Bringing the Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion Back to Life

 By Emily Bontrager 

One aspect that sets apart small town communities from bigger cities is festivals that bring people together each year. Festivals that celebrate togetherness stand out and make us realize how blessed we are to live in a small community. 

Lancaster, MO native, Cole Tippett, decided that he would like to see the Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion make a comeback this year. According to Tippett, the Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion was first started in the 1800’s. 

“It is over a hundred year old celebration and it paused, we think around 2003 due to lack of support and participation,” Tippett explained. 

Tippett reached out to the community and found out many other people wanted to bring back the celebration as well. Volunteers have organized this special celebration and the date for this year’s festival is August 2 through August 4. 

“We need community pride back and we need to form relationships. People just don’t devote time to getting together and celebrating with their community the things that they have done. To me, that is really important, to get back face to face, talk to people, build relationships, and just have fun together,” Tippett said. 

This year’s theme for Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion is “Looking Back, Moving Forward!” 

The Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion will kick off on Friday, August 2 at 6:00 p.m. with the King and Queen Contest for ages 50 and over. For more information, please contact Tammy Wheeler at 660-341-0757. 

Don’t miss out on the live music Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. Raspberry Roots will entertain the crowd. 

On Saturday, August 3, the day will be filled with all kinds of activities for young and old to enjoy! 

From 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. will be the Fun Run Sign-Up. For more information, contact Tammy Wheeler at 660-341- 0757. The 1 mile Fun Run/ Walk and 5K Run/Walk will start at 8:00 a.m. 

The Car Show will run from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Lancaster Christian Church. Registration for the Car Show starts at 8:00 a.m. It is $20 to register and all proceeds will go into the Lancaster Old Settler’s Fund for the 2025 festival. 

Awards for the Car Show will be announced at Noon and Door Prizes will be given out throughout the event. For more information about the Car Show, contact Donald Derickson at 660-730-0225. 

Check out the local artistry at the Quilt Show at 9:00 a.m. at the Lancaster Christian Church. For more information, contact Di Foster at 660-341-0031. 

A Baby Contest will start at 10:00 a.m. for newborns to 24 months old. The theme is “Born in the USA.” Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the Schuyler County Courthouse Lawn. 

A Little Mr. & Miss Contest for ages 2 to 5 years and a Prince & Princess Contest for ages 6 to 9 years will take place as well. For more information, contact Summer Nelson at 660-988-0839. 

Don’t miss out on the Kiddie Parade at 12:30 p.m. The Big Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. For more information about the parade, contact Heather Shively at 660-342-2545. 

Kids come out to participate in the fun Kid Games at 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jessie Stewart at 660- 988-7264. 

The Sign Up for the Pedal Tractor Pull will be at 2:00 p.m. for kids ages 10 and under. A Pedal Tractor Race will kick off at 2:30 p.m. 

Don’t miss out on some entertainment by Lacey Mihalevich from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Bakers come out to the XLCR Building on the West side of the Square to register for the Pie Contest between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Pie Contest judging will start at 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Wendy Derickson at 660-730-0265. 

Head on over to throw some bags in the Cornhole Tournament at 4:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 3:00 p.m. and the cost is $20 per team. A 50% payout will go to the top three teams. This event is hosted by the Hurdland Volunteer Fire Department and will be held on the North side of the Square. 

At 5:00 p.m. the winners of the Pie Contest will be announced and then the Pie Auction will begin at the XLCR Building. All proceeds will go towards the 2025 Old Settler’s Reunion Festival. 

Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m., the crowd will be entertained by Shakey Ground. 

Sunday, August 4, come early to eat some delicious food at the Fundraiser Breakfast (Lancaster Fire and Rescue) at 8:00 a.m. Stick around for the Community Church service at 10:00 a.m. 

T-Shirts for this year’s Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion are for sale to help raise money for next year’s event. Go to Lancaster City Hall for more information. 

For more information on this three day event, please contact Cole Tippett at 660-216-1991. You can also talk to Tippett about sponsoring, donating, or advertising. 

“People have just been so generous, and I can’t thank our community enough for getting behind it,” Tippett said. 

“I just hope we have great weather and great attendance and I see a lot of smiling and a lot of kids laughing.” 

Check out the “Lancaster MO Old Settler’s” Facebook page for all of the Lancaster Old Settler’s Reunion event information. There will be vendors, contests, booths, food trucks, entertainment, nightly drawings, Bingo, and games for all ages!! 

Don’t miss out on the three legged race, obstacle course, dime toss, free pony rides for the kids, and much more! You do not want to miss out on this community event!