Maxwell Old Settlers

Maxwell Old Settlers This is a site to help promote the city of Maxwell, Iowa's Old Settlers Picnic celebration. In 1885 at the 6th reunion of the G.A.R.

Perhaps no one project in the history of Maxwell has involved more interest, more planning and more people than the Old Settlers Picnic. It came into existence at the turn of the last century as an outgrowth of the reunions held by soldiers of the Civil War and members of the Grand Army of the Republic, a national organization. They had formed a company here and held reunions, camping overnight an

d sometimes for several days, in the grove at the West edge of town. about 3,000 people were reported present. In 1887, forty-one veterans were recorded and living in Maxwell, among them Micah French, an 1812 veteran. The town of Maxwell incorporated in 1883. It was given by the firm of Baldwin and Maxwell in 1892 five acres to be used as a city park. In August 1901 a small group of people convened in the Old Opera House in the interest of the reunions held in the park. The result of the meeting was to mark the end of the G.A.R. reunions in the park and beginning of the “Old Settlers and Homecoming Picnic” On Sept. 5th plans were made and Oct 2nd the first of these picnics was held. However, the inclement weather changed plans and the event was moved to the Old Opera House, basket dinner and all! The Maxwell Coronet Band and the Glee Club furnished music for the program. Since that first picnic, with few exceptions, the events have been held in early August. Events have come and gone with the times. Political speeches often enlivened the past events along with political debates. Sheaf tying contests, wrestling matches. The carousel that was once powered by a blind horse was soon replaced by Mead Tomlinson’s steam powered rig and a music box gave way to the calliope. The year of the 50th Anniversary there was on open-air circus and an elephant marched in the parade. Today of course things have been updated drastically. The tractor pulls are now ran by the South Story Pullers and are held on Saturday. There is a rodeo that is held by the Maxwell Rodeo Committee in adjacent to the Old Settlers event. They have held events hosting 250 cowboys on Friday and Saturday night. Their facilities are located west of the park.

08/31/2026

Here's the call in info, make sure to get your spot.

08/17/2026

Check it out now!

Everybody that visited the YL-37 or watched it fly over for the parade at Old Settlers, help keep this memorial flying a...
08/15/2026

Everybody that visited the YL-37 or watched it fly over for the parade at Old Settlers, help keep this memorial flying and purchase a ticket. Meal, entertainment, dessert, all you can drink and a $10000 grand prize. That’s big money. All this for two hundred dollars for two.

🎟️ SEPTEMBER 5TH IS COMING FAST — HAVE YOU CLAIMED YOUR LUCKY NUMBER YET?!

Our Reverse Raffle & Live Auction is just a few weeks away, and tickets are going! If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time.

💰 GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 CASH
🎟️ Only 200 raffle tickets will be sold
🥂 $200 per couple
🍽️ Catered dinner + Mini Donuts for Dessert
🍻 Open bar
💵 More chances to win cash throughout the night
🔥 Live & Silent Auctions
🚁 And most importantly — an incredible night supporting YL-37 The Flying Memorial and the mission of the Ugly Angel Memorial Foundation

📅 Saturday, September 5
📍 Willow Brook Barn | Colo, Iowa
🚪 Doors open at 6:00 PM
🍽️ Dinner at 7:00 PM
🎟️ Reverse Raffle begins at 8:00 PM

You do NOT want to be the person watching us give away $10,000 on Facebook the next morning thinking, “I should have bought a ticket.” 😏

👉 GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/yl-37-reverse-raffle--2026

🏢 BUSINESS OWNERS — WANT TO JOIN US?

We also have $1,000 Table Sponsorships available! It’s a great way to bring your team, clients, family or friends while supporting our mission and getting your business recognized throughout the event.

👉 TABLE SPONSOR INFORMATION:
Invite 8 guests to sit at your VIP Table displayed with your business logo.
4 Tickets at a chance to win $10,000
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dollar1000-table-sponsor-yl-37-reverse-raffle

Every ticket sold and every sponsorship helps us keep YL-37 flying — honoring the 33 fallen Ugly Angels, connecting with veterans, preserving their stories, and carrying this piece of Marine Corps and Vietnam history to the next generation. 🇺🇸

Grab your number. Fill a table. Bring your friends. And come help us make September 5th a night to remember.

Found at the park. PM To claim.
08/12/2026

Found at the park. PM To claim.

We had such a great weekend with you all! Help us keep the fun rolling by donating to Maxwell Old Settlers. Your donatio...
08/10/2026

We had such a great weekend with you all! Help us keep the fun rolling by donating to Maxwell Old Settlers. Your donation allows us to fund events and bring in entertainment for all ages.

Donate to Maxwell Old Settlers to support community fundraising and local events.

Share your photos with us! We would like to create an archive of photos that we can use in the future. Please share your...
08/10/2026

Share your photos with us! We would like to create an archive of photos that we can use in the future. Please share your best weekend memories with us!

Shared album · Tap to view!

What an incredible Old Settlers Weekend! Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, volunteered, sponsored, compe...
08/10/2026

What an incredible Old Settlers Weekend! Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, volunteered, sponsored, competed, cheered, and helped make this year’s celebration one to remember.

From the kickball game and Lighted UTV parade to the parade, kids’ activities, rodeo, truck pulls, volleyball, and all the time spent together as a community—Maxwell showed up in a big way. We are so grateful for every person who helped make the weekend possible.

If you enjoyed Old Settlers Weekend, we would truly appreciate your vote for Best of Story County!

Your support helps celebrate the volunteers, local businesses, organizations, and community spirit that make this tradition so special.

Thank you again for an amazing weekend, Maxwell. We are already looking forward to next year!

Check it out now!

Don’t forget to cap off this incredible weekend visiting the market in the park 1:00-3:30
08/09/2026

Don’t forget to cap off this incredible weekend visiting the market in the park 1:00-3:30

08/09/2026

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Maxwell, IA
50161

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