Longtime community servant and U.S. Army veteran Doug Ramer was at the American Legion tent in Central Park.
Doug was fresh off organizing the Memorial Day ceremony in the same park just days earlier. “We had a little trouble getting enough volunteers,” he said with a smile, “but we made it, man.” That sense of perseverance and community spirit is exactly what makes Rhubarb Fest so special—and Doug Ramer so beloved.
While Doug might joke about not baking the pies himself—“Veterans don’t lie. No, we did not [bake them by hand last night]”—he and a team of volunteers are proudly selling strawberry rhubarb and peach pies, a sweet centerpiece of the festival. “The peaches are going really good,” he noted.
The conversation turned to the energy of this year’s event. “Boy, it is a great crowd,” Doug said. “And I’m gonna sell flags tomorrow across the street. It’s amazing the people that come down here.” He also reminded listeners that Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s birthday both fall on June 14—a date close to his heart.
Doug, ever humble, shared a laugh about inter-branch military camaraderie. “You were a veteran of the Army,” Terry noted, to which Doug replied, “You guys are all so respectful when you talk to each other. We have a good time.”
He gave a quick shoutout to the Aledo American Legion, which hosts bingo on the first and third Fridays of the month—yes, including tonight during Rhubarb Fest—and teased the Veterans Ball later this year. “WRMJ will be all over that,” Terry assured.
Whether it’s selling flags, serving pies, or building community, Doug Ramer continues to be a fixture of civic pride in Mercer County.
“Come get a pie hand-baked by some wonderful wives of veterans,” he added warmly. “And don’t miss bingo tonight!”
Stay tuned to WRMJ and follow all the Rhubarb Fest action at wrmj.com.