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Uniontown gears up for Old Settlers Picnic
UNIONTOWN -- Local residents are preparing for a grand, old-fashioned party this Labor Day weekend -- a party that dates back more than 100 years.
The 102nd Annual Old Settlers Picnic -- one of the oldest celebrations of its type in Kansas -- is scheduled to take place Sept. 1-3 in Uniontown. Event organizers said the theme for this year's celebration is "American Pride -- Old Trails Leading to a Promising Future."
In following this theme, Uniontown residents will be celebrating their historic past with a full weekend of events for people of all ages. Weekend events include a golf tournament, a ranch rodeo, a fishing derby, a community picnic, and a poker run. Events are scheduled to conclude Monday, Sept. 3 with a parade, organizers said.
Uniontown resident Tina Rockhold, the publicity coordinator for the annual event, said the first settlers of Uniontown arrived in 1856, and although the town remains small, community pride is big for about 300 residents of the quaint town.
"For the most part, everyone who lives in or around Uniontown is known on a first name basis," Rockhold said in a written statement. "A quick stop at the local convenience store may keep one lingering for some time in conversation over coffee."
But small doesn't mean naive, Rockhold said. The community has felt the global impact of the War on Terror. Two Uniontown Junior Senior High School graduates were killed in 2004 during military service in the Middle East. The effect of losing those two young area soldiers was devastating, but the town's commitment to freedom and country still prevail, Rockhold said. Since those two local heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice, the Old Settlers Picnic has embraced patriotism as the parade's emphasis by recognizing veterans and current members of the armed services, she said.
What first began as a "picnic in the park" has expanded into a full weekend of events for young and old people alike. The 102nd annual celebration is a big undertaking, Rockhold said, as even the city park is receiving a makeover for the event. Local citizens have contributed labor, materials and money to make improvements to the park, which is located in the town square; the site of Monday's events, she said.
The Old Settlers celebration has always been important to Uniontown, Rockhold said. For this year's event, residents wanted to show off pride in their community.
"The Uniontown community is extremely proud of its annual Old Settlers celebration held on Labor Day weekend without interruption for the past 102 years," long-time Uniontown resident Jake Underwood said.
Underwood said his ancestors have lived in the Uniontown area since 1885.
"The 49th annual celebration, held in 1954, drew an estimated crowd of 2,500," Underwood said.
Community sentiment for the celebration is strong this year, Rockhold said. More than 30 residents showed their support and willingness by attending the most recent Old Settlers Association planning meeting, she said.
"It will take a large percentage of the people in our community to make this event a success," Old Settlers Association Chairman Randy Rockhold said. "The event is an example of teamwork and cooperation among all who share in the commitment by volunteering their time."
Most of the weekend's event take place within a half-mile radius, and it is easy to walk from one event to the other.
The weekend kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, with the first-ever Don Dennis Memorial Golf Tournament. That evening, a ranch rodeo is scheduled to take place at the Uniontown Arena, as well as a fishing derby and community picnic at the community lake, which is located on the UJSHS grounds.
Sunday events begin at 10 a.m. with a community church service, followed by a poker run for motorcycle enthusiasts, and the 38th Annual Old Settlers Kids Rodeo, which will keep participants active until late that evening.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 3, and will follow a route along the town square; the site of some of the first businesses and homes in Uniontown. Grand Marshals for this year's parade are Nate and Kaye Beaman. A traditional picnic will take place at noon Monday.
Other Monday events include a horseshoe pitching contest, a watermelon eating contest, and other games and activities that will bring back memories of previous celebrations. Arts and crafts booths and other vendors will be present most of the day, Rockhold said.
Kenny Holt, whose family has owned and operated a bank in Uniontown for more than 106 years, recalled one of his most cherished memories of the annual celebration.
"One of my fondest memories of previous Old Settlers Picnics is the parade," Holt said. "For at least 25 year, my grandmother, Helen Holt, led the parade on horseback carrying the United States flag."
Other events on Monday include a baby contest, a children's parade, street contests, old-time games, bingo, a bubble gum blowing contest for people of all ages, a ladies nail driving contest, and the most popular event for children; the turtle race. Recognition of the Old Settlers will take place Monday afternoon at the bandstand, where patrons will be able to enjoy hearing long-time residents reminisce and tell stories of yesterday, Rockhold said.
The celebration will take place rain or shine, she said.