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Fun, friends, and family fill Salem Old Settlers
Salem Old Settlers Committee expresses gratitude for all the support seen during this year’s Old Settlers weekend
SALEM — After 141 years, Salem Old Settlers still proved to be a great time to catch up with old friends, visit family, enjoy good music, eat tasty food, and celebrate deep-rooted community as the small Henry County town welcomed guests this past weekend.
Every year, Salem turns into its very own community reunion as people return to visit family and friends during the festive weekend.
“People come back and visit their parents during this time,” Committee Member Sabrina Mathews said. “One of my childhood friends came back and I have not seen him in years.”
This familiarity came through as the 50/50 raffle winner excitedly held up her ticket Friday night, Aug. 23, and voices throughout the park could be heard congratulating “Nancy” as she went forward to collect her winnings.
Nancy Wesely Weigert walked away from the raffle with $268.
The Old Settlers’ reunion-like weekend also included carnival rides, a car cruise, music, games and lots of fun that continued through the weekend. According to one committee member, the car cruise saw 74 vehicles in attendance which is the “best number in years.”
As people strolled around the square Friday night checking out the old and new rides, others gather around to watch as Lee-Henry Road played music that got some attendees dancing. On Saturday, music lovers enjoyed Stumptown and then a street dance with DJ Jordan.
While many enjoyed music, others had a blast checking out the carnival rides which returned to the festivities for the second year. Just before the event was set to begin, the Old Settler Committee put out word that they needed individuals to help run the rides for this carnival. Thanks to the many community members that stepped up, kids once again enjoyed spinning, swinging, and climbing all that the carnival had to offer.
Kids at Old Settlers also enjoyed games at the library and a fun “Let’s RAWR in 2024,” themed parade Saturday. The parade included a performance from the Mt. Pleasant Panther Marching Band, smiles from Henry County Fair Queen royalty, and even a visit from a dinosaur.
The committee saw good turn outs for the ham and beans meal and the chicken dinner. One committee member reported that the chicken dinner almost sold out and “tasted great!”
After wrapping up a very busy weekend, Mathews would like to thank everyone that attended Old Settlers this year.
“Thank you to everyone that came out in the heat to support us,” Mathews said. “We truly appreciate it!”
If you missed Salem Old Settlers this weekend or you can’t wait for it to return, mark your calendars for Aug. 22-23, 2025 to enjoy the tradition next year.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
