August 28, 2013

Alexander to host 68th annual Old Settlers’ Day

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

As fall approaches, the time has come for the 68th Annual Old Settlers’ Day celebration in Alexander. And as always, the celebration promises to be a weekend of food, fun, family reunions and of course, new memories.
Old Settlers’ Day began 68 years ago, when Len Burns decided the community needed a fall celebration and donated the meat for the first picnic. And this year’s celebration will run from Thursday, Aug. 29 through Saturday, Aug. 31.
The festivities kick off on Thursday with the bonfire at 7 p.m., east of the park. Each year the bonfire is held to kick off the event and prepare for the annual roast beef feed that is held at noon on Saturday, a meal you won’t want to miss.
Friday’s festivities begin with a Chili Cook-Off from 3 to 7 p.m. on Main Street. The Old Settlers’ Day Committee is always looking for new teams that have a chili recipe that they believe is a winner. For team entries, call Fonda or Ray Powell at 828-3566. The day’s events continue as the Long X Wagon Train will roll into town.
Friday’s festivities will end with old-time music from 6 to 9 p.m. with “Shotgun Creek” playing.
Thursday and Friday are sure to be fun days. But if you can’t make it to all three days of the celebration, Saturday is the day you don’t want to miss.
Saturday’s events kick off with the parade down Main Street at 11 a.m.
Whether you’re a participant in the parade or just there for the candy, it’s always a good time for everyone. Following the parade will be the barbecue in the park. In true Old Settlers’ Day tradition, this year’s beef has been donated by the Haugen family in honor of Kenneth and Louise Haugen, who will be remembered at a special program at 1 p.m.
After filling up on parade candy and the barbecue, kids won’t want to miss out on the Children’s Carnival, which will be set up north of the park and will be open from 1 to 4 p.m.
During the afternoon, there will also be a Karaoke contest.
At 2 p.m., the Hi-Way Lounge will be hosting its horseshoe tournament with sign-up starting at 1:30 p.m.
This year’s Old Settlers’ Day festivities will conclude on Saturday with “Balderdash” playing for a Street Dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
It’s going to be a weekend filled with fun and excitement, and a $2 Old Settlers’ Day Button admits you to all of the activities. So there’s no excuse not to head over to Alexander and join in the fun.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER