Dozens of homes were demolished by the EF3 tornado which struck Holton last March 2. Some residents are still struggling to get their lives back to the way they were before the storm. file photo

(Holton, Ind.) – A major party will take place this weekend to help the Town of Holton bounce back from a tornado.

It was March 2 when a bruising EF3 tornado caused major damage and claimed two lives in the town of about 500 residents on U.S. 50. Buildings were leveled, debris littered fields, and several people were injured.

“The Recovery Bash – a Celebration of Holton” will be held Saturday, August 11 beginning at noon at the Holton Community Park. The event will raise money to help in what remains of the town’s rebuilding effort.

The bash is being organized by Holton town leaders and community members. The Napoleon State Bank, whose Holton branch narrowly escaped the tornado’s path, is sponsoring the fundraiser.

“We are proud to be a part of the Holton community for the last 50 years. Sponsoring this event is a great opportunity to help the community continue their recovery efforts and plan for the future. Please join us for this great event, as we will have something for everyone,” said Napoleon State Bank executive vice  president Mark Comer.

Happenings at the event will include free concerts from several local acts, including the Keith Swinney Band, which lost band member Ron Pickett in the tornado. Other musical acts include 650 North, Over the Edge, and Centerline.

There will also be food, homemade ice cream, fun family activities, corn hole tournament, bounce house, silent auction, and festival games.

A silent auction includes various celebrity autographed items such as a Willie Nelson guitar.

Details on the recovery bash can be found at www.napoleonstatebank.com under the “news” section. An account is open at the bank for those wanting to make a monetary donation (mail to: The Napoleon State Bank Attn: Holton Recovery Account P.O. Box 9, Napoleon, IN 47034).