News editor
The 103rd edition of Marion’s Old Settlers’ Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 will give a nod to military veterans and emergency responders with the theme “Marion Heroes, Past and Present.”
Marion Kiwanis Club sponsors the annual event, and chairman Macky Taylor said the grand marshals will be heroes.
“We’ll have a float with lots of veterans on it, and we want the police chief, the fire chief, and someone from the ambulance on it, too,” Taylor said. Marion VFW Post 6958 is making the float.
Gene Winkler will be master of ceremonies for the parade, which begins at 11 a.m. Parade participants will assemble on Walnut St. beginning at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for floats in three categories: open, church, and class.
Marching bands from Marion High School, Marion Middle School, and Peabody High School will perform.
Kiwanis Club will serve lunch in the park immediately following the parade.
“The menu will be the same, with their famous secret sloppy joe meal,” Taylor said. “They say it’s a secret recipe, anyway.”
A change this year is that no temporary benches will be set up by the park’s gazebo. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, Taylor said.
“We’re bringing all the chairs Kiwanis has, but they might be more comfortable in one of their own,” she said.
Races begin at 1 p.m., and will conclude with the youth and adult egg tosses.
Marion High School band will perform immediately after the games. Following a short concert, members of Marion High classes having reunions will be introduced.
Other events
Golfers can get a jump on Old Settlers’ Day by playing in the golf tournament Friday, Sept. 26 at Marion Country Club.
A 5K run supporting the “Crushing Cancer” fund drive for Steve Janzen is at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Register for the race at Marion City Building, or email Rachel Thalmann at rcjanzen@hotmail.com. The registration fee is a suggested donation of $20. Same-day registrations will be accepted starting at 7:15 a.m.
A free concert at Marion County Lake from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. will feature Glory Land Band, of El Dorado. The group will perform on the stage at the beach area, playing a variety of favorites from the past.