According to local officials, plans for Marquand's Pioneer Days '09 are well underway and packed with family fun!  Denny Ward, President of CROP, the organization who plans and orchestrates Pioneer Days each year, informed the media this week that the Grand Marshals for the event have been selected.  "This year's Grand Marshals are long-time business owner and community friend, Bob Homan and his lovely wife, Martha (Delezene) Homan.  Bob and Martha are exactly what life in Madison County is all about, said Ward.  They are good people, with good values, and are driven by community spirit.  The Homans are always promoting Marquand and Madison County, recognizing the natural beauty, rich historical past, the friendly neighbors, quaint, rural setting and the value of living in a peaceful valley like Marquand." 

This year's event will kick off with a repeat of this past April's Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Homan Hall on Friday, September 25, 2009.  Written by Marquand's own Clara Sitze-Mouser, and based on an actual bank robbery at the Bank of Marquand in the 1930's, this is sure to be a highlight of the event!   Mouser, who spent several months adapting original characters into the roles of fictitious party goers, says "it was a lot of work, but at the end of the day, I really enjoyed making this story come to life in the form of a Murder Mystery.  The show in April is still a topic of conversation, and I certainly hope those attending in September walk away with that same feeling of having a fantastic evening." 

When the sun rises on Saturday, September 26, so will those facilitating the event.  The Mouser Cemetery Board will host a delicious Breakfast at the Marquand Methodist Church, and that's where it all begins, says Allison Boyer, who along with her husband, Larry, own Marquand Market and Cottner Mountain Industries.  "The festival has become a vital part of our community, and we're happy to do our part each year by hosting the Antique Tractor and Engine Show.  I've worked closely with all facets of the event in years past, so I know first hand how much work it can be, but it's worth it in the end, and I'm proud to be a part of the event." 

Trackside Hardwoods is proud to once again provide Timber Sports, an outrageous day long event that allows the competitor in each of us to try our hand at authentic lumberjack type competitions, just like you heard Grandpa talk about all those years ago!  "It is truly a competition among the fittest to chop firewood (both men and women), split rails, roll logs and much more, say Brad and Tara Gipson, owners of Trackside Hardwoods.  Until you've participated, or unless you grew up on a farm, you can't imagine the physical strength it took in the good ole days to just maintain and sustain a household."  The attendees enjoyed it last year, and we are pleased that we can offer the activities again this year, stated the Gipsons. 

In addition to these events, there will be an Antique and Classic Car Show sponsored by the Senior Class of Marquand High School, Kiddy Tractor Pull, Sand Volleyball, Rob Stephens Memorial Horseshoe Tournament, Live Music in the park, Grand Marshall Hans Martial Arts Demonstration, Crafters, Food Vendors, Children's Games, Blacksmith Demonstration, Tours of The Reagan Hotel and Sitze Log Homestead, Meteorologist Brian Alworth's Photography Exhibit at The Gallery, 3:00 p.m. Elvis Concert at Homan Hall (call Robbins Tours at 573-783-5707 for details), Shopping at Aunt Kay's and Reagan Hotel Antiques, Sitze Family Reunion (call Charlie Sitze for details 573-756-4866), Traditional Working Crafts, Farmer's Market, Delicious in-house dining at Marquand Market, Castor River Roadhouse and The Hide-a-Way, plus much, much more! 

Watch next week's paper for a complete schedule of events!  For further information about the event call 573-783-5262, 573-783-8007 or 573-783-7780.