Old Settlers Days Festival

From Old Settlers Days Festival Website:

On September 19th & 20th, of this year, the Old Settlers Committee will proudly host the 140th consecutive celebration of the Old Settlers' Days Festival at the John Hay Center in Salem. Please plan to come join us for another weekend of fun, as we continue the tradition, originally started in 1875, of honoring our forefathers and the county's pioneer heritage.

Again this year, the festivities will appropriately be centered around the Pioneer Village, as it returns to functioning form and fills with reenactments and demonstrators. Here spectators can catch a glimpse into the daily life of a typical settlement in the Northwest Territory from the War of 1812 up to the Civil War. Much as many of our ancestors chose to do in their pursuit of happiness when they migrated to the wilderness and carved out the communities of Washington County.

We will pay tribute to the anniversary of Old Settlers' Days, with reenactments and remembrances of the 140 year old tradition. Some of this year's special guests will include; President Abraham Lincoln, honoring the 150th anniversary of his death, along with Salem's native son and private secretary for President Lincoln, John Hay. Also, appearing for the first time at The Old Settlers' festival is pioneer era American Icon, Johnny Appleseed and a few Washington County pioneer legends will be represented as well. All guests and any late additions will be walking the grounds for guests to interact with and they will give scheduled presentations on their characters throughout the weekend.

Several musical guests will be featured during the festival including; The Corydon Dulcimer Society, the Bradie Shrum Singers, local rising talent, Sabrina Bays and local duo Hoot Von Woot, along with the premiere of The Old Settlers' Jamboree. The Stevens Museum and the Monon Train Depot will be open to the public and we will again offer a large variety of pioneer games for the children, artisans and vendor booths around the John Hay Center property and food vendors in the parking lot of the Depot.