including the Metro Decatur Chamber of Commerce. In the early 80’s, Nichols took a leadership role in the Chamber’s effort called “the Decatur Advantage”. It was a time when Decatur’s self image seemed to be at an all-time low…..with high unemployment and management/labor strife. Bill Nichols suggested that the community should throw itself a big party, maybe even a street festival, to Celebrate the many “good things” about Decatur. At the same time, Fred Puglia came to Decatur to discuss the possibility of producing a street festival in the community’s downtown. Puglia visited Mayor Gary Anderson to present his ideas, Anderson said, “Go see Bill Nichols, see what he thinks.”

Nichols heartily endorsed the idea and as a result, the Decatur Celebration was born in 1986.

As a result of Reverend Nichols vision and his positive influence in creating the Decatur Celebration, the festival will present their prestigious “Founding Father’s Award” to Reverend Dr. C. William Nichols at the event’s opening ceremonies on the Bud Light, Ameren, Main Street Properties Show Stage on Friday, August 3.

The festival will also acknowledge a twenty year veteran chairman, Phil Wilhelm. Wilhelm, the festival’s co-chairman of city services and clean up passed away in 2006. His memory will be honored with the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award. Receiving Wilhelm’s award on behalf of his family will be his wife, Linda Wilhelm.

For Further Information:

Orv Graham
MC/Host

Mike Queary
General Chairman
(217)855-7987

Ayn Owens
Media Relations Manager
(217)423-4222
ayn@decaturcelebraiton.com