The 103rd annual Father and Son Banquet took place on April 25 at the East Jordan High School auditorium, continuing a community tradition that has brought generations of families together for more than a century.
According to a community announcement, the banquet, first established in 1923 and adopted by the Rotary Club of East Jordan in 1957, honors fathers and father figures and highlights their role in strengthening families and the broader community. The event again drew families from across East Jordan for an evening focused on connection and shared experiences.
This year’s program included a presentation by Cheri Leach, founder of Raven Hill Discovery Center, along with dinner and entertainment that reflected local traditions.
The evening’s top honor, Father of the Year, was awarded to Greg Kitson, who was nominated by his son, Granger, with support from his daughter, Molly, and his wife, Meg. Kitson was selected from a group of nominees and recognized for his impact as a father and community leader, according to the announcement.
East Jordan Public Schools Superintendent Enos Bacon presented Kitson with the Father of the Year award during the ceremony.
Advertisement
Although retired from a career with East Jordan Public Schools, Kitson remains active in the community as a coach for the East Jordan Red Devils football and basketball teams.
“The Father and Son Banquet is a celebration of the relationships that shape our lives and strengthen our community,” Rotary Club President Jennifer Burr said in the announcement.
The Rotary Club of East Jordan thanked attendees and volunteers for supporting the annual banquet and continuing the long‑standing tradition. More information about the club is available atejrotary.com.
This story was created by Dave DeMille,ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review:Rotary Club continues Father and Son Banquet tradition in East Jordan