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Another Old Settlers' Day will go down in the annals as the "best ever." The late-September day was perfect for the annual get-together. Temperatures hovered in the upper 70s as the crowd awaited the start of the annual parade.
Fire trucks from several departments in the county followed the color guard and grand marshals. It was interesting to see Marion's older fire trucks and Tampa's new equipment.
High school bands from Hillsboro and Peabody, dressed in band uniforms, marched smartly down the street. Each band did an outstanding job with applause from the crowd.
Marion High School band and flag corps marched through the parade twice and drew enthusiastic kudos from everyone along the parade route.
Nine class reunions rode through, marking the milestones of graduation in five-year increments. Most on these floats were busy chatting with classmates and tossing candy to excited children.
Floats this year were especially numerous and imaginative. It was interesting to see how many ways groups could promote the theme of the parade, "65th anniversary of Marion County Park and Lake."
Following the hour-long parade, the crowd converged on Central Park for the annual picnic in the park. More than 600 went through the serving lines under the blue-and-white Kiwanis tent.
The traditional afternoon games began at 1 p.m. and concluded with the annual egg toss.
Marion High School band and flag corps began their performance with the Marion High School alma mater and concluded with the Star-Spangled Banner.
The alumni recognition portion of the afternoon program brought more than 180 Marion High School alums across the gazebo stage.
Most mentioned how glad they were to be in Marion and grateful for the opportunity to attend Old Settlers' Day. They came from 16 states — as far away as California and Florida, and as close as a few blocks.
Following the conclusion of the afternoon program, folks lingered in the park, visiting with old friends and catching up. Children played in the sand, made endless trips down the slipper-slide, and begged parents and siblings to push the swings.
All in all, it really was the "best ever."
— DONNA BERNHARDT
