Eckley’s Old Settlers Picnic, the oldest community celebration in Yuma County, is returning this Labor Day weekend after a 2020 hiatus.
It had been held for the 131 consecutive years prior to be canceled last year thanks to COVID-19 protocols.
Still, the 132nd edition will be held Saturday and Sunday in Eckley.
Saturday is when most of the fun occurs. The day includes all the fun standbys at Old Settlers — a parade, street races, car show, community awards, fun contests, turtle races and fireworks.
It is once again sponsored by the Eckley Volunteer Fire Department.
Early risers can enjoy a chuck wagon breakfast on Saturday beginning at 6 a.m. by the Eckley Bar & Grill right off Highway 34.
Registration for the parade needs to be done by 8:30 a.m., with the parade going down Main St. beginning at 9. The theme “Let’s Stirrup Some Fun” sticks with the one used all year in county events such as Wray Daze and the Yuma County Fair. Therefore, if you had a float in one of those parades, take it to Eckley on Saturday for a chance to win a cash prize of $100, $75 or $50.
Street Races on Main St. always is a great time at Old Settlers. The races, for young and old, begin after the parade, and again will be held in front of the Eckley Fire Hall.
A silent auction will be taking place at the same time in the old fire hall next door. Bidding closes at 11:30 a.m., and items must be picked up by 1 p.m.
Then there is the Show and Shine show for vehicles and bikes, which will be held west of the fire hall. Registration begins at 9 a.m., at $25 per vehicle. Call 630-3691 or 630-9338 for more information.
The Community Appreciation Awards, as well as trophies for the Show and Shine show, will be presented at 11 a.m. on Main St.
The always-fun Orton Weaver Memorial Turtle Races are at 11:30 a.m., and the firemen’s free barbecue begins at 12 noon.
The John Owens’ Memorial Horseshoe Pitch, at the Eckley Bar & Girll begins at 1 p.m.
A gymkhana will be held in the arena at 1 p.m., along with a Cow Pie Contest. There will be four divisions in the Gymkhana, and prizes will be awarded.
Fireworks will be set off at dusk at the ball field.
There will be a DJ and dancing at the Eckley Bar & Grill beginning at 9 p.m.
Sunday begins with a special service at Eckley Community Church at 9 a.m.
The 21st annual John & Allison Turvey Memorial Poker Run will begin at the fire hall at 9 a.m. It is open to all bikes and vehicles. Entry fee is $25 and includes lunch. Proceeds go to the Eckley Volunteer Fire Department.
A Ranch Rodeo will be held at the arena on Sunday starting at 6 p.m. Call Josh Archer at 630-0204 for more information.
All concessions stand vendors are welcome. Please call 630-8140 or 630-2891 for more details.
Among the donations this year are beans from Farmers Bean & Seed, beef donated by Heath Roundtree and Terry Oestman, beef processed by Wray Meat Packing, dumpsters by Shaw Disposal, and restroom facilities by Wall to Wall Enterprises.
It is going to be great fun to have the Old Settlers’ Picnic again this year, so get on out to Eckley for a weekend of great times.
Cope Old Settlers
The Cope community in southeastern Washington County will have its Old & New Settlers Picnic on Sunday, September 5.
It will include a family-friendly potluck, a horseshoe pitch tournament, live music and kids’ games.
The fun begins with the potluck at 12:30 p.m. Games begin at 1:30.
Musical performances will be provided by Daniel Ray, Richard Meade and Rodney Meade.
The event will be held rain or shine.