Old Settlers' Day is Saturday
Old Settlers' Day will be held this weekend, rain or shine.
Most activities are Saturday but a few events take place Friday and Sunday.
Activities begin at 1 p.m. Friday with a golf tournament at Marion Country Club.
Marion High School hosts Chase County for a homecoming game at 7 p.m. Queen candidates are Shawna Hett, Ashlee Moore, and Heidi Zogelman. King candidates are Mitch Enos, Jason Matz, and Joel Versch.
The main event is Saturday.
The Old Settlers' Day Run starts at 8 a.m. with a fun run at Marion County Lake. A one-mile fun run follows. Registration fee is $12 per person. Contact the Marion Recreation office at 382-3425 for more information.
Marion Historical Museum opens at 9 a.m.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. Theme is "St. Luke Hospital: 50 Years of Service." Anyone planning to be in the parade should call Tom Kimbrel, parade chairman, at 382-3899 by 5 p.m. Friday. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best floats in several categories.
Grand marshal is Bill Meyer, the only living member of the original board of Marion County Hospital District No. 1, which bought the hospital from an order of Catholic Sisters.
The parade route is from Jex Addition west of the railroad tracks to Lincoln Street.
Floats are encouraged to be at Jex Addition by 10 a.m. As a safety measure, other vehicles should stay out of the area. Participants should walk to the area of have someone drop them off at the entrance to the neighborhood.
Floats and parade vehicles can unload at Marion High School and Middle School parking lot.
Parade entries can throw candy or other safety items but only if the throwers are 12 or older and the items thrown reach the crowd the entire length of the parade. Items should not be tossed or dropped in the street near moving vehicles.
Children in costumes with decorated bicycles, tricycles, or pets should meet in the parking area on the east side of Marion Die and Fixture at 10:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Horses may be unloaded in the grassy area near the railroad tracks. Trailers can be parked at Marion Municipal swimming pool. For the safety of all involved, riders completing the parade should take Lincoln north to Lawrence, then east to the pool. Riders can unload at the pool and ride down but they are asked to stay off Main except when crossing Luta Creek.
Parking stalls in front of Case and Son Insurance should be left clear after 4 p.m. Friday so the announcer's stand and barricades can be installed. Parking on the parade route is discouraged. Those viewing the parade should bring lawn chairs and dress for the weather. Those attending should make room up front for the elderly or disabled.
Appropriate respect should be shown for the color guard, which will lead the parade with the American flag.
As the parade winds down, Central Park will open for a community picnic. Marion Kiwanis Club will sell sloppy joes and hot dogs. Proceeds from the meal go to community projects.
Two-crust pies are needed and should be delivered to the park Saturday morning. Proceeds from pie sales go to St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary.
Games in Central Park start at 1 p.m.
Marion High School band under the direction of Mike Connell performs at 2 p.m.
Alumni recognition starts at 2:30 p.m. All classes holding reunions are asked to attend so members may be introduced.
Marion City Library will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. in its new location, the former Santa Fe Depot.
St. Luke Hospital also will have an open house, from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
