Old Settlers Day planned for fall

Despite an epidemic, a long-beloved annual event will still take place in September.

Old Settlers Day, slated for Sept. 26, is still planned despite many other events having been canceled because of COVID-19.

Marion Kiwanis, which organizes the annual event, is working to make decisions related to this year’s theme, an annual parade, a meal in Central Park, and other festival features.

An Old Settlers Day golf tournament Sept. 25 is also is still part of the plan.

The festival will, as usual, honor graduating classes in five-year increments. Classes being honored traditionally have reunions the weekend of the event.

Chris Mercer, Kiwanis president, said COVID-19 recommendations would apply to this year’s event. People will be asked to practice social distancing and stay home if they don’t feel well.

The festival began in 1881 as a picnic for people who arrived in the 1860s. In the 1890s Old Settlers Day became a countywide event. It was revived in 1912 and made an annual Marion event.