Honoring a Local Legacy: Grace Ruckle Named 2025 Ovid Carriage Festival Parade Marshal
The Ovid Carriage Days Committee is proud to announce that Grace Ruckle, owner of The Corner Carousel in downtown Ovid, has been named the 2025 Carriage Festival Parade Marshal. This honor celebrates not only Grace’s 50 years in business but also her decades of service, dedication, and lasting impact on the Ovid community.
Celebrating 50 Years of The Corner Carousel
The Corner Carousel first opened its doors in August of 1975, founded by Grace alongside her friend Peggy Pattinson at the corner of E. Clinton and Main Street. What began as a small-town salon quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Over the years, the business has grown into more than just a place to get a haircut—it has been a gathering spot where stories are shared, friendships are made, and generations of Ovid families have felt at home.
From its earliest days, Grace worked tirelessly, often six days a week, to build her business. Through changes in the beauty industry, evolving state licensing laws, and the test of time, The Corner Carousel has remained a trusted name in Ovid. Today, the salon continues to thrive with the help of her daughter, Patty Coleson, who has been by Grace’s side for more than 30 years, along with other talented stylists who have shared their skills over the decades.
A Family and Community Woman
Grace’s life is deeply rooted in family and community. She and her late husband, Bob, raised two daughters, Patty and Haylee Apol, and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren: Devyn, Derek, Cayden, Alivia, and Addisyn. Her mother, Gloria House, is also a familiar face around town. Together, Grace’s family and her business have made her a central figure in Ovid’s story.
Leading the 2025 Carriage Festival Parade
To mark her golden milestone in business and her longstanding contributions to Ovid, Grace has been chosen as this year’s Carriage Festival Parade Marshal. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Grace will lead the beloved parade in a carriage provided by PJ’s Percherons, riding alongside her daughter Patty. Festival-goers are encouraged to line the streets, wave proudly, and join in celebrating a woman whose dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the community.
Join the Celebration
In addition to the parade, The Corner Carousel will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with an open house from Wednesday, August 27 through Friday, August 29, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Friends, family, and community members are invited to stop by, enjoy refreshments, enter prize drawings, and pick up a souvenir to commemorate this incredible milestone.
As we prepare for Ovid Carriage Days 2025, we are honored to recognize Grace Ruckle’s remarkable journey. Her story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of community. This September, we invite everyone to help us celebrate Grace, The Corner Carousel, and 50 years of service that reflect the very heart of Ovid.
