Rosborough family honored during Strawberry Festival

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. The party in downtown Kokomo this weekend is just getting started. Now that you’ve had your fill of strawberries, come down to the Farmers Market from 9 a.m. until noon on Sat., June 8, and experience even more great food, music, and fun provided by local vendors. You may even get to revisit a few you met at the Strawberry Festival. And the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Bookmobile is making a return appearance!

Not too many small businesses make it 40 years. Just ask former Kokomo Mayor Steve Daily. He was there in 1984 for John and Rachel Rosborough opened Sound of Music in downtown, and he can count on one hand the number of storefronts still occupied by the same entrepreneurs four decades later.

Daily was there again on June 7 to help the Rosboroughs celebrate Sound of Music’s 40th anniversary. A ribbon cutting took place in front of the store along West Walnut Street during the annual Strawberry Festival.

“You don't make it 40 years in business by just making a good product or selling a good product,” said Daily. “You do that because you're loyal to your customers. You're loyal to your community, and you’ve been outstanding citizens corporate citizens for 40 years.

“Most importantly, I wanted to say congratulations to Sound of Music for surviving six mayors so far!”

Surrounded by family, John and Rachel happily accepted the kind words and then listened as city operations coordinator Dave Trine read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Tyler Moore.

“The City of Kokomo thrives on the dedication and the innovation of its local businesses,” read Trine. “And whereas the Sound of Music is considered a cornerstone of our downtown business community for four decades, fostering a love of music and enriching the lives of countless presidents since its founding in 1984 …

“And whereas Sound of Music has played a vital role in nurturing the local music scene by hosting a number of downtown performances, workshops and jam sessions, providing a platform for aspiring and established musicians alike. And whereas the sound of music a demonstrated commitment to music education by offering history lessons, sponsoring new music programs, inspiring a whole new generation of musicians …”

Trine concluded by proclaiming June 7, 2024, “Sound of Music Day” in Kokomo.

“John, Rachel, you have affected hundreds of families and thousands of individual lives, and did nothing but good for downtown,” Trine added.

With broad smiles on their faces, the Rosboroughs cut the ceremonial ribbon, and then John took to the stage set in front of his storefront to join family and friends in a celebratory jam session.