HAYDEN, Ind. — Hayden’s biggest day of the year takes place on Saturday, September 2. The Hayden Historical Museum is combining Pioneer Days with Hayden’s Harvest Past to make it a double-feature living history day. The celebration is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum.
The day begins with the annual Luke Elsner Memorial 5K Run/Walk at the Hayden Elementary School. Registration is at 7 a.m. with the race at 8 a.m. Proceeds go into the scholarship endowment fund that was established with the Jennings County Community Foundation in memory of Luke Elsner. Luke was two years old when he passed away in 2007 from a heart ailment.
The Hayden United Methodist Church is serving breakfast at their social hall from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. and is a free-will donation.
The Hayden Historical Museum buildings will open at 9 a.m., along with the museum grounds where many of the pioneer-related exhibits and demonstrations will be on display throughout the day.
Hayden’s Harvest Past is the museum’s event to recognize the agricultural heritage of the local community. The backyard will be transformed into a giant display of antique farm equipment. Along with the tractors, implements, and one-cylinder engines, garden tractors and lawnmowers will be also featured.
The museum’s pie-baking contest is again a part of the festivities. Judging is at 11 a.m. Awards will be given for first, second, and third-place pies. The top three pies will be auctioned off at noon in the pavilion. All other pie entries will be sliced and offered in exchange for a free-will donation.
The Spencer Township Volunteer Fire Department serves barbeque chicken dinners from noon to 4 p.m. for a $10 donation and the free event has musical entertainment throughout the day.
Contact the Hayden Historical Museum for more information at 812-592-8445, or email haydenmuseum@gmail.com. You can also check out the Hayden Historical Museum’s Facebook page.
