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Lodgepole gears up for celebration of 90th Old Settlers' Days

The Village of Lodgepole is set to celebrate its 90th Old Settlers' Days event this weekend.

What started in 1924 as an occasion for past residents of Lodgepole to socialize with "new and old settlers," the event has grown into a celebration where residents of Lodgepole and surrounding communities join together for food, fun and competitions throughout the four-day, Labor Day weekend.

A full roster of events for all ages is scheduled.

Things kick off with a Turkey Softball game at 6 p.m. Friday at North Park. Players run the bases clockwise as opposed to the more familiar counter-clockwise direction.

Bright and early on Saturday, the aroma of the Rib Cook-Off in South Park will arouse the olfactory senses of many people throughout town from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Awards for the best ribs will be presented at 4:30 p.m., and then attendees will be able to sample the entries.

While the ribs are cooking in South Park, visitors can check out the Lodgepole Depot Museum, located in the former Union Pacific Railroad Depot. The volunteer-run museum displays horse buggies, antique furniture and other historical items of local interest.

Tammy Sherman, the Village Clerk of Lodgepole, says the museum will be open all weekend and is worth checking out.

"It captures the history of Lodgepole and surrounding areas," she said. "For a small town, it's a really nice little museum."

Sunday's events start at 9 a.m. with church services at Kasten's Field, followed by mud volleyball at 10 a.m. A tractor pull sanctioned by Platte Valley Tractor Pullers Association also begins at 10 a.m.

"The tractor pull is always a good draw," Sherman said.

Vendors and crafters are allowed to set up shop in South Park on Sunday and Monday at no charge.

"Last year, we had a lot of crafters and vendors because it's free," Sherman said.

Kids will have a chance to participate in games in South Park at 1 p.m. Sunday, including foot races, sack races and a penny scramble.

The King and Queen of this year's Old Settlers' Reunion, Glen and Ruth Fraass, will have a reception at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Sunday. According to Maryann Dickinson, member of the Old Settlers' committee, the King and Queen are selected based on the length of time the residents have lived in Lodgepole and how much they have been involved in the local community.

"They don't necessarily have to live here their whole lives," she said, "but they should be born and raised here."

To close out Sunday evening, the Lodgepole Volunteer Fire Dept. will sponsor a street dance and beer garden at the community hall from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

On Labor Day, the last day of the event, kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m., the theme of which is "90 Years of Memories."

Prizes will be awarded to the best in each of five parade categories: organizations, churches, cars, horses and buggies or wagons. The Village of Lodgepole is particularly keen on getting school bands to participate in this year's parade, with a grand prize of $200 going to the winner.

Right after the parade, folks can head down to South Park to get a free barbecue lunch at 11 a.m. Donations will be accepted and proceeds will go to the Old Settlers' Day fund. Homemade pies and ice cream will also be on sale through the Gloria Dei Lutheran Women's Fellowship.

After lunch, the Lions' Club will be on site to do health screenings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in North Park, a horseshoe pitching competition will begin at 1 p.m.

The program in South Park also gets rolling at 1 p.m., starting with the crowning of the 2014 King and Queen – the Fraasses. Country Store drawings and a quilt raffle will follow, and a jump house will be available at the park for the kids. Local entertainment, including a singer from Chappell, a dance group comprised of children from Creek Valley schools, and comedian Steve "Snorkel" From will perform.

Sherman feels that the event provides a laid back, fun time to spend with locals.

"It's just a great small community celebration," she said. "It's comfortable. You can just come in shorts and flip-flops. You can come as you are."

 

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