Special to the Solon Economist
SOLON — The Beef Days Grand Marshal and Senior of the Year for 2023 is Don Ellis. Don and his wife Valerie have been married for 49 years and have called Solon home since 1975 when Don began working at Solon State Bank. Bank owner Don Erusha encouraged Don’s community participation, so he attended his first Beef Days Committee meeting where Doris Divoky was the committee treasurer. One year later in 1976 Don took on the Beef Days Treasurer duties when Doris handed him a shoebox of committee records. That was 47 years ago!
While Don recently retired from Solon State Bank, he continues to serve in his longtime role as the Beef Days Treasurer as well as serve on the Solon Community Foundation Board of Directors, and you can also add Voice of the Spartans to Don’s impressive community service resume.
When asked about his favorite part of Beef Days, Don shared that the best part for him is to see families out and about enjoying themselves. He is thrilled to see the community come out and support their hometown and have a great time in the middle of Main Street.
Family is important to Don and Val and retirement allows for more time with their children and grandchildren. Son Ryan and wife Heather live in Blue Springs, MO with their children Lana (12) and Owen (9). Haley and husband Travis live in Solon with their children Breckon (3) and Halston (5 months).
Thank you, Don, for all you do the Solon community!
Don Ellis is the 2023 Beef Days Parade Grand Marshal
July 12, 2023