CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Flanked by Lynne Arp to the left, Jerry Dolash behind him, Dustin Anderson to the right and Eric Haughey presenting the award, Marty Hardon was recognized as the Tama Citizen of the Year during the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival on Friday, May 17.

TAMA — As is tradition, the annual Tama Citizen of the Year Award was handed out during the Friday night entertainment at the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival on May 17. This year, local businessman Marty Hardon was the recipient.

He was nominated by Micaela Suchanek, who is one of Marty’s employees at Hardon’s Company. The nomination letter was read aloud at the presentation of the award, and Hardon was visibly moved and choked up.

Members of the fire department informed him he had won the award on Thursday, May 9. He was admittedly shocked.

“I was surprised, I did not expect it. I thought it was an award that was sort of given to older people in the community. I guess I’m one of the old people now,” Hardon said.

When asked about the meaning of the award to him Marty referenced his father, the late Ed Hardon.

“This feels like I am continuing my dad’s legacy and continuing his goals of a better downtown Tama,” Marty said.

When asked about what members of the community can do to contribute in a positive way, Marty mentioned volunteering.

“Reach out to your community organizations like the Tama-Toledo Chamber and volunteer. Those organizations are in need of constant volunteers to help assist with community events, beautification, and economic development,” he said.

In closing, some thank yous were offered.

“I would love to thank the volunteers that make up our fire and EMS departments. They all work harder than I do. Our city government is kind of taken lightly. However, many of them go above and beyond to help our community,” he said.