The chill of fall will soon be in the air, which means Friday Night on the Square is also quickly approaching. The festival will take place on September 14 from 6 to 10 pm. Traffic will be blocked off from the square during this time.
In addition to the various booths that are scattered around the square representing local business and organizations, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to bring some new attractions to the Friday night celebration, and even a few familiar events from past festivals.
The big attraction this year will be a rock climbing wall set up on E. Market Street. The wall is being sponsored by the Washington County Family YMCA and rock climbing enthusiasts of all ages are invited to come test their skills out.
The Chamber will also be bringing back a favorite event from years past, the corn hole tournament. Teams of two will compete for a cash prize. Entry is only $10 and the tournament is on starting at 7 pm.
The Chamber is partnering with Salem Speedway to bring several prominent ARCA drivers to the square as well. Drivers expected to make an appearance include Frank Kimmel, Chris Buescher, Will Kimmel, Matt Lofton, Frank Kimmel II, Tom Hessert, Spencer Gallagher and Chad Hackenbracht. Buescher and Kimmel are locked in a tight battle for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series championship. You’ll have the chance to get their autographs between 6:30 to 7:30 pm. More drivers are expected to be announced closer to September 14.
Friday Night on the Square is the prelude to Old Settlers Days, which will take place in Salem that same weekend on Saturday, September 15, and Sunday, September 16. For more information on Friday Night on the Square, visit www.washingtoncountychamber.org, or call the Chamber at 812-883-4303.
Old Settlers Days, September 15 – 16
Old-time reenacments. Hand made arts and crafts. Salem as it was two centuries ago. It’s time once again to visit the Pioneer Village during Salem’s annual Old Settlers Days celebration, taking place September 15 and 16.
There will be music, food, flea markets, and all sorts of fun for the whole family. Along with the Other places of interest during the festival besides the village will include the Stevens Museum, John Hay’s historic birthplace and the Depot Railroad Museum.
Shuttle services will be offered throughout the weekend to take guests to other attractions being held at Beck’s Mill and the Piper Flight Museum.
Visit www.oldsettlersdays.org for more information. Hope to see you there!
The Depot offers
manyattractions
Passenger and freight trains will be operating through the miniature towns of Salem, Pekin and Campbellsburg during The Depot railroad museum’s open house Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 and 16. The event is part of Salem’s Old Settlers’ Days festival.
The large model of Washington County features exact replicas of buildings that existed 60 years ago. Adding to the realistic appearance of the model are 1500 trees and many other landscaping features.
Volunteers will be on hand in the Train Room to answer questions about the model and to keep trains running on time.
The model is just one of the attractions visitors will see while touring The Depot.
Display cases of railroad memorabilia and toy trains dating as far back as the 1920s line the walls of the museum.
A 1929 wooden Monon caboose will be open for tours.
The Depot gift shop will have a bargain table available, offering duplicate books and magazines from its library and a variety of HO scale freight cars.
Refreshments will be available at The Depot’s diner and music will fill the air as groups perform on The Depot’s platform both days. A raid by General John Hunt Morgan and his men is expected at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Depot is part of the John Hay Center, where most of the festival’s activities will take place. Depot hours during the festival are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
This is a list of those who are currently signed up to participate in Friday Night on the Square. .
Friends of Becks Mill – selling corn meal, pottery, soaps, etc
Linda LaMaster – selling AVON, doggie treats, dog collars, Wedding /Party
Decorating Service
Tropical Snow – Hawaiian Shave Ice
Hosparus Southern Indian a—providing information & giving away chip clips
Allergra Printing  (Randall Bills)– selling hog roast tickets
Jane Byrd – roasted nuts, fudge, ice tea,
Extension Home Makers – selling dishcloths and baked goods
Anytime Fitness -  providing information
Salem Middle School – chili, cornbread, brownie and drink –
Washington County SOAR! – provide info
Sandy Candy – sand candy
Gideons – giving away bibles
Awareness Washington County – desserts, soft drinks, cake walk
Blue River Services – silent auction
Boy Scout Troop 4029 – popcorn
Lisa Bozeman – It Works – herbal wraps. Suppliments, etc
Ruth Brown – apartment rental consultant
Busy B’z – kettle corn
Canton Lions Club – ribbon potatoes, drinks, bake sale
Felicia Fields – Jafra international – skincare products
Whitley Fisher – paparazzi jewelry
Gatlin & Sons Knife Co – knifes – drawing for a knife
Gillbillies – Riding for a Cure Relay – sloppy joes, nachos, chili cheese dogs
Hanna’s Bloomin Onions – onions, fries, pickles, green tomatoes
Ruth Brown – Invigorate – demo air purifiers
Livonia Presbyterian Church – World Fair Haystacks & soft drinks
Chris Morris – home & garden decorations
Papa Johns – Pizza
Helen Pickens – jewelry, purses
Red Neck BBQ – Pork BBQ & cheesy taters
Linda Rogers & Janie Warren – jewelry and quilted/crocheted items
Salem Assembly of God – Women’s Ministries – spiced apple cider, cookies
Girl Scouts – girl scout cookies & activities
SHS Dance Team – neon novelities
Salem Soccer club – raffle tickets
Shady Patch Farm – soup, bread, dip mixes
Jessica Snyder & Shawna Davidson – hair bows, crochet items
Southern Indiana Living Magazine – magazines
Kayla Troutman – henna tattoos, art work, prints
Carl Vance Concessions – food
VFW Ladies Auxiliary – knifes, pencils, wreaths, raffle for a knife set
Westside Baptist Church (Isaiah Shell Project) ham and beans with spring mill cornbread
Washington County YMCA & Chamber – climbing wall