Settlers’ picnic celebrates its 124th year

This month, the Whatcom Old Settlers Association (WOSA) celebrates their 124th year of picnics. It is the longest continuing celebration in Washington state.

Around the year 1895, a gathering of individuals wanting to honor old settlers who braved muddy trails, no roads and hard times created the first picnics. These picnics consisted of games, food and sharing ideas and conversation with neighbors. Passing years would see dances, horseracing, sack racing and awards given for the oldest settler. In later years, WOSA was created, and members joined and paid their fifty cents at the picnic each year.

The year is now 2019. On July 26, 27 and 28, WOSA will be sharing the celebration that our forefathers created by inviting all of Whatcom County’s new settlers, old-time settlers, U.S. and international visitors to come and join in the excitement, free entertainment, food vendors and crafters, pioneer kids’ parade, grand parade, flower show, bouncy houses, climbing wall, free kids pioneer scavenger hunt, horse wagon rides, beer garden, dances and more.

So find your way to Pioneer Park, 2007 Cherry Street, July 26–28 located along the Nooksack River in friendly Ferndale. Gates open each day at 12 p.m. For more information, please go online and visit whatcomoldsettlers.com.