July 20 - 23 2023
Our 32nd Year of serving the Community of Mayville and surrounding area's
July 20 - 23 2023
Our 32nd Year of serving the Community of Mayville and surrounding area's
2023 Honorees
Honorees
Jr. Citizen of the Year
Honorees
Dean & Phyllis Wingert
This year the Mayville Sunflower Festival is honoring Dean & Phyllis Wingert, retired owners of the Copper Kettle Restaurant (Pink Poodle) and two concession wagons called Papa Dean-O’s on the Road.
Dean and Phyllis (Fritz) Wingert both grew up in the Mayville (Silverwood) area. They were married August 14, 1965, and are the proud parents of four children, Terry (Beth), Kimberlee (Tom), Heather (Terry), and Randall (Nat), and 11 grandchildren.
As a child, Dean grew up helping at his father, Marvin Wingert, at the Red & White Food Store. After Dean married Phyllis, he worked and helped run Wingert’s IGA in Mayville, Croswell, Auburn Heights, and Oxford until he left to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. Phyllis was employed as an x-ray technician for over 20 years at the Marlette Regional Hospital.
Dean and Phyllis purchased the Copper Kettle Restaurant (Pink Poodle) in 1983. While running the restaurant, they also catered for the community and surrounding areas through their business, A Touch of Class Catering. During this time, they employed lots of local residents and gave much back to the local community due to their generous nature.
After the restaurant sold, Dean and Phyllis started and ran two concession wagons, called Papa Dean-O's on the Road, for over 19 years with the help of their family. The concession wagons could be found a local ball fields, golf courses, festivals, and fundraisers throughout the area.
Dean also enjoyed spending over five years driving bus for Mayville Community Schools. For a short time, Dean & Phyllis also opened the Randall-Wingert Octagon Farm Home, just outside of Mayville, as a bed and breakfast and offered tours. Today, you can still find Dean & Phyllis cooking and volunteering at the Odd Fellows monthly fish fry at the former Golden Years Hall.
They are very honored and would like to thank the community for the many years of support.
Honorees
Jr. Citizen of the Year
Honorees
Jeff, Pat, and Tim Wingert
This year the Mayville Sunflower Festival is honoring Pat, Tim, and Jeff Wingert, current owners of Wingert’s Food Center. The business celebrated its 90th anniversary in the Fall of 2022. The business began in 1932 when Marvin Wingert and his three sisters (Jean, Merle, and Phyllis) started their Red & White Food Store on Fulton Street. Four years later, Marvin married Emily Randall and she became involved with the business as well. The store continued to prosper and underwent even more changes under the management of Dale & Pat Wingert and their boys, Tim, Jeff, and Aaron. During that time, the store changed locations, was remodeled, added square footage, and added departments all while continuing to place the needs of its customers as their primary focus. In total, three generations of the Wingert family have operated and managed the store and have contributed to its success.
Not only has the family run a successful business, making shopping convenient to area communities, the Wingert family has also been a huge supporter of the community. Family members and the business have been very involved and supported local community organizations and activities such as the Mayville Area Ambulance Service, Mayville Athletic Association, Mayville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayville Fire Department, Mayville Downtown Development Authority, Mayville Village Council, Mayville Sunflower Festival, and the Mayville Area Share Shop. They have also been involved with local churches and contributed to many local organizations, schools, local fundraisers/benefits, Tuscola County 4-H, and Special Olympics.
The Wingert family would like to thank the customers who have supported them throughout the years as well as their many dedicated and loyal employees. The Wingert family says, “Our business would not have had the success, or be where we are today, without the vision, blood, sweat, tears, and financial investments in the store and in the community without Marvin and Dale Wingert”.
Jr. Citizen of the Year
Jr. Citizen of the Year
Jr. Citizen of the Year
Hannah Morey
Hannah Morey is our 2023 Jr. Citizen of the Year. Hannah lives in Fostoria and will be a senior this fall at Mayville Community Schools. Her parents are Bryan & Rochelle Morey and she has one sister, Tori Bakewell, and three brothers, Zachary, Casey, and Elijah.
Hannah is on the National Honor Society at both the Mayville High School and the Tuscola County Technology Center and is a member of the Spanish Club. She is a second year Board Scholar, All “A” Honor Roll, and Student Council. Hannah also volunteers at the United Methodist Church for vacation bible school, babysitting at church, walking in parades, and helping with their flea market. She also volunteers at blood drives, concession stands, and other community events.
Hannah's passion is dance class. She has been dancing since she was just a small child and currently takes eleven different dance classes and is an assistant teacher for Creative Movements Dance Class for preschool and elementary aged children. She participates in competitive dance competions.
Hannah was enrolled in nursing program at the Tuscola County Technology Center as a junior and earned her CNA certificate. She will be working at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility this summer in dietary unit. After high school, Hannah plans to go to college and become a dental hygienist. Good luck with your future plans Hannah and congratulations!