by Bridget Weishaar
A lot of tradition mixed with a lineup of new entertainment, the 122nd Annual Oskaloosa Old Settlers Reunion comes to the county seat June 20 through 22.
“This year will be jam-packed with more bands, retail vendors, activities, and the return of the wine and beer tent,” organizer Matt Miller stated.
Miller has organized the event for the past ten years, filling the shoes of Cathy Dailey before him.
Food vendors will be placed around the square from 4 to 10 p.m. all three nights. Local fare from Lago Vista, Ozawkie, and That Smoker, McLouth, will be available as well as popular favorites from the surrounding areas such as The Burger Bus.
The 1890 Ice House, Meriden, owned by Jerry and Derek Cozadd, will provide this year’s Beer and Wine Experience during the event, Thursday and Friday beginning at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
A $25 wristband will get you unlimited rides at the Evans Midland Empire Carnival each night from 6 to 10 p.m.
A “That’s My Generation” contest takes place each evening from 6 to 8 p.m. with a chance to win $50 cash. Winners will be drawn at 8 p.m. Saturday and participants must be present to win.
The Young at Heart Quartet gets the honor of the opening act tonight (Thursday) taking the main stage at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Raghsida Belly Dancers, a returning act over the years. Also new to the line-up opening night are the MoonStone Quartet, and the Topeka High School Trojans Drumline.
Betsy O and The Hollaback Boys will close out the evening. The group, hailing from Lawrence, performs pop covers with a bluegrass twist.
The kiddie pedal tractor pull begins the evening on Friday. Registration begins at 5 p.m., with the event running from 6 to 7.
During the pull, grab a piece of pie from the American Legion Auxiliary located under the main tent on the north side of the courthouse.
The adult hay bale toss and The Ghosts of Johnny Cash will be the final events of the evening.
Saturday boasts the longest schedule of events kicking off at 8 a.m. with the 5K Color Fun Run hosted by A Child’s World Daycare & Preschool. Registration for the run begins at 7.
Breakfast will be hosted across the street at City Hall by the Jefferson County Humane Society where remote control car races will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The “young settlers” parade and games begin promptly at 9 a.m. Pets, floats, themed costumes, and decorated bike entries are all welcome in the parade. Prizes will be awarded in each division. After the parade, the slowest bike, turtle races, and the frog hop will take place next to the main stage on Delaware Street. The egg and water balloon toss begins directly after, followed by the three-legged race and tug-of-war on the main lawn.
The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and the Women of the Oskaloosa Methodist Church are serving up hotdogs for two hours beginning at 11 a.m.
Bluegrass music from the Pheasant Pluckers begins at 3:30 p.m. Erin the Extraordinary Stilt Walker will be making roving performances from 5 to 9 p.m. during the evening.
Michelle Wiegand is this year’s National Anthem singer. She will open the start of the 122nd annual parade. Oskaloosa’s High School cheerleaders perform directly after the parade, along with the adult games of the egg and water balloon toss.
Saturday’s entertainment on the OOSR stage include the talents of veteran comedian, ventriloquist, and magician, Kevin Horner.
Horner’s path in the world of entertainment started with bullying prevention programs in schools across the Midwest. “Speaking up for those who can’t speak up for themselves” was presented for over 15 years across the United States before he became a full-time performer.
“The joy that comedy brings to the audience and myself is truly one of the joys of life,” Horner said. “When the audience roars with laughter and surprise, I know I’m doing my job.”
He has performed at Comicon, the Improv, Great Wolf Lodge, and many other events across the Midwest.
Horner and his suitcase of compadres will take the stage Saturday, June 22, just after the parade.
Be careful where you sit, Elmer P. Suggins and Aunt Millie are always looking for their next victim.
The final performance of the weekend is The Bash, a 1980s cover band from Topeka. The Bash will take the stage until 10:30 p.m.
“We work hard to up our game each year, and this year we definitely met our goal,” Miller said. “Folks will be pretty amazed with the wide variety of activities and bands this year.”
A full schedule of events appears elsewhere in this edition.
