Ken Hofkamp was at a loss for words.

Standing underneath a tent outside his Prairie Center Red Apple store, he was preparing to grill some hot dogs when a parade of people suddenly approached on foot.

When they started singing, Hofkamp realized something was up.

“I wasn’t even paying attention,” he said. “That corner’s always so busy. You never know who’s doing what.”

More than 50 friends and supporters showed up at the Prairie Center store Saturday morning to thank the store owner for his 43 years of supporting the Coupeville community.

There was neither a retirement to celebrate nor a signature anniversary to recognize, just a heartfelt thank you for a soft-spoken man who’s become a pillar in the community.

“He purchased the store from Muriel and Herb Pickard,” said Margie Parker, who organized the surprise event. “They owned the store and the lumberyard. They were very generous with the community. He’s continued that legacy.”

Muriel Pickard was among the familiar faces in the crowd who surprised Hofkamp.

She was in on one of the town’s best-kept secrets as was Mayor Nancy Conard.

“It was totally a surprise,” Hofkamp said.

The idea started with Parker and quickly gained steam with several individuals and groups jumping on board, including Whidbey Island’s own Shifty Sailors, who customized lyrics to two songs and sang along with the group.

Conard even typed up an official announcement, proclaiming the May 16, 2015 as Ken Hofkamp Day in Coupeville.

“This is my favorite kind of Coupeville day, recognizing people who make this community so great,” Conard said.

Conard, who grew up in Coupeville, said she’s been a regular at the store as far back as she can remember, supporting a business and its owner who has continually given back to the community.

“I don’t think he turns down any nonprofits,” Parker said, rattling off various examples.

“He’s always very helpful. I’ve been here with Relay for Life. He supports the Boys and Girls Club. He is a member of the Central Whidbey Lions Club. He is on the board of the Gifts from the Heart food bank. He supports the food bank with food and grocery bags. He supports Meals to Kids. He is on the board of the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce.”

Parker was just getting started.

“He supports Soroptimists. Hearts & Hammers. The Water Festival. The library. He supports the farmers market and he’s also a customer at the farmers market. Peg Tennant is the market (manager). She says when she’s gone to meetings and talks to farmers market (managers), she’s never met anyone who had a local grocer who was supportive of the farmers market. They all said they wish he was in their community.”

Al Sherman, a retired farmer on Ebey’s Prairie, told Hofkamp that he remembered the day he took over the store.

That was 1972 and Hofkamp was 24-years-old. Sherman said he could recall the words of Bob Blaine, a fellow grocer on the island who helped Hofkamp get started.

“He told me, ‘He’s young, but he’s going to make it work,’” Sherman said.

Hofkamp emphasizes to his group of about 30 employees the importance of customer service and being friendly. The store also delivers groceries to those unable to come in.

“It’s all about the community,” said Hofkamp, who’s from Oak Harbor High School’s Class of 1966. “We have to serve our community.”

“This store has been important in this community for a long time,” Sherman said. “Ken competes with the big boys and people just think it’s the place to go.”

Among them is Muriel Pickard, who still considers herself a regular.

“He’s done wonderfully,” she said.

“I don’t have to go anywhere else.”

The surprise caught Hofkamp off guard and brought out a few tears.

He would soon get back to grilling the hot dogs for an anniversary sale. He wanted to find one of those sheets that showed the lyrics to the songs, “Ken, You’re a Jolly Good Fellow” and “The Red Apple Sign.”

“It’s a wonderful town,” he said. “This is a great community.”