Old Settlers days coming to Kampsville this weekend

By Editor | October 10, 2023 |

Old Settlers Days is this week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. (Photo provided by Barb Snyders and Old Settlers Days.)

By Steven Spencer

The Village of Kampsville and Mayor Amanda Johnson have welcomed everyone to join them for Old Settlers Days this weekend Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15.
Event organizers said the weekend is about honoring the past while enjoying the present.
“Pioneers crossed the Illinois prairie in covered wagons in the early 1800s and settled along the majestic scenic bluffs of the Illinois Riverbank, the setting for Old Settlers Days,” organizers said. “That same Kampsville Riverfront comes to life each year on the second weekend in October. Tents will fill the park for a fun-filled weekend where we do honor to our past as we enjoy the present. The popularity of Old Settlers’ Days is no secret to those who return to the event each year. As a recent visitor said “Old Settlers’ has so many different things going on that it has a little bit of something for everybody.”
Demonstrators, crafters and re-enactors will work to create the feeling of the early days of Calhoun County, and visitors will get a chance to see soap and pottery making, blacksmithing, bow building, flint knapping, woodworking, sawmilling, old tool displays and more.
Bonsai trees, flowers, jewelry, herbs, soaps, potpourri, candles, aprons, fleece blankets, children’s items and more will all be available for purchase along with plenty of food offerings.
Pork skins, sauerkraut, brats, potato ribbons and carmel corn will all be available and prepared in iron kettles. Turkey legs, pork chops, chicken and dumplings, sloppy joes, bloomin’ onions, hot dogs, ham and beans, fried apples, fried pies, smoked pretzels, rib-eyes, kabobs and baked good will also be ready along with lemonade and homemade rootbeer. The fire department will also be present selling their famous fish sandwiches, fire fries and funnel cakes.
Throughout the day children will be able to enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, face-paintings and the candy cannon that will be firing off candy throughout the day.
Both days will also feature live music with Back in the Saddle performing from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Festivities will start off at 10 a.m. each day and conclude at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday, and entry is free for everyone.