March 28, 2024

One of my favorites

For as many years as I have been alive, I have attended Monroe’s Old Settlers celebration. From participating myself to now watching my girls, the event keeps getting better every year.

This year, as my girls were riding one of the spinning carnival rides that would for sure make me want to throw up midway through, I took some time to step back and look around me at all of the people that came to our small town of less than 2,000 to celebrate. It made me feel all the cliche feeling of warm inside, etc. knowing what a great time everyone was having. It was truly a carefree weekend of fun, at least for the younger generations.

We kicked off Old Settlers with the kid’s parade. The theme this year was “I Love the 80s” and as soon as they announced it I knew what our entry would be. My sisters are about 12 to 14 years older than me and graduated from high school with prime 80s fashion. I went straight up to my old closet at my parents house and dug out their prom dresses, perfect for the girls to wear.

To add to the ensemble we got lace gloves, chunky jewelry and I pulled out my crimper from high school to create the biggest hair I could. We topped it off with bright, shining make up and the girls were ready to walk in not only the parade, but any 80s prom.

On Saturday, we participated in all of the traditional events. The girls placed second and third in their running races, gathered all the coins their could find during the coin toss and encouraged their frogs to leap over the finish line first. My oldest was a little more successful and placed second with her frog, while my youngests’ frog was a big more stoic and didn’t take off until he was good and ready.

In the afternoon both of the girls danced with their dance studio and later that evening rode on the dance studio’s float, tossing out candy and waving to the crowd. The final hours of Old Settlers were spent riding as many rides as they could and playing a few games of Bingo, because it’s my favorite.

When I was young and going to Old Settlers, I barely remember seeing my parents, but for an influx of money or just to check in every so often. While my kids don’t have the same freedoms that I had 20 plus years ago, it is a time to let loose, give them a longer leash and try to step back for a second. It isn’t always easy for me, being the worrier that I am, but I try my best.

Many hot dogs, corn dogs and Hawaiian ice concoctions were eaten throughout the weekend, along with delicious options from the variety of food trucks who made a stop for the weekend. My oldest daughter favored the rainbow flavored Hawaiian ice while my youngest went with plain. I laughed as I ordered and as I watched her walk down the street to a lot of looks eating her plain ice, happy as could be.

I have to say, even with a busy schedule, Old Settlers 2019 was one of my favorites. The entire family had a great time together and with friends, celebrating what is great about our town.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at jpierson@newtondailynews.com