The 132nd edition of Eckley’s Old Settlers Picnic definitely will not be like it has been in the past.
Yuma County’s oldest community celebration will be toned down considerably in 2020, thanks to COVID-19.
No parade, street races, turtle races, horseshoe pitch and other traditional events.
However, there will still be some fun activity on Saturday.
The Chuckwagon Breakfast will take place from 6 to 8 a.m. by the Eckley Bar & Grill.
The Eckley Shine and Show Car Show will be that morning. Registration is from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the judging done by the participants themselves from 11 to 12 noon. The winners will be announced at approximately 12:30.
Cars, pickups and motorcycles are all welcome. First place for cars/pickups is $300, second place $200 and third place $100. For motorcycles, the prize money is $100 for first, $75 for seconda n $50 for third.
There is no entry fee if one just wants to put their vehicle in for fun and not be judged.
The gymkhana still will be held Saturday starting at 1 p.m. in the Eckley Arena.
The day will come to an end with the Eckley Volunteer Fire Department’s fireworks show. The EVFD acknowledged the current statewide fire ban due to the ongoing drought. However, the department has visited with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, and has been given the green light to do the fireworks show.
The EVFD will have its trucks on the grounds as the show is progress, and has reached out to surrounding volunteer fire departments to assist in ground control. The EVFD is strategically placing units in places that might be more vulnerable
So at least the modified 2020 Old Settlers Picnic will end with a bang.
