Paonia celebrity performs at Mountain Harvest Festival
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Paonia celebrity performs at Mountain Harvest Festival
Bill O’Brien, a retired UPS driver, played at the 24th annual Mountain Harvest Festival. The festival was his first time back in Paonia since the retirement party the community held for him. Residents said they hope to see O’Brien continue to visit Paonia and perform for them in the future.O’Brien also said that he is going to continue playing music, whether teaching at an elementary school or trying to form a consistent band. He plans on visiting Paonia as often as he can. For more information on the festival, visit mountainharvestfestival.org.
Bill O’Brien’s performance festival was his first time back in Paonia since the retirement party the community held for him.
“It feels wonderful. It feels really nice to be able to be here and to be able to visit with people in a personal instead of a professional way. I feel freer to just take my time and hug people and talk to people,” said Bill O’Brien, Musician/retired UPS driver.
For many, O’Brien is remembered for more than deliveries.
“We got more than just a package delivery guy. We got a person who cared. We got a person who always delivered with a smile, always had a story, always had attitude of just wanting to serve his customers, serve his people well,” said Tim Austin, Paonia resident.
Residents said his impact goes far beyond music.
“These other guys and gals, the replacements, they’re going to have a lot to live up to. So I’m not sure how they’re going to do it, but all I know is that Bill is going to be missed. Bill is a pretty special guy and a once in a lifetime type of person. Our valley has been really privileged to have him,” said Josh McIntire, Paonia resident.
O’Brien said the love he’s received from Paonia keeps bringing him back.
“It was just really nice to see so many people that I know just show up and they put out their lawn chairs. And then to be able to share my brother’s passing, to be able to share that with them because I know how much they care. They care for me in a level that’s different than just delivery man, so it’s nice to be able to share that with other people,” said O’Brien.
Residents at the festival said they hope to see O’Brien continue to visit Paonia and perform for them in the future. They said that while it is weird not having him around, they are happy to see him at this new stage of life.
O’Brien also said that he is going to continue playing music, whether teaching at an elementary school or trying to form a consistent band. He plans on visiting Paonia as often as he can.
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Source: https://www.kkco11news.com/2025/09/28/paonia-celebrity-performs-mountain-harvest-festival/