ANDOVER – After putting in 32 years at Andover Public Library, Laura York will soon be retiring as Reference and Adult Services Librarian. (From Aug. 31 edition).
PIERPONT- Sunshine and an array of country/bluegrass music greeted guests on Friday, Aug. 24 at the start of this year’s 128th Pioneer Picnic within the picnic grounds of Pierpont.(From Aug. 31 edition).
HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP-The Tim Frank Septic Co. is a family owned, third generation business that was started in 1966 by Tim & Lori Frank, and is now owned by their son Tom and his wife Carol, and their son Todd.(From Aug. 31 edition).
ANDOVER – If you enjoy seashells, true stories or are looking to find out more information about Medicare you won’t want to miss a few upcoming programs scheduled this September at Andover Public Library.(From Aug. 24 edition).
ANDOVER – If you want to try your chance at winning a variety of goodies, kitchen items, gift certificates and other items, this weekend is your last chance to stop into Friends of Andover Public Library’s silent basket auction event as bids are final on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. (From Aug 24 edition).
ANDOVER – Thanks to her tremendous amount of experience performing over the years, Andover resident Melissa Harvey will soon be joining PV Primary School as their newest music teacher in the district.(From Aug 24 edition).
JAMESTOWN – When Pat Letgers and Kathy Bowman heard that they could have the opportunity to start a brown bag ministry for youth that don’t have access to meals on weekends in the Jamestown area, it wasn’t long before they had gathered up several local churches and organizations to assist with the cause.(From Aug 24 edition).
PIERPONT – Looking for a fun way to kick off the end of August this year? (From Aug 24 edition).
Head on over to the 128th annual Pioneer Picnic this weekend on Friday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 26 at the picnic grounds of 1890 Middle Road in Pierpont.
According to President Tim Greer, the pioneer picnic was first established in 1890 as a family reunion for the Russell Family and since then has evolved into an annual free community picnic for everyone in the area to enjoy.
“We are bringing back a lot of old favorites that the picnic has not seen in years such as a dunk tank, watermelon eating contest, power wheel drag racing, as well as pie baking contest,” said Greer. “I believe we will see our biggest turnout in years, weather permitting. Camp sites are filling fast and the Facebook page is buzzing with new people asking questions and wanting to be involved.”
As far as the schedule Greer said the festivities will begin on Friday, Aug. 25 at noon with a flag raising, followed by Barry & His Jamming Buddies afterwards, which will also include an open mic jam session in which visitors are invited to bring their own instruments and jam with the musicians until 3 p.m. that day.
Then after that Greer said there will be beauty pageant that includes a Wee Walkers event for ages 1-3 at 4 p.m., a little pioneer picnic at 5 pm with ages 7-9, bingo at 5 p.m., live music from Crooked Creek Brothers 8 p.m. until 11 p.m., as well as a 50/50 drawing at 9 p.m. that night.
Saturday events consist of a frog jumping contest and stage coach rides at 10 a.m. by Lonely Oak Stage Lines, a Tiny Pioneer Picnic pageant for ages 4-6 at 11 a.m., a wash wench game at 11:30 a.m., a horseshoe contest, a kids tractor pull and miniature horse pulls all at noon, a blacksmith demonstration by CABN FORD at 1 p.m., as well as a power wheels race at 2 p.m.
Additionally there will be a senior pioneer picnic pageant at 2 p.m. for ages 15-19, a junior pioneer picnic pageant at 3 p.m. for ages 10-14, a three legged sack race at 3 p.m., a cross cut sawing at 4 p.m., a watermelon eating contest and 50/50 drawing at 5 p.m., a blacksmith demonstration at 6 p.m., live music by High Noon at 8 p.m., along with another 50/50 drawing at 9 p.m.
Sunday events are scheduled to include gospel music by Barry and His Jamming Buddies and a cornhole contest at 10 a.m., bluegrass music presented by The Red Dust Mountain Boys at 11 a.m., a power wheels demolition derby at Noon, stage coach rides from Noon until 4 p.m., a blacksmith demonstration at 1 and 3 p.m., a pie baking contest at 2 p.m., an auction at 4 p.m., followed by a 50/50 raffle drawing with first, second and third beef and pig prizes.
Those present at the picnic will also get the chance to enjoy animals all weekend through Our Zoo For You, pony rides on Saturday and Sunday through Hitchin’ Post, a concession stand and vendors who will be providing lots of food choices, as well as a flea market which is $10 a day to sell.
Camping will also be available for $10 a day for a tent and $25 for the whole weekend, as well as $20 a day for a camper and $50 for the weekend.
Please note all 50/50 drawings require the person to be present and that contests require sign-up/some additional fees prior to the events.
Regardless of who comes to the event this year, Greer said he is appreciative of all those who support pioneer picnic, including many of the volunteers.
“I would like to mention Merle Forbes who is the former president and current vice-president, as without him we would have a hard time keeping the picnic going,” said Greer. “He knows every inch of the grounds and all its little quirks. He has sacrificed time and his health to ensure that he is teaching the up and coming generation the skills to keep the pioneer picnic running.”
For further information about this year’s 128th annual Pioneer Picnic in Pierpont please contact Tim Greer by calling (440) 969-0932.
Pictured: A view of one of the wagons that was setup during a former Pioneer Picnic event within Pierpont. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 26 within the picnic grounds of 1890 Middle Road.
ANDOVER – If you have any acting experience or have an interest in theater you may want to note that Andover Community Theater Society will be holding rehearsals for their fall production, Mamma Mia this year on both Wednesday, Aug. 29 and Thursday, Aug. 30 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the VMPAC in Andover.(From Aug 24 edition).
ANDOVER –The urgent need for volunteers for Fall Festival this year, along with a little bit of talk over sprucing up the square for Simply Christmas were two of the main topics of discussion covered during PACOC’s regularly monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 8 within the meeting room of Andover Public Library.(From Aug. 17 edition).
