Welcome Old Settlers
Old settlers from near and far will converge on Marion this weekend for the 94th celebration of Old Settlers' Day.
It's been said that you don't have to be born and raised here to enjoy Old Settlers' Day. There are many old settlers who lived here briefly, yet return again and again for the annual celebration.
Those old settlers become part of the community and love it like they've lived here forever. They are the ones who will line up for the parade, the picnic in the park, and participate in the egg toss.
Those old settlers who live here have a different outlook on the weekend. It's like hosting a family reunion. We spend time getting ready, sprucing up the place, and rolling out the red carpet for friends and relatives who come from near and far.
We open our doors, show off our town, and offer a weekend of entertainment. When the weekend is over, long distance old settlers get back in their cars, wave goodbye, and return to their lives somewhere else.
Those who live here say a little prayer, thankful they have the opportunity to be a full-time old settler in the "best place they've seen."
— DONNA BERNHARDT
