A clown hands out candy to children during a previous Old Settlers Reunion parade in downtown Stanton. This year's reunion will be held Saturday. (HERALD file photo)

Herald Staff Report

STANTON — Memories? The folks of Martin County will be recalling the past in more than a few ways Saturday when the 76th annual Old Settlers Reunion gets under way here.

Themed “125 Years of Memories Come Alive,” the day will feature the traditional parade, games, a tractor pull, recognition of a pioneer family, an evening meal and a dance. A special highlight will be opening a time capsule buried 25 years ago.

Everything gets started at 9 a.m. with registration at the Martin County Community Center. At 9:15 a.m., a bicycle decoration contest will be held at the corner of St. Peter and Business 20.

The traditional downtown parade roll down the brick streets beginning at 10 a.m. For those who plan to participate, entries need to be made at the Methodist church by 9 a.m. Parade judging will be held at 9:15 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third-place floats. Certificates will be awarded to the best non-themed float and the best class reunion float.

Spectators can also guess who the mystery rider is and cast their ballots at the drug store.

Following the parade there will be downtown games at the Star Pavilion. Concessions will be available. Rho XI will be providing a hamburger meal with chips and a drink for $6.

At 11 a.m., the time capsule will be opened at the community center. The capsule was buried by a group of residents in 1984.

Those who enjoy big boy toys will make their way to the Farmers Co-op Gin at 1 p.m. for the 5th annual Sandy Land V8 and Antique Tractor Pull. A concession stand will provide refreshments.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. a reception will be held for the Charlie Smith family in the Martin County Museum. The Smith family is the pioneer family for 2009. Also during that time, the Connell home and the museum will be open for touring.

Various types of entertainment will be held at the community center from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The evening meal, catered by Lester and Kim Baker, will be served at 6 p.m. in the community center. Tickets are $9 per plate.

A program at the community center will conclude the reunion at 7:30 p.m. However, old settlers are also invited to a dance outside the community center, sponsored by the Martin County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Old Settler's Reunion, contact Kathleen Lewis at (432) 756-3745 or 756-2344.