ALTENBURG – The East Perry Community Fair has named former Buchheit Inc. Owners and Operators and Community Philanthropists, Kenny and Rhonda Buchheit as Grand Marshals for the 2025 East Perry Community Fair Parade.
For decades, The Buchheit Store has been a corporate sponsor of the East Perry Community Fair and a pillar in the local community.
From its beginnings in Biehle, to the expansion of stores in Perryville and Jackson and beyond folks have always known they can get great service, great products, and great support when they visit a Buchheit store. Much of this can be attributed to the two patriarchs of the Buchheit family, Kenny and Rhonda, and their leading by example in faith, had work, and dedication to their neighbors. Whether it’s behind the scenes support of events, aiding and supporting local youth organizations, or just lending a helping hand where it’s needed most, their quiet leadership has left a lasting impression on generations.
Kenny is well known throughout the region for his years of service both working and managing the Buchheit stores. The now retired former president and CEO of the company has been involved in the store since age seven or eight when he started helping his dad, Rudy, with the family business by sorting soda bottles. As a local farmer and businessman, he has always understood the value of community and tradition.
Rhonda, equally dedicated, has touched many lives through her work keeping the books for the business, volunteering at the St Vincent Thrift Store, and jobs with the County Extension Service and at the Miraculous Metal office. But possibly her greatest claim to fame is raising the 8 children she and Kenny have all while working in these other positions. Together, Kenny and Rhonda embody the values the East Perry Community Fair was founded on: faith, family, fellowship, and farming.
Kenny and Rhonda remain active in the community.
Kenny likes to visit with customers at the stores and loves to collect and show antique tractors and is actively involved with the American Tractor Museum in Perryville.
Rhonda enjoys cooking and reading and working with her flowers. Together they cherish there very large family, eight children, 20 grand children and 20 great grand kids with two more on the way. They are a blessed couple as much as they are a blessing to the community they have served.
Having Kenny and Rhonda as the Grand Marshals for this year’s fair is not only fitting, but also a true honor. They represent everything good about our community, and we are excited to celebrate them in front of friends, family, and neighbors. Supporters like Kenny and Rhonda and the Buchheit business is what has made and continues to make the East Perry Community Fair a prosperous and special event.
Please join the East Perry Community Fair to congratulate Kenny and Rhonda Buchheit as this years parade Grand Marshals and be sure to give them a warm welcome as they lead this year’s Fair Parade.
The 2025 East Perry Community Fair parade will be held Friday, September 19th at 1:30 p.m. and will run through the heart of Altenburg.
The route begins at Maple Street in Altenburg and travels east down Main Street until it reaches Church Street.
At this point, the parade makes a right turn and heads south on Church Street until its conclusion at the fairgrounds.
The parade will once again include a cast of great participants.
High School bands from seven area schools: Perryville, St. Vincent, Oak Ridge, Meadow Heights, Bernie, Bell City, and Bloomfield will provide musical entertainment during the parade while local schools, civic organizations and area business will march, enter floats, or show other entries to promote their causes.
The parade has a history of being well-attended, so plan to arrive early to find a clear, comfortable viewing spot and to avoid heavy traffic.
As a friendly reminder, traffic flow into Altenburg stops around 1 p.m. so the parade lineup can be organized. Please plan accordingly if you are expecting to attend.
As for Mr. and Mrs. Buchheit, it will be the Fair’s honor to have this prestigious couple lead the 2025 edition of the East Perry Community Fair Parade and kickoff what is sure to be a tremendous weekend of festivities.