Old Settlers Days - News

Little Miss Old Settlers Info Meeting

5/7/2017

An informational meeting regarding the Little Miss Old Settlers pageant will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the Moose Lodge in Hillsboro.

Little Miss contestants must be between the ages of 5 and 6 and attend school in the Hillsboro School District.

Other requirements can be found under the Pageants tab on the website.

2017 Parade Themes

4/19/2017

Themes for the 2017 Kiddie Parade and Big Parade have been announced!

The Big Parade theme was submitted by Alex Durbin of Hillsboro, IL. The theme is "Road Trip."

The Kiddie Parade theme for this year is "Oh, the Places We Love to Go."

For rules and guidelines regarding floats, please refer to information on the "Parades" tab.

Parade Themes Wanted!

2/26/2017

It's that time of year! The Old Settlers Association is searching for themes for the 2017 Big Parade! Themes can be submitted through Facebook, under the "contact us" tab, or by mail addressed to Hillsboro City Hall, attn: Old Settlers. The individual who submits the winning theme will receive $50. Themes must be submitted by March 31, 2017.

June 30th, 2016

6/30/2016

The first Little Miss Old Settlers meeting and pageant sign-up will be July 9th at the Free Methodist Church at 10am. A group picture will be taken at that time; the girls will need sun dress for this picture. A $25 registration fee is due at this meeting.

Car Show Will Feature 29 Classes July 31

6/27/2016

The 33rd Old Settlers Car Show will be held Sunday, July 31, in downtown Hillsboro as part of this year's Old Settlers celebration.

Registration is from 9 a.m. to Noon, followed by the Show&Shine from Noon to 3:30 p.m.

Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 75 entries, and a trophy presentation will take place at 4 p.m.

The entry fee is $15. There will be a total of 27 classes featuring stock, street rods, street machines, motorcycles, trikes and more.

There will also be a 50/50 drawing, food, and prizes. For more information, contact Sam Whitlow at 217-532-6375.

2016 Entertainment Lineup

6/24/2016

Pursuant with our "Hometown Happiness" theme this year, Old Settlers will be featuring two local bands for your enjoyment. On Wednesday after the Queens Parade, the Big Shake Daddies will take the stage.

The Big Shake Daddies originally formed during the fall of 2005 after meeting and performing as backline musicians for a talented, former-USO performer doing a Veteran's Day Special in Central Illinois. Each member has performed with several different groups ranging from three piece combos to 17+ performer dance bands. The group has played everything from the local weddings and birthday parties to major regional events all over the midwest.

Music really has nothing to do with their "real jobs" as teachers, insurance salesmen and pharmacists, but instead is their creative outlet. With a talented and soulful female vocalist, horns-a-plenty, and rock-solid rhythm section, the Big Shake Daddies' high energy shows delight fans of Rock, Soul, R&B, Motown, Blues Brothers, and more.

To test out the Shake Daddies' great sound, visit their website or find them on Facebook.

On Thursday night, another area group will make their Old Settlers debut. Headed by Hillsboro native Mike Whitworth, Open Road is a rock and roll band based out of Columbia, MO. They perform classic rock and roll and country rock featuring tight, close-knit harmonies.

To find out more about the Open Road and to hear some of their new singles, visit their website or Facebook page.

Advance Ride Tickets for 2016!

6/24/2016

Skip the lines and get your ride tickets in advance! Ride tickets will be available for purchase at National Bank and the Journal News during regular business hours starting July 1st. Ticket sheets will be $20 for 24 tickets. They will stay on sale through July 31st. Tickets will be available for purchase on July 31st during the Country Fair

Searching for Queen Candidates

3/4/2016

It's that time of year! The Old Settlers Association is searching for Old Settlers Queen candidates.
After the April 28th kickoff, Queen candidates will spend the summer selling tickets to area residents. Each girl will keep a portion of her ticket sales, receiving a check after each ticket turn-in date. In addition to the money, each queen will earn other prizes and gifts throughout the contest.
In order to run for Queen, girls must be 16 years old or entering their junior year of high school. She must attend school in the Hillsboro School District (candidates may reside in any town in the district). And the candidate must have no children.
Anyone interested in running for Queen may contact the Association via the email form under the Contact tab or on Facebook, or she may call the Queen Contest chairperson, Lori Stewart, at 532-5253.

2016 Important Dates

8/31/2015

The dates for the 2016 Old Settlers Celebration have been set! The Country Fair, Car Show, Turtle Race, and Dog Show will take place on Sunday, July 31st. The Queens Parade and coronation will be held on Wednesday, August 3rd. The Kiddie Parade and Big Parade will be on Thursday, August 4th.
Planning for the 2016 celebration will begin Thursday, January 21st, 2016, at 7:00pm. Location of the first meeting will be announced at a later time.

Old Settlers Dog Show Winners

8/2/2015

More than 30 dogs competed in the eight categories at the Old Settlers Dog Show held Sunday, August 2nd, 2015. The categories this year were best costume, best trick, prettiest dog, ugliest dog, cutest puppy, biggest dog, smallest dog over 1 year, and smallest puppy under 1 year. The first place winner of each category then competed for Best of Show. This year's show was sponsored by many private donations, Diamonds and Dogs, Hillsboro Dollar General, Point of Light Laser Engraving, Probst Vet Clinic, Hillsboro IGA, Paradise Pools, Hillsboro McDonalds, Walmart, Countryside Vet Clinic, and Stewart Builders.

Best Costume: Cricket as a colorful fish, entered by Mandy Hopper
Best Trick: Bella Lynn, entered by Chelsey Hiller
Prettiest Dog: Thor, entered by Christian Scott
Ugliest Dog: Peanut, entered by Rueben McMillin
Cutest Puppy: Kato, entered by Dakota Martin
Biggest Dog: Hoss, entered by Austin, Sami, and Ryan Page
Smallest Dog over 1 year: Tootsie, entered by Madison McMillin
Smallest Dog under 1 year: Sug, entered by Maddex Scott
*Best of Show: Kato, entered by Dakota Martin

Photos to be available soon.