130th annual Payson Old Settlers picnic kicks off Friday, continues through Sunday

PAYSON, Ill. — The 130th annual Payson Old Settlers Picnic will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-4 in Payson South Park. Bob and Rose Bunte and Jerry and Audrie Bunte, this year’s parade marshals, are members of the Bunte Trucking family.

The event kicks off on Friday night at 5 p.m. with an entire night of activities including the Queen and Jr. Miss talent competition, a musical set from Travis Hoffman, a fundraiser dinner by the Payson football families, interactive audience games sponsored by Refreshment Services Pepsi, carnival, vendors and stands.

The picnic begins at 8 a.m. Saturday with an annual car show, town baby contests, a pet contest sponsored by Country View Veterinary and 105.9 KZZK-The Grizz, the grand parade sponsored by State Street Bank, Jr. Miss and Queen competition, music by Mugshot Bandits and Katie Smith, carnival rides, games, stands and a dinner fundraiser at 5 p.m. hosted by Payson United Methodist Church.

The community church service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday with all Payson churches participating.

To help celebrate the 130th year, the Payson OSA committee will donate $2,000 to the Great River Honor Flight program and will present the check on Saturday afternoon.