Cream of the crop
Another Old Settlers' Day is in the record books and will join the previous 93 as the "best ever."
Many think that just as sure as the sun comes up in the east, Old Settlers' Day will happen on the last Saturday of September. Many think it'll happen — even if no one plans it.
It's true that after 90-some years, the day seems to run itself. But those behind the scenes know the appearance of flawless execution gets a little help.
Old Settlers' Day requires the work of a lot of volunteers. Marion Kiwanis Club organizes the overall event and members work tirelessly to make sure it continues to be the "best ever." Like a well-oiled machine, each committee does its part and works together to make the day enjoyable for everyone.
It takes an enormous amount of cooperation from a large number of people to make the day a success.
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary furnishes pies for the picnic in the park. City of Marion crews block off streets. Law enforcement provides help with directing traffic.
Float-builders, band members, class reunion organizers, even parents coaxing four-year-olds to jump across the finish line in the sack race play an important part in Old Settlers' Day.
Everyone who had anything to do with the day deserves a big pat on the back.
And while we're handing out pats on the back, we should think about the past few weeks in Marion.
There aren't that many small towns that can successfully plan and execute a citywide festival year after year. Even fewer towns can do it two weeks in a row. Marion is among the elite, the cream of the crop.
That says something for the people who live here. It says we can work together and make good things happen for the community.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
