Old Settlers’ Day draws 7,000 participants

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BRENDA CONYERS
Last weekend Marion celebrated the 89th Annual Old Settlers’ Day, sponsored by the Marion Kiwanis Club.



According to chairperson Susan Cooper, “We feel this was a very successful Old Settlers’ Day.”



While numbers were down a little from last year, this year’s attendance was estimated at about 7,000 people.



“This year we were only able to bring in local bands, and that cuts back on attendance,” she said. “But with volleyball tournaments, they just weren’t available.”



This year’s theme was: “Building for the Future: Preserving Our Past.”



The Brooker Spring groundbreaking ceremony was early Saturday afternoon with Virginia Brooker, widow of Paul Brooker, breaking new ground for the Brooker Springs project.



Participating with with Brooker was Fred Fox, trustee, and Gregg Tice, architect for the project and formerly of Marion.



Marion Mayor Max Hayen, welcomed onlookers and introduced the Brookers and the project. Plans were on display to show the finished project.



Bill Meyer, publisher of the Marion County Record, shared comments of appreciation to Brooker for her financial and heart-felt support in making this historical project possible.



Actual construction should begin shortly after the first of the year and the springs should have it’s new look by next Old Settlers’ Day.



“We are hoping each year to have additional activities in the park to celebrate the city’s accomplishments,” Cooper said. “It is a time to show what has been done during the year.”



The museum bell was dedicated after the spring groundbreaking.



Jack Swain, completed the base made from historical bridge stone on which the bell rests. Lorraine Hadsell and Phyllis Melton were honored at this time for their many years of service as curators of the museum.



“Those women contributed a great deal to the preservation of Marion’s history,” Cooper said.



Activities started Friday evening and included the Marion High School homecoming football game against Chase County.



For the first time in the school’s homecoming history, twins were elected as the homecoming king and queen.



Heath and Heather Tajchman, both seniors at Marion High School, were crowned during the halftime ceremonies.



They are the children of Charles and Kay Tajchman.



Saturday’s activities included the parade with the Marion Middle School and High School bands, several floats, county commissioners, and political candidates on hand.



A noon picnic was held in Central Park, followed by games for children of all ages, and the introductions of the many classes home for their reunions.

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