Old Settlers Days Turns 150 Years Old

It is nearly that time of year again. The leaves are beginning to fall, temperatures are starting to cool, and Walmart already has Halloween decorations in its aisles. Fall is just around the corner, and so is the Old Settlers Days festival. This Washington County tradition began well over a century ago.

“The annual gathering called Old Settlers Days was first held in Washington County, Indiana on September 29, 1875,” said Kaylee Seabolt. “Its purpose was to bring together the county’s earliest settlers so they could recount their experiences building Washington County. Held annually since, the festival has morphed and changed, but it continues its goal of bringing people together to celebrate the unique history of our little Indiana county.”

This year, the festival will be held on October 4 and 5 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days. However, Sunday, October 5 will feature an 8:00 am church service hosted by Adam Livingston for those interested in attending.

Old Settlers Days will feature entertainment from Daniel and Juneau Main, Jared Kearschner, Warriors of Christ, Salem High School Guitar Club, and more! There will also be an art show, sponsored by the Salem Rotary Club, in the basement of the John Hay museum featuring works by local high school students.

As per usual, there will be plenty of vendors. Currently, there are over 40 different vendors that are signed up and eager to put their projects on display for the community to enjoy. The Salem Rotary Club will be providing parched corn and apple cider, and there will also be a ham and bean dinner located at the train depot starting at 11:00 am.

This year, the festival coordinators have added a couple of contests to the roster: a pie contest sponsored by Loy & Fordyce Insurance and a scarecrow contest sponsored by the Salem Rotary Club. Both have rules that participants need to make sure they are aware of.

Pie Contest Rules

• Homemade pie crust

• Check in Saturday, October 4 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am

• No canned filling

• Must be placed in disposable container with the recipe included

• Judging will take place at 12:00 pm

• Three prizes

  • 1st place - $100

  • 2nd place - $75

  • Judge’s Choice - $50

• Submitted pies will be sold by the slice in the General Store at 1:00 pm

• Winning pies will be sold whole

Scarecrow Contest Rules

• Four prizes

  • 1st place - $150

  • 2nd place - $100

  • 3rd place - $50

  • People’s Choice - $25

• No political entries

• No advertising or promotional entries

• No profanity

• No age limit on contestants

• No size limit on entries

• Any materials allowed

• Entries are to be entered at the train depot on October 3 between 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

• Entries must be picked up after 4:00 pm on October 5

Here is the full schedule of events:

Old Settlers Days will be providing “Story Time” on both days at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm at the schoolhouse, and the Washington County Historical Society will be conducting “historical brick street tours” starting at 11:00 am on both days. Keeping with the historical theme, there will be demonstrators set up in the blacksmith shop, the carpentry shop, and the loom house to demonstrate how life was back in the 19th century. There will even be a paper-making demonstration for those intrigued by that process.

Old Settlers Days remains one of Washington County’s most cherished traditions, blending history, community, and celebration into a weekend full of activities for all ages. From live music and local art to contests, tours, and demonstrations that bring the past to life, the festival offers a little something for everyone. Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5 and come be part of a tradition that has united our county for nearly 150 years.