New events adding excitement to the 108th annual Old Settler's Day and American Legion Festival
(Talk of the Town file photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, a popular point during Old Settler's week is the midway downtown. This year, in addition to the midway, local families will have an opportunity to enjoy so much more -- with several new events added to the festival this year. Below, from left, volunteers Laura Lefever, Michelle Patton and Joanne Heritier assist with the Old Settler's Day registration event held annually on the Thursday of festival week at the Whitley County Historical Museum.
By Mike Redman
Several new events will take place during the week of the 108th annual Old Settler’s Day and American Legion Festival.
This years 2011 Festival will run from Tuesday, June 21 through Saturday, June 25, 2011.
OSD Association president Jacie Worrick announced that some organizations new to the Festival have asked join the weeks activities.
“Local non-profit groups that would like to hold an event, in conjunction with our Festival, are always seriously considered. For 107 years, our history has been for the enjoyment and benefit of the citizens of Whitley County. If charitable groups can help provide that, and gain the funds they require to continue their good works, we all benefit,” Worrick stated.
Whitley County Habitat for Humanity is hosting two events this year during OSD. On Saturday, June 25, they will host “The Hammer Run” at Morsches Park. This will consist of a 15K three-member team relay marathon, a solo 15K run and a solo 5K fun run/walk. The event starts at 7 a.m. Pre-registration is required and available on the web at www.habitatwhitley.org or www.runrace.net.
“Hammer It Home” Classic Car Show will also be hosted by Habitat for Humanity on Saturday. It will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Whitley County YMCA. There will be music, food, games and door prizes. The Best of Show winner will be invited to drive in the OSD Parade later Saturday afternoon. Information is also available on their website or at their office at Line and North Streets.
The Whitley County Master Gardeners are presenting their 2011 Garden Walk on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour six beautifully landscaped properties within a short drive on the county roads south of Columbia City. 
The 25th annual Indiana Highland Games and Scottish Festival is coming to Columbia City on Saturday, June 25. Formerly held in Fort Wayne, the Games are primarily sponsored by the Scottish Cultural Society of Northeast Indiana and will be a one-day event at the Whitley County 4-H Park. Starting at 9:30 in the morning, there will be traditional strong-man style heavy athletic competitions, bagpipe music, clan tents, a genealogy booth and children’s activities. A taste of Scottish food cuisine will also be available and the event will run until 4:30 p.m. The Whitley County Farmers Market will be set up at the festival as well with a wide assortment of crafts, plants, fresh vegetables and more. Additional information is available at www.indianahighlandgames.com
The above new events will compliment existing programs for this years Old Settler’s Day Festival.
The American Legion parade starts at 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the Columbia City High School, with its standard route down Main Street. Don’t forget the whole-pork sandwiches at the corner of Main and Van Buren Streets. Poor Jack Amusements will once again are man the midway with a variety of rides and games. Bingo is at the American Legion tent on Wednesday through Saturday and the Eagles Lodge will have their famous Noodle lunch on Thursday. The Whitley County Historical Museum will be open all week and sign-up of the oldest and longest residents is held on Thursday. Every evening at 8 p.m. there will be music from some of the areas finest musicians absolutely free on the Courthouse Stage.
Worrick noted, “I have lived all my life in Whitley County, gone to school here, own a local business and have tried to be involved in a positive way in our community. Having the opportunity to be the 108th president of the Old Settler’s Day Festival is an honor and a privilege.”
Other OSD Association officers include 1st Vice-President Toby Chapman, 2nd Vice-President Glenn Snapp, Secretary John Lefever and Treasurer Bill Webber.