Come on out to Toulon, IL for Old Settlers Associate Days to celebrate Toulon’s small-town community. Held every first week of August, it’s one of Toulon’s oldest traditions starting in 1877. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend in one of the local communities of the Greater Peoria Area.
Annual OSA Scholarship Pageant {Main Stage by Toulon Court House} // The Teen OSA Pageant has been held since 2000 and kicks off the beginning of the festival every year. It is a not-for-profit, community service-based pageant where the crowned winners spend their year volunteering in Toulon and surrounding communities. Contestants compete in multiple rounds, including an interview, casual wear, formal wear, and on-stage questions to earn the crown and multiple scholarships to continue their education.
Beer Garden {Tent by Toulon Court House} // Enjoy a drink or two and dance the night away in the Beer Garden. Each night a different live band will take the stage for the two evenings the garden is open. Admittance is granted to those 21 years and older.
Craft Show and Flea Market {Courtyard of Toulon Courthouse} // Shop your heart out at the craft show and flea market from morning to late afternoon. Take the opportunity to find unique and handmade gifts for birthdays and holidays, or thrift a vintage piece for your closet. Local vendors and small businesses from the surrounding area are invited to set up booths for free upon sign-up.
Cruise-In Car Show {State Bank of Toulon and South Franklin} // An event for automobile enthusiasts of all sorts, the show will include cars, trucks, semis, and tractors. All auto show participants are invited to drive their vehicles in the OSA Days Parade and will be entered in a drawing for prizes.
Face Painting and Balloons {Courtyard of Toulon Courthouse} // There will be plenty of fun for the kids at Old Settlers. Take them to get their faces painted while browsing the craft show and flea market. Watch imaginative balloon creations made and provided by The Unique Twist.
Fireworks Show {Stark County High School} // Oooh and ahhh with family and friends as fireworks light up the countryside night sky. Feel free to bring a blanket and sit on the grass in the center of the high school track or watch from the comfort of your car. The fireworks show marks the end of the first night of OSA after the pageant.
Fish Fry {Toulon American Legion} // Grab a bite to eat at the fish fry put on by the Toulon American Legion. Feel free to stay and eat onsite or request a takeout box to enjoy in the park or while you enjoy another event at the festival. This event is typically cash-only.
Indian Creek 5k Run {Main Street} // Returning in 2006, the Indian Creek 5k is open to all who wish to participate. Proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other local charities. The race begins after the town cheers on the St. Jude Runners who pass through town. The route will take runners through Toulon, and includes two hills and two water stops. Sign-up and entry fees are required ahead of time if race participants wish to receive a t-shirt for the event. Awards will be granted based on overall times and age groups.
Kids Fun Run {Main Street} // Let your kiddos burn some energy with a race of their own. Once the last 5K runner crosses the finish line, the Kids Fun Run will take place. This event is free and un-timed for little ones, and is only one-fourth of a mile.
Kiddie Tractor Pulls {Toulon Park} // Let your kids test their strength and see how far they can pedal. No need to worry about signing up ahead of time online for this event, but be sure to show up at least thirty minutes before the start of the event. First and second-place prizes will be awarded to each age bracket. Hosted by the Toulon Lions Club, the Kiddie Tractor Pulls are in the park across from the Post Office.
Lions Club Pork Chops {Corner of Washington and Main} // A community favorite, Toulon Lion Club will grill up juicy pork chops and mouth-watering pork burgers. These pork chops and burgers are quality meat supplied by Wyanet Locker, a local meat supplier. Not only will patrons get a delicious sandwich, but the proceeds will help improve the local community since the Lions Club raises money for their scholarships and community donations.
Live Music {Main Street} // Throughout the festival weekend, there will be ample opportunities to get your live music fix. Enjoy a late-night band after the pageant in the beer garden off of Main Street. Relax at RBAR, a local Toulon hotspot, for an afternoon band, or catch the Main Stage show on Saturday evening.
OSA Meeting {Main Stage} // Attend the yearly OSA meeting, concluding the end of this multi-day festival where an OSA Badge Honoree is recognized for being an outstanding community member. Grab a donut and coffee and listen to the OSA Badge Honoree Speech.
OSA Parade {Main Street} // Find a spot along Main Street to collect candy and watch the two OSA Days parades. The first is a Kiddie Parade dedicated to the cute kiddos of the community. Immediately following is the Main Parade featuring fun floats by local businesses and organizations and the Cruise-in Car Show participants who wish to be involved.
