Old Settlers Picnic is a family affair

Nevada Daily Mail

Linda Elderton has only missed one day of the Sheldon Old Settlers Picnic in the 62 years of her life, and she's proud of it.

"I grew up with it," Elderton said. "My folks were always involved. My dad was president of the picnic association several times. I've been president of the association, and my youngest son has been president. We have three generations who have helped keep it going. It's just a time of family, fun and food."

Elderton still helps out whether bringing cake and ice cream for the ice cream social, entering flowers or vegetables for judging or announcing royalty candidates.

"I had bumper jalapeno pepper crop this year, so I brought some of those. I also do a lot of announcing because my voice projects well. At one time, they called me the mouth of Vernon County," she said and laughed.

She said the picnic is really all about family.

"I have grandkids now, and I try to make the picnic a memory for them like the memories I had as a kid," she said. "My granddaughter is one of the mini princess candidates. I have a brother and sister in the Kansas City area, and they always come. It's just a good time for families to come together."

Now in its 110th year, Elderton said she's seen the picnic change over time.

"When I was a kid, we had a carnival," she said. "We don't have that anymore. When we had our 100th year, the amount of participation was amazing. They did a fashion show through the decades, and it was quite entertaining. The 100th meant a whole lot. Every picnic means a lot, but to see it actually last 100 years made it very special."

A two-stepper, she said she always enjoys the street dance with Rick Cook & Seminole, who perform classic country music.

"On Saturday, the parade is always the highlight," she said. "For a small town, I think our parade is great."

If you want to have a good time, family-wise, you need to make time for the picnic, she added.