Sheldon Old Settler's Picnic celebrates 110 years

Nevada Daily Mail

Though a century of tradition would be an accomplishment in itself, Sheldon's Old Settler's Picnic returns to celebrate its 110th anniversary Aug. 14 through 16.

In recognition for its importance and history, the 2014 grand marshal is the Sheldon R-8 School District. Organized as a village district in 1895, the schools became Sheldon R-8 in 1951 and served Barton, Cedar and Vernon County students.

Another historical fixture receives recognition from the Sheldon Library Board -- Mac Hornecker -- at this year's festival.

Hornecker, a Sheldon native, was a distinguished Midwestern sculptor and donated Missouri Bluff, a major piece of sculpture, to Sheldon. The library board will have a presentation honoring Hornecker at noon on Saturday.

"People should come to the picnic because it's a good family experience," Picnic Committee co-president Cody Claflin said. "We expect a big draw and turnout for the anniversary."

New events include a watermelon feed after the kids races, outhouse races and new music entertainment.

The outhouse races involve four person teams holding up and driving along outhouse frames on four wheelers.

"This is the first time we've done this in 20 years," Claflin said. "This is something people wanted brought back. All our parents did this when they were kids."

Claflin said for the music this year, the Picnic Committee tried to bring in bands outside the traditional genre that weren't often seen in the area. This year's entertainment includes the Cole Porter Band and The Damn Quails.

Activities include:

Thursday

6 p.m.: Opening ceremony.

6-9 p.m.: Inflatables and rides.

6:30 p.m.: Ice Cream Social.

6:30-7 p.m.: 2013 Old Settlers Picnic Royalty candidates introduced.

6:30-8:30 p.m.: Golf Cart Obstacle Course.

7-9 p.m.: Kentucky Road Quartet performs.

Friday

10 a.m.: Community Building opens.

1 p.m.: Arts and crafts booth open.

6 p.m.: Pets on Parade on the bandstand.

6 p.m.: Softball tournament begins.

7-10 p.m.: Inflatables and rides.

7 p.m.: Outhouse races.

7:30 p.m.: Lawn tractor pull.

8- 1 p.m.: Street Dance with Rick Cook and Seminole.

Saturday

7-10 a.m.: Breakfast to benefit Class of 2015.

7 a.m.: 5K run and walk.

8 a.m.: Kids races and games

8 a.m.: Community building opens.

9 a.m.: Horseshoe Pitch begins.

10 a.m.: Baby show.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Inflatables and rides.

11 a.m.: Softball tournament.

Noon: Library Board presentation.

12:30 p.m.: Pedal tractor pull.

3-5 p.m.: Car show.

6:30 p.m.: Parade proceeds down Main Street, followed by Antique and Classic Tractor Pull.

7--10 p.m.: Inflatables and rides

7:15 p.m.: Royalty coronation and prizes awarded.

7:45 p.m.: Ezra and Lila Phipps Memorial Award presented to the most outstanding boy and girl of the picnic. J.K. Arthur Award presented for the best zucchini. Watermelon auction.

8 p.m.: Election of 2015 Sheldon Old Settlers' Picnic Officers.

8:30--10 p.m.: Street dance with Cole Porter Band.

10 p.m.: Fireworks display.

10:30t--Midnight: Street dance with The Damn Quails.