Welcome back old settlers!
You can set your calendar by it — it's the last week of September and Marion is getting ready for Old Settlers' Day. This weekend we'll welcome hundreds, if not thousands, of old settlers back to Marion.
Those folks who live here year-round should take the opportunity to welcome old settlers from out of town. Show them around the "old hometown." Point out the new fine arts center and gymnasium/indoor pool. Show them that the industrial park and business park is expanding. Tell them about the Central Park Improvement Committee and their project to raise money for new playground equipment. Take an opportunity to let these folks know why we choose to live in Marion and why we're proud of our community.
You old settlers from out of town — welcome! We hope you'll have an opportunity this weekend to stroll down Main Street and shop in our stores. Have a cup of coffee with the old-timers at the drug store. Take a drive around town and see for yourselves that Marion is indeed alive and well.
Marion High School graduates who are returning for class reunions, take an opportunity to tour the high school campus. It's not what it used to be! We have a great school system. When the building projects are completed, we'll have facilities that will be unrivaled by any in the state.
After the parade Saturday, join in the festivities in Central Park. Marion Kiwanis Club will be offering its traditional luncheon fare and children of all ages will be lining up to participate in the afternoon games. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to spend the afternoon listening to the Marion High School Warrior Band and getting re-introduced to the graduates of MHS who have returned for reunions.
We can't think of a finer way to spend the last Saturday in September.
— Donna Bernhard
