Preparations underway for Salem Old Settlers

MT. PLEASANT — With Salem Old Settlers just around the corner at the end of August, event organizers prepare by hosting a fundraising fish fry this Saturday and encouraging preregistration for the annual fun run.

This Saturday, July 29 from 5-7:30 p.m. Salem Old Settler organizers invite the community to a fundraising fish fry at the shelter house in city park.

“We will have fish, hush puppies, potatoes which we call chips because they are thin, beans, coleslaw and a drink,” 13-year event organizer Sabrina Mathews said.

According to Mathews, the freewill donations received at the fish fry will go toward the cost of bringing a different carnival to Old Settlers, this year.

“Carnivals are expensive now a days,” she said. “They will be bringing eight to 10 rides for all ages. We will also be selling presale carnival tickets for $15 for a strip of 24 tickets.”

This year’s carnival will come from a company based in Des Moines named Joe’s Old Fashioned Fun, and is a different company from last year.

As the anticipation for the annual tradition of Old Settlers continues to build, Mathews and fellow event organizers encourage preregistration for the Old Settlers Fun Run.

Early this month, Mathews sent out registration flyers to the past two years’ worth of runners and encouraged them to preregister by Aug. 1

“Remember sending in early saves you money, saves us time that morning and guarantees your shirt,” Mathews said.

According to Mathews, the $2 registration fee for the kid’s run and $15 preregistration fee, which increases to $20 after Aug. 1, go toward the shirts and koozies each of the 2.2-mile runners receive with registration and the cost of trophies and medals.

Those registering the day of the race can do so at the shelter house in the city park Aug. 26 between 7-7:45 a.m.

Averaging between 140-150 runners each year ranging from 2 years old to over 80 years old, Mathews says they “try to keep this fun for all ages.”

The fun run will include a half mile kid’s run for those 9 years old and younger at 7:30 a.m. followed by a 2.2 mile run for all other participants at 8 a.m.

While the fun run used to include a 6.2-mile option, Mathews says the late-August heat contributed to the decision not to no longer offer it.

“Heat is a big reason as the route goes out into the country and our helpers are left out there for hours plus it tends to get into our parade route, so we decided to do away with it,” she explained. “The majority does not mind, and they don't have to wait as long now for the award presentation and can get a good seat for the parade.”

The scenic course will start and finish on the east side of Salem’s square and participants will run part of the route on the Nature Trail.

At the conclusion of the race, Chuck and Teresa Kramer, owners of Kramer’s Gas & Grocery, will continue the tradition of treating each runner to a free ice cream cone, and winners will receive recognition and prizes.

The top male and female runners in each race will receive trophies and the top two finishers in each age group will receive medals.

To honor the wide range of ages participating in the event, the youngest and oldest runners will also receive awards.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com