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 Old Settlers Park
N 33° 11.814 W 096° 36.225
14S E 723375 N 3675673
Texas Historical Marker commemorating the establishment and history of the reunions and fairs at Old Settlers Park, in front of the park's recreation center at 1201 E Louisiana St, McKinney, TX.
Waymark Code: WMHXTQ
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/25/2013
Views: 4
Marker Number: 14724
Marker Text:
Site of all Collin County fairs and ex-Confederate-old settlers picnics, this land first hosted a fair in 1858. The fair was held each year, usually in autumn, except during the Civil War years. In 1883, the ex-Confederate-Old Settlers Picnic Association began to hold their annual picnic across the street from the old fair grounds. They continued to meet on this site, buying the land for themselves in 1912 and 1924.
The county fair was a showcase for agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and culinary delights. Riding competitions were held in the grandstand; it is said that Frank James once won first prize.
As many as 15,000 people a day visited the picnics in the 1910s and 1920s, many camping around the park. Political speakers were scheduled all day, and contests included three-legged races and storytelling. In early years there were balloon ascensions; later, an air show astonished the crowds. Like the fair, the picnic featured a midway of rides and games.
The last picnic was held in 1941, when the last Confederate veterans in Collin County were too old to attend. The last county fair was held in 1965, but the park continues to serve the community as a part of the McKinney Parks and Recreation Department. (1997)
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Visit Instructions:
Please include a picture in your log. You and your GPS receiver do not need to be in the picture. We encourage additional information about your visit (comments about the surrounding area, how you ended up near the marker, etc.) in the log.
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