Huge Crowd Attends Louie's Dedication

By Bill Tipple


About 400 residents attended a homecoming celebration for local Olympian Louie Vito Sunday afternoon at the Holland Theatre.

 Fans were lined up outside the theatre as Louie was escorted in a limo just before two o'clock.

 It was the Bellefontaine native's first appearance here since the Olympics.

 Louie received proclamations from several elected officials, including  State Senator Karen Gillmor, the Logan County Commissioners, State  Representative Dave Burke, Bellefontaine Mayor Adam Brannon, and  Congressman Jim Jordan.

 Mayor Brannon (pictured with Louie) showcased a sign declaring  Bellefontaine "The Hometown of Olympian Louie Vito." The signs will be placed at all entrances to the city.

 Louie was praised for bringing national attention to our area through "Dancing with the Stars" and the Olympics.

 Vito, 22, took the stage and thanked the community for all of its support over the last year.

 He said "Dancing with the Stars" was a great experience that actually  helped him prepare for the pressure of the Winter Olympics.

 The professional snowboarder gave live commentary over special video  highlights of "Dancing with the Stars" and his halfpipe runs in  Vancouver.

 Louie noted that Sunday was the first time he watched his Olympic event,  mainly because he was so upset that he did not receive a medal. He  placed 5th in the halfpipe and said he is already excited about the 2014  games in Russia.

 The first 200 visitors on Sunday received a free commemorative T-shirt featuring Louie.

 The free event featured door prizes, music by Skratchmatic Krew from Dayton, and autograph signing by Louie.

 Although the event was set for two hours, Louie signed autographs until 5:45.