Tradition, people keep Old Settlers strong

By BROOKS TAYLOR

Mt. Pleasant News

SALEM ? It is said that the success of an event can be measured in its longevity.

Using that adage, the Salem Old Settlers is a huge success as the celebration observed its 132nd birthday over the weekend.

So, what?s behind the success? Ask Salem residents and you may get five different answers.

Mary Koontz said she likes the music in the park and the entertainment in the evenings. She also was looking forward to the mud run.

A new event ? camera and canvass ? was what Sheila Carr was looking forward to. ?I also like the Sunday morning service in the park.?

Carr said it?s the residents of Salem who make the event a success. ?We have a lot of people in this committee who are dedicated and committed to it.?

?I just like so many things that happen during Old Settlers that it is difficult to name one,? said Steve Feehan.

However, he noted the fun run/walk and the Friday night car show as favorites. Freehan also echoed Carr?s comments, saying it?s the commitment of Salem residents that keeps Old Settlers going.

Sitting a few feet from Feehan, Jerry Fedler said Old Settlers is successful ?because somebody is always getting involved.? He said watching the parade, especially the old tractors, and the car event are his favorite events.

Watching the youngsters run in the Saturday morning fun run is enjoyed by Pat Mathews. ?I also really enjoy the parade and car show.?

He said that the reason that the celebration is in its second century is ?because people won?t let it die.? ?It was losing momentum about six years ago, but we got some new blood that helped spruce it up. We are always trying to do something new to make it interesting ? combining new events with traditional ones,? he continued.

Rural Salem resident Dave Helman likes the Saturday afternoon activities around the square. ?Salem has one of the prettiest squares and it is the center of activity,? he said. ?There is good music, good food and a nice place to relax. The library also has added new activities and anytime you can get somebody in the library, that is a good thing.?

He sees the success of Old Settlers as a celebration of the town ? past and present. ?I think it is a way to honor current residents and past residents. It is our heritage.?

Librarian Kelly Patterson, also a member of the Old Settlers Planning Committee, said she enjoys seeing people that you don?t normally see. She also likes throwing candy from the float in the parade. ?That (throwing candy) really is a lot of fun.?

Tradition is the first word that comes to her mind when asked the reason behind Old Settlers? success. ?This is what we?ve always done and we keep adding new things.?

However, maybe Helman summed it up best when he said, ?Life has always been strong here.?