Sunman to celebrate sesquicentennial
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The town of Sunman has something in common with the Indiana State Fair and the town of Osgood. This year they all are celebrating 150 years of existence.

Those working on Sunman’s celebration, set to begin Saturday, are excited about events that are planned. “The committee and everyone has worked really hard and we’re ready for the big days,” noted Kris Schneider, who is on a committee planning the event.

The town has been spruced up with banners and decorations to commemorate the sesquicentennial celebration. The event will last for four days, August 26, 31, and September 1 and 2.

This Saturday you won’t want to miss the Civil War living history encampment. Troops will roll in on Friday night to set up camp and the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. There will be a Civil War wedding and much more.

Schneider noted that the 2006 sesquicentennial committee along with employees of FCN Bank will dress in period costume. Committee members besides Schneider include Darlene Vicars, Gertie Ammerman, Shirley Campbell, Mary Nedderman, Robert Struewing, April Bruns and Bill Craig.
Also, on Saturday, a quilt show and cabin life will feature a bedroom, kitchen and barn that might have been seen 150 years ago. Great Finds Antiques & Gifts is sponsoring the show which will be held in the community building. There will also be an opportunity to have an “old-time” photo taken in period costume.

On Thursday, August 31 David Dreyer will have an informative talk about immigration and family descendants of Sunman. This will be held at the town hall.

A number of events are planned for Friday and Saturday, September 1 and 2 at the community park in Sunman. On Friday night, September 1, there will be a queen contest at 6:00 p.m. with Roberta Salatin Struewing, 1956 queen in attendance. There will be a walking tour of the town, court play, beard contest and much more that day.

Saturday will begin with a breakfast served at 7:00 a.m. and a variety of crafters and vendors set up throughout the town. A parade will take place at noon with a Flag Raising ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Girl Scouts are in charge of old- fashioned games and will be in costume. Schneider noted that the wine festival activities will coincide with the 150th celebration. Miss Sparkler and Mrs. Firecracker will be presented along with presentations from the Sunman Middle School Dance Team, ECHS Dance Team, the school’s show choir and more. The Sunman Idol Contest will take place at 6:30 p.m. The Second Nature Band will be performing from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. A fireworks show will be held at 10:00 p.m.
The Sunman Museum will be open throughout the festivities. It was opened in March of 2005 to coincide with the great fire of 1905 that nearly destroyed the entire town.

No celebration is complete without cake. But a cake to feed 1,000 people? Gwin Hardwick of Tiers & Cheers has her ovens fired up and is getting the massive cake ready for the event. “It will feed a thousand people,” assured Schneider.

A lot of people have made a lot of plans to make the celebration one to be remembered. There are a variety of souvenirs exclusive to the event that will be available at Great Finds Antiques & Gifts, Sunman FNC Bank, and McPhersons.

For more information on the entire event you can call 623-2066.