Lodgepole celebrates 92nd Old Settlers' Days

What first started as a picnic has blossomed into a four day celebration that brings the community and surrounding areas together.

Starting the holiday weekend early, Old Settlers' Days will kick off Friday Sept. 2 with a city-wide garage sale. The sale will last Friday and Saturday and maps are available at the Panther Den or Post Office in Lodgepole or on Facebook.

A Turkey Softball Tournament will be Friday starting at 6 p.m., with play throughout the evening. Turkey softball is where competitors run the bases in reverse. Those interested in playing can contact Bret or Catie Bondegard at 308-250-1076.

To wrap up Friday's events the band Innocent Mischief will perform at the Junkyard Bar in Lodgepole starting around 9 p.m.

Saturday begins with the "Doggie Dash," a 5K run or walk with your pup. Registration is begins at 7:30 in North Park.

Platte Valley Tractor Pull will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The sanctioned truck and tractor pull will be on Front Street near South Park with registration and weigh-ins beginning at 8 a.m.

Church services will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday in South Park, followed by Mud Volleyball at 10 a.m. Those interested in signing up for Mud Volleyball can contact Julie Bules at 308-874-6171.

Sunday's events continue with a Flower Show at the Lodgepole Museum located at 841 Sheldon St. in Lodgepole. Participants can bring in their flowers to be judged for awards. Registration for this event will be from 11 a.m. to noon and judging will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Games for the kids will be held in South Park at 1 p.m.

Kicking off the Labor Day Holiday on Monday Sept ember 5, will be Lodgepole's annual parade. The parade line-up starts at 9 a.m. and the parade will start at 10 a.m. This years theme is "The Good Life." Grand Marshals are Preston Richards and Tammy Sherman.

A free will donation barbeque will be hosted in South Park, with homemade pies for sale by Gloria Dei Lutheran Women's Fellowship.

Local entertainment, Country Store drawings and a quilt raffle is set to begin at 1 p.m. in the park on Monday.

More kids games are scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. followed by free watermelon at 2 p.m. sponsored by Adams Bank and Trust.

Lodgepole's museum will be open for the event Saturday from 9-noon, Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lodgepole Clerk Tammy Sherman said food and craft vendors will be available throughout the event with the majority of vendors available on Monday.

Sherman said crafters and vendors are welcome to participate for no charge, "Just show up and pick a space."

For more information on Old Settlers' Days contact the Lodgepole Village Office at 308-483-5353, schedules are available online at http://www.lodgepolene.com.