NEOSHO FALLS — At last year’s Ol’ Settlers Day in Neosho Falls, groups of adults competed against each other in an impromptu game of tug-of-war.
It was so much fun, organizers of this year’s event on Saturday are planning a tug-of-war tournament.
Another returning favorite is “jailbreak.” Using parts of the actual old jail at Neosho Falls — which is 100 years old this year — you can pay a donation to have a friend (or enemy) “locked up.” They’ll even get their mugshot taken and raise bail to be released.
Ol’ Settlers Day became a popular event in Neosho Falls during the 1980s and 90s, bringing thousands to the tiny town with a population of just over 100. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance dwindled and the festival ended.
It returned last year with eager throngs of festival-goers, numerous vendors and food trucks, and plenty of fun for the entire family.
The activities kick off at 9 a.m. at Riverside Park with free biscuits and gravy, followed by an opening ceremony at 10. Kids games begin at noon.
One of the most popular events last year, Bingo, returns at 10:30 a.m. That’s also the time horseshoe enthusiasts can sign up for the tournament, which begins at 11.
A cornhole also returns. Sign-up is at 2 with the contest beginning at 2:30.
Throughout the day, you can sign up for raffle drawings at 5 p.m. You don’t need to be present to win.
An evening of music wraps up the festivities, starting at 7 p.m. Jake Marlin and the Reckless kick things off, followed by Undertaker Tunes.
