25 years ago

september 25, 1996

Rain or shine, Old Settlers’ Day events are set for this weekend in Marion. Theme for the 85th annual celebration is “175 Years on the Santa Fe Trail.”

The peace and tranquility of shady Central Park gave way Saturday to crowds in excess of 25,000 people who came to attend Marion’s 18th annual Art in the Park. At least 20,000 people visited the park last year. Judy Christensen, chairman, speculated that as many as 25,000 to 30,000 attended this year.

Bob and Sally Stack have been selected as “residents of the month” at Hilltop Manor. They have lived there since July 1986.

A bronze plaque has been installed near the horseshoe pits in Central Park, a memorial tribute to the late Byron “Barney” McCarty of Florence. McCarty was an advocate of the sport of pitching horseshoes, and was an expert at the game. He was a prime mover and advocate of the Central Park pits for years and always organized Old Settlers’ Day tournaments.

Produce Derby entry this week is a 21-inch-long “burpless” cucumber entered by Ed McGinness of the Aulne community. He gives his wife, Ruth, full credit for growing the cucumber.

Pictured are six Marion County youngsters who successfully have completed the 4-H Shooting Sports 4-H program. The participants are Marie Konarik, Grant Garrard, Simon Makovec, Steven Waner, William Scriven, and Robbie McVey.

This year’s topic for high school debaters is, “Resolved: That the federal government should establish a program to substantially reduce juvenile crime in the United States.” MHS debaters this year include Medea Fowler, Curtis Gore, Heather Holub, James Meier, Josh Powers, Dusty Sharp, Cory Schoemaker, Joey Smallwood, and Natali Toupin.