Pat Koch receives Sagamore of the Wabash award

Santa Claus —  Holiday World matriarch, Pat Koch, was recently presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award by Lt. Governor, Sue Ellspermann.

The Sagamore of the Wabash Award is one of the most esteemed honors the Governor of Indiana can bestow.  It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

Ellspermann spoke for more than five minutes about the many accomplishments and factors that led to Gov. Mike Pence choosing Koch for the award.

“As a partner to Bill (Koch), and then later to Will and Dan, you grew Holiday World into one of the finest amusement parks in the world,” Ellspermann said as she commended Koch.  “Your commitment was always focused on ensuring the park and everything about it was the highest quality, clean and especially very friendly. You personally trained thousands upon thousands of our children … you taught them what many of us couldn’t teach our kids at home.”

Describing Koch as a “clear-minded thinker and problem solver who isn’t afraid of taking on the toughest challenges,” Ellspermann said that many of the features available in Santa Claus, including St. Nicholas Catholic Parish and the Santa Claus Museum, wouldn’t have been possible without Koch’s determination.

Among these who have received Sagamores are astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage. The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949.