My partner and I had the good fortune to return home to Ironton to play music over the Memorial Day weekend. And what a great week it was, thanks to your nice article about us returning home, and all the friends coming out to meet us at The End Zone and The Fuzzy Duck after the parade on Monday. The parade was one of the best I’ve ever seen.

I live on the water in Florida part of the year, but it doesn’t compare to the beauty of a sunset on “the Mighty Ohio River,” our home!

I love to come home and see all my old friends and the people I grew up with. But this year, the thing that really stood out was all the positive energy around the town. The entire city really looked clean and neat.

When you’ve been away for a while, the city’s appearance is the first thing you notice upon returning. I noticed all the new construction and all the flowers lining the streets make a great first impression.

This year, some friends traveled from Florida to visit our hometown and to see the parade. They were overwhelmed by the friendliness and warmth exhibited by everyone they met.

They are both retired Air Force professionals and thought that our town was a great place to live and are planning on returning next year.

The mayor made a surprise musical appearance with us on Monday after the parade and did a great job. There is no doubt in my mind that he has the city moving in the right direction and has the businesses and the people taking an interest in their city once again.

Rob and Rick Haynes were our hosts at The End Zone and Jason Smith took great care of us at The Fuzzy Duck.

I’d like to thank them all for having us and look forward to appearing in their establishments next year.

We’ll see everyone next year for the Hometown Reunion and Memorial Day Celebration. Keep up the good work. It’s definitely paying off.

Wally Christian

Florida