Otto-Eldred Hometown Days, Friday, July 17th

For more than 30 years, Otto-Eldred Hometown Days has brought families together to celebrate community. This year, organizers hope to add something new to the tradition: an evening of worship, encouragement, and hope.

On Friday, July 17, Hometown Revival will make its debut as part of the annual Otto-Eldred Hometown Days celebration at Otto Township Memorial Park. The free event will feature live worship music, inspirational speakers, family activities, food vendors, and a diaper and wipes drive benefiting Bright Alternatives.

For Hometown Days committee member Noah Jordan, the idea has been years in the making.

"When my wife and I first started helping organize Hometown Days a few years ago, we talked about including a praise and worship night," Jordan said. "At the time we didn't know where to begin. Looking back, I think God was preparing us and placing the right people in our lives. Now those connections have made this event possible."

Jordan said the inspiration returned one Sunday morning while listening to worship at his church.

"I found myself asking, 'Why can't we do something like this in our community? Why shouldn't we?' I couldn't come up with a reason not to."

Rather than creating a separate church event, organizers intentionally chose to weave Hometown Revival into one of the area's longest-standing community traditions.

"We see this as an opportunity to bring Christ into everyday community life," Jordan said. "God doesn't only meet us inside church buildings. He's present in every part of our lives, and He's worthy to be celebrated there too."

The evening is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of their background or church experience.

"If Jesus is already your King, come celebrate with us," Jordan said. "If you've never stepped inside a church or you're just curious, come see what it's all about. This event is for everyone."

Local worship groups Friends of Koinonia and Living Water Worship will provide music throughout the evening. Friends of Koinonia is led by Pastor Scott Waterman of Fire on the Mountain Fellowship in Bradford, while Living Water Worship is led by Otto Township native Dak Payne, worship leader at Bradford Alliance Church.

Organizers intentionally invited musicians with deep local roots.

"We have a strong faith community here," Jordan said. "Sometimes people don't realize how many believers there are or how active they are in serving our communities. We hope this helps people see that."

Bright Alternatives, a pregnancy resource center serving McKean and Cattaraugus counties through locations in Bradford, Olean, and Bolivar, is partnering with Hometown Revival. During the event, attendees are invited to donate diapers and baby wipes to support families served by the organization.

"Bright Alternatives provides counseling, practical support, and hope for mothers, fathers, and children," Jordan said. "They meet both physical and emotional needs, and we wanted to support the important work they're doing."

Becca Hanke, chairperson of Bright Alternatives' Board of Directors, will speak about the organization's mission and the ways the community can support families throughout the region.

Serving as emcee for the evening will be local author, speaker, and Open Arms Community Church worship leader Josh Hatcher of Bradford. Hatcher will share music, a brief message, and encouragement throughout the program.

While Hometown Revival centers on worship, organizers say it remains just one part of a full weekend of activities.

The celebration begins Friday evening with the Hometown Days Parade at 5:30 p.m., followed by Hometown Revival at 6:00 p.m. Families can also enjoy food trucks, local vendors, horse rides, free inflatables for children, and a Chinese auction.

Saturday's festivities continue with a car show, 5K Color Run, mini tractor pull, Otto-Eldred FFA Livestock Show, Foam Party, Magic Shows, Live Music, Trivia, Mechanical Bull Rides, and conclude with a patriotic America250-themed Drone Light Show at dusk.

Admission to the entire weekend is free thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and community supporters.

Above all, Jordan hopes people leave with more than just good memories.

"My prayer is that people experience the love of Jesus and realize they don't have to walk through life alone," he said. "Whether they've followed Christ for years or they're just beginning to ask questions, I hope they discover there's a community of believers here that's bigger than they ever imagined."

Event Information

Hometown Revival

Friday, July 17

6:00–9:00 p.m.

Otto Township Memorial Park

1 Memorial Drive, Duke Center, PA 16729