On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress boldly approved the Declaration of Independence, launching the 13 colonies on their road to freedom. Americans mark this iconic holiday with fireworks, parades, concerts, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues across the country - traditions as vibrant as our history!

While Callaway’s community celebration is not technically associated with the 4th of July holiday, the spirit of the annual Pioneer Picnic is the same. Alumni and family members of community residents often return home for the weekend - in some cases to introduce their children to the nostalgia of the small town life.

Callaway’s first Pioneer Picnic was held in 1933, in connection with the dedication of the first Custer County Courthouse in Morgan Park. The Pioneer Picnic has been held every year since, except during World War II, and for the most part replaced the village’s 4th of July event.

The traditions have changed a lot since the early years, in which most of the programs featured politicians. The programs changed to include local talent and featured horse shows, 4-H club livestock, 4-H sewing and homemaking, and a flower show - similar to the county fair. Later, the Chamber of Commerce added the crowning of a queen and a free BBQ, and a carnival came to town.

While none of those activities remain, today’s Pioneer Picnic is still centered around Morgan Park as it always has been. The parade continues to be one of the highlights of the weekend, and this year some new activities were added to the park. Rockit Event Pros was hired to provide games and bouncy fun for kids of all ages, which was a huge success.

Many people crowded into the shady park Saturday afternoon to enjoy the car show, games, and food stands. Bookends, so to speak, of the Pioneer Picnic were the Seven Valleys Rodeo, which was held Friday and Sunday evenings.

Several classes of Callaway High School reconnected for reunions, with most of them riding floats through the parade. Other venues in the community were also used to host activities, such as the cornhole tournament at Sand Creek Bar and the duck races at the pool.

The residents of Callaway have always taken great pride in their community and have gathered to celebrate together. The first 4th of July celebration was held in 1887 and was a “red hot affair” as settlers came from the surrounding counties. There was always a big “Calathumian” parade, band concerts, orators, dances, and huge crowds gathered to spend the day.

Cont. PAGE 3: Pioneer Picnic Between 1887 and 1903 the celebration was held each year except the drought year of 1894. Big July 4th celebrations were held in 1916, 1923, 1925, and 1930, complete with parade, band concerts, sports, dances, and fireworks.

In later years, the celebration faded as an organized event. In 2009, Sue Phelps used funds in memory of her late son, Chris, to put on a fireworks display at the baseball fields. In 2010, she organized a second celebration, this time with private donations, making it bigger and better.

The tradition Sue started 17 years ago still continues, and in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Phelps family’s 4th of July celebration this year will be extra special. Held once again at the ball fields, the festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday with youth and adult baseball games. The Callaway Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand to give fire truck rides.

Complimentary water and ice cream sundaes with toppings will be provided, courtesy of Callaway Market and Callaway American Legion Auxiliary, and The Plant Stand will offer free cotton candy. From 7:30-9:30 p.m., there will be a photo opportunity with Presidents George Washington and Abe Lincoln.

At 8 p.m., the Callaway American Legion will hold its annual flag retirement ceremony. This is a somber, very patriotic event that everyone is encouraged to experience. American Legion Post 59 will then post the colors at about 9:30 p.m., with fireworks following to round out the event.

Many thanks to the Phelps family and all donors who make this special community event possible.

From the traditional Pioneer Picnic, always held the last weekend in June, through the 4th of July, the residents of Callaway take the opportunity to show neighboring communities a sample of the fabric that makes this town such a special place.

Joyce Brestel has been a very active member of the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary for 69 years and represented the organization in the parade.