The Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash and Festival will take place in Marysville on Saturday, September 7. The event combines the excitement of gravel racing with the rich history of the Pony Express.

Over three hundred cyclists will set off at 7:30 a.m. to ride 120, 65, 35 or 30 miles through the area’s scenic countryside.

As riders navigate the local landscape, activities are planned throughout the day that focus on the region’s history with the Pony Express.

From 10 a.m. to noon, children and families can enjoy old-fashioned children’s games at Koester Park on the corner of South 9th and Elm Streets. Classic games such as Blind Man’s Bluff, Mikado and Hoop and Stick will be offered.

Classes are held at the Bommer School, the one-classroom school in Marysville City Park. A school teacher leads classes in the school building at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and gives visitors an insight into teaching practices in the past.

At 11 a.m., Celia Daniels will be at the Marysville Public Library to present “You Have Mail: Letter Writing Through the Ages.” This presentation will explore the art and history of letter writing and provide insightful insights into the evolution of communication over the years.

“Parents as Teachers” offers STEM activities downtown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that involve children in hands-on learning experiences.

A mochila lunch is served from 11am to 1pm at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art. The meal includes a sandwich of your choice, chips, fruit, a homemade cookie, and a beverage. The fee is $10.

Geff Dawson and Dawn with special guest Cuz Garver will provide western music and cowboy entertainment. They will perform at the Arts Center at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. At 2 pm they will perform in downtown Marysville.

Also at 2 p.m., Indian Creek Historical Fashions will present a fashion show in the Koester House Gardens featuring women’s clothing from the 1860s to the 1890s. This event offers a unique insight into the fashion of this era.

From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Discover Downtown will take place on the 900 block of Broadway. The second and third floors of the commercial properties will be open for tours. Tour guides will be on-site.

Heartslash Chuckwagon Services will be serving a chuckwagon dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on South 8th Street, near the Pony Express Museum. The meal is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 5.

The meal includes Slice of Heaven: the church cake contest, where attendees can taste and vote for the best cake from local churches. Homemade ice cream will also be served.

After dinner, the Matchsellers, a dynamic bluegrass band from Kansas City, will headline the barn dance from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The Matchsellers, consisting of Andrew Morris on guitar, Julie Bates on fiddle, Matt Hawkins on banjo and Dan Perez on bass, bring a unique blend of traditional American musical styles to the stage. Their sound draws on a wide range of influences, from old-time bluegrass and western swing to gospel and Cajun rhythms. The band’s diverse musical inspirations even include the jazz sounds of Kansas City native Charlie Parker.

Andrew Morris, founding member of The Matchsellers, shared his experiences moving from Indiana to Kansas, where he discovered the distinctive style of Kansas City Bluegrass.

“There’s more variety here,” Morris explained. “You hear western swing, old fiddle melodies and even jazz influences.”

The Matchsellers are known not only for their musical versatility, but also for their captivating performances. The band infuses their sets with humor, high energy and a mix of sentimental and serious songs, so there is something for everyone.

At the barn dance, visitors can expect a lively and inclusive experience thanks to the skillful moderation of Derrick Doty. Doty has been moderating barn dances for 18 years and attaches great importance to making everyone feel welcome on the dance floor.

“If you can walk, you can dance,” Doty said. “It’s about moving your body, meeting new people and connecting with our cultural traditions.”

Doty leads dancers through a series of fun and easy dances suitable for both beginners and experienced dancers. The Matchsellers work closely with Doty to find the perfect tune for each dance.

Morris stressed the importance of performing at an event like the Pony Express Festival. “This music is meant to make people dance,” he said. “When you move your body to the music, you understand it on a different level. That’s what we’re trying to do at the barn dance – a chance for everyone to connect with the music and with each other in a meaningful way.”

For more information about the Gravel Dash and Festival, contact the Marysville Chamber and Main Street at 785-562-3101.