Pioneer Days 2023: A Weekend of Fun and Heritage in Marquand
By: Victoria Kemper, Democrat News
Democrat News file photo
Marquand Pioneer Days returns to Marquand Historic Park, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It will once again include live music on the stage.
Marquand is gearing up for a weekend of entertainment, and community spirit as Pioneer Days 2023 is set to take place from Sept. 22-24, at Marquand Historic Park. The annual event promises a memorable experience for all ages and celebrates the town’s rich heritage.
The festivities will kick off Friday evening with a Pot Luck dinner sponsored by the Big Creek Baptist Church. The church is providing the meat, so attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite covered dish to share. The evening will be filled with music and entertainment at the Marquand Park Pavilion.
Saturday will be a day packed with activities for the entire family. The Car and Motorcycle Show is sure to be a highlight, showcasing an array of vehicles. Craft and food vendors will line the park, offering a variety of delicious treats and handmade goods. Kids can enjoy bounce houses and balloon animals, while adults can test their skills in the Horseshoe and Cornhole Tournaments.
Live music will be a central feature of the day, with the “Just Enough Band” taking the stage from noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday brings a sense of community and worship to Pioneer Days, with a “Community Wide Church Service” at 11 a.m. in the park. Everyone is welcome to participate in a morning of worship, singing, and fellowship. Following the service, the tradition of “Dinner on the Grounds” will continue, with meat and drinks provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a covered dish and their own lawn chairs to enjoy this communal meal.
The weekend’s events will also include an early morning treat on Saturday with the annual Fire Department Breakfast at 7 a.m.. Car and Motorcycle Show registration will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Marquand-Zion School. Various other activities will begin at 9 a.m., including the opening of craft and food vendors, games, and bounce houses. The historic Sitzes Cabin and Depot Museum will be open for exploration, and there will be a 10 a.m. Cornhole Tournament Registration.
For those who love to test their horseshoe skills, registration will open at 11 a.m. for the Rob Stephens Memorial Horseshoe Tournament, sponsored by Greg Huffman Roofing and Ryno Construction. Car and Motorcycle Show Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. The festivities will culminate in a 3 p.m. parade and car show cruise.
Pioneer Days 2023 is a family-friendly event that invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in Marquand’s rich history and enjoy a weekend filled with entertainment, community, and nostalgia. For more information, please contact Amanda at 573-783-7780. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the charm of Marquand and celebrate its pioneer spirit.
The event schedule for the weekend is as follows:
Friday:
- 6 to 8 p.m.- Pot Luck dinner sponsored by Big Creek Baptist Church
- Music & Entertainment at Marquand Park Pavilion
Saturday:
- 7 a.m. – Fire Department Breakfast
- 8 to 11 a.m. registration, awards at 2 p.m. – Car & Motorcycle Show
- Craft and Food Vendors
- Games, Bounce Houses, Balloon Animals
- 10 a.m. registration – Cornhole Tournament
- 11 a.m. registration – Horseshoe Tournament
- Live Music by Just Enough Band
- 3 p.m. – Parade and Car Show Cruise down South Harding Street
Sunday:
- 11 a.m. – Community Wide Church Service
- “Dinner on the Grounds” after the service
