Old Settlers' Day will recognize anniversary of county lake
The 65th anniversary of the building of Marion County Park and Lake will be the theme for Old Settlers' Day Friday and Saturday.
The official theme for the 93rd annual celebration, sponsored by Marion Kiwanis Club, is "65th Anniversary of Marion County Park and Lake."
The weekend begins Friday with a golf tournament at Marion Country Club. Tee-off times are 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Marion High School Warriors will host the Lyons Lions at Marion Stadium. Kick-off time is 7 p.m.
A country club open house will follow the game, and is open to the public.
Saturday's events begin with the Old Settlers' Day run at Marion County Park and Lake. A 5K run begins at 8 a.m. and a one-mile fun run will follow.
The annual parade, set for 11 a.m., will feature former Marion County Lake superintendent John Waner, current superintendent Dale Snelling, and lake residents Dwight and Helen Beckham as grand marshals.
The parade begins on West Main Street near Marion Die and Fixture and ends at Lincoln Street.
Parade entries will line up in Jex Addition, located on the west edge of Marion. Floats are encouraged to be in Jex Addition by 10 a.m. As a safety measure other vehicles are asked to stay out of the area. Participants should walk to the area or have someone drop them off at the entrance to the neighborhood.
Parade entries can throw candy, but items should not be tossed or dropped in the street near moving vehicles.
Children in costumes with decorated bicycles, tricycles, or pets should meet in the parking area on the east side of Marion Die and Fixture at 10:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Horses may unload in the grassy area near the railroad tracks. Trailers can be parked at Marion swimming pool. Horse riders should take Lincoln north to Lawrence, then east to the pool. Riders can unload at the pool and ride down, but are asked to stay off Main Street except when crossing Luta Creek.
Casey Case will carry on the Case tradition by announcing the parade entries at a location in front of the Case and Hannaford building on Main Street.
Parking stalls in front of that building should be left clear after 4 p.m. Friday so the announcers' stand and barricades can be moved in.
Parking on the parade route is discouraged. Those viewing the parade should bring lawn chairs and dress for the weather. Those attending also should make room up front for the elderly or disabled.
Immediately following the parade, a picnic will be served in Central Park. Old Settlers' Day participants are invited to enjoy the $6 "meal deal" that includes sandwiches, chips, beans, pie, water, and soft drinks.
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary again will provide fruit pies for the picnic. The auxiliary is asking for volunteers to provide pies for the day. Anyone interested in helping, should bring pies to Central Park by 9 a.m. Saturday. Boy Scouts will be on hand to receive them.
Proceeds from the picnic go to community projects.
Games in Central Park will begin at 1 p.m. and will include races and the traditional egg toss. Cash prizes will be awarded. All ages are welcome to participate.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sculpture, which has been on display at Marion City Library for several months, will be given away at 2 p.m.
Marion High School band, under the direction of Mike Connell, will perform following the drawing for the sculpture.
All Marion High School classes holding reunions will be introduced at 2:30 p.m. during alumni recognition. Classes hosting reunions are asked to attend so members can be honored.
Marion-Florence FFA members will host a mud run at 3 p.m. at Green Acres Raceway, located north on Walnut Street. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive ATV divisions will be available. Admission is $1.
At 8 p.m. a community-wide dance will be held at Marion Country Club. The event will be held outdoors and those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs. Music will be provided by "DJ Doctors." Admission is $5 per person.
Marion Historical Museum, located next to Central Park, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
