WARREN DILLAWAY / Star Beacon
CULETTE BURDETTE of Conneaut captures the cross cut sawing competition Saturday at the Pioneer Picnic in Pierpont Township. /
Published August 30, 2009 12:40 am - Tradition, old friendships and horse pulls come together every year at the Pioneer Picnic which has been bringing people together for 119 years.
Pioneer Picnic celebrates 119th anniversary in Pierpont Township
By WARREN DILLAWAY - Staff Writer Star Beacon
PIERPONT TOWNSHIP — Tradition, old friendships and horse pulls come together every year at the Pioneer Picnic which has been bringing people together for 119 years.
The weather slowed the progress of the event Saturday morning, but it kicked into full gear with a wide variety of activities that celebrate history and family fun.
Michael Burdett, president of the Pioneer Picnic, said the event was going well despite the slow start.
The historic picnic draws thousands to the area to re-connect with old friends, enjoy food, listen to music and watch pageants.
Burdett said each year is a challenge to keep the event going because of financial and manpower issues. “I hope to make it another year. (You have) less and less people and more and more work,” he said.
The sawing competition was a highlight of activities as two man, and two woman teams, took to the cross-cut saw in an attempt to get the fastest time sawing through a log.
Burdett said old timers talk of a time when people weren’t sleeping building to building but blanket to blanket.
A boon to this year’s edition of the Pioneer Picnic was a pony pull that became possible when a Pittsburgh area man couldn’t travel to West Virginia and asked if he could come to Pierpont Township.
The rest is history and Burdett said he hopes to continue the event next year.
Amanda Wright, 16, of Dorset Township, has been competing in the Pioneer Picnic contests for most of her life and was crowned Miss Pioneer Picnic.
“I thought it was nice. I competed a lot and this was my first time to win. I gave it my best shot and I got it,” Wright said.
Marissa Henry, 9, of Conneautville, Pa., won the Little Miss Pageant and Ana Kidd, of Dorset Township, won the Tiny Miss Pageant.
“They are judged on poise, personality, their on stage question and their community involvement here,” said Lynnette Bonanno who has run the pageant for the last four years.
Friendships are a big key to the event.
Linda Wright, of Dorset Township, said she has been coming to the picnics for at least 30 years. She said she just enjoys seeing old friends.
LPNs Primary Nursing Care has an immediate need for LPN’s for a home-care case in the Thompson area. One-on-one care, 16-32 h...>MORE
Part time Medical Equipment Delivery/Service Technician nician Cleveland to Erie area. Customer service skills required, clean driving record a must. Send resume to PO Box...>MORE
THERAPIST Part time Therapists to work with psychologist in area nursing homes. Call 1(330)524-3070...>MORE
Hayward pump (1-1/2 hp) & D.E. Filter for swimming pool, misc. pool access. $300 obo. 576-1585...>MORE
"WE NEED LAND!" Paying top prices for farms or acreage in OH, W. Virginia and PA. Call Bruner Land Co. at (740) 685-8138....>MORE
MACHINERY & TOOLS SAFES- Large & small, Forklifts, extra forks, Pallet Jacks, air compressors, (1-20HP), complete torch sets, welding gass...>MORE
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
BUYING JUNK VEHICLES WE PAY SCRAP OR BETTER Budget Auto Parts, 6015 Woodman Ave. 992-1111...>MORE
Tools Top & Bottom box full of mechanics tools, impacts, air ratchets, grinder, sander, board file etc. If interested bring 4 ...>MORE
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
