Events in Quitman impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more Quitman events. 

Due to Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest restrictions on outdoor gatherings, the Old Settlers Reunion and activities of the Lake Country Classics Car club have been derailed. 

The Old Settlers Reunion started in 1899 and has been held 117 years. The reunion was also canceled for two years during World War II. It is one of the state’s longest running festivals and has been a Wood County tradition. The Old Settlers Reunion Board made an effort to cut the event to two days, but with the new restrictions, it was decided June 26 to cancel for this year. 

Reunion Board Treasurer Kevin Cameron said the group took their lead from other Texas festivals, including the State Fair of Texas.

“Basically with all the stuff going on, we are following the actions of other similar festivals. We are just trying to emulate the State Fair of Texas and what they are doing,” Cameron said.

“We are going on a gut feeling and following what other folks are doing. If they are doing it, we think it is wise for us to do it. We did it for several reasons, but obviously, safety has to come first,” he said.

The Lake Country Classics Car Club announced cancellation of the Quitman Dairy Queen monthly Thursday night Cruises and the Saturday Classics & Coffee events on the downtown square for the remainder of 2020.

The club will also not be holding their monthly club meetings until it becomes more favorable to meet in a large group. 

Club spokesperson Sherry Dupre said the decision was a tough call for the group’s officers.

“This is a decision that didn’t come lightly for your club officers and we are very saddened to end our season after only having one each of our events. We are very hopeful that we will be able to meet as a club later this year,” Dupre said.

“We have several club activities we want to participate in for the community later this year and fun events for ourselves so please keep up with our Facebook page and check your emails for any updates to our club’s activities,” she said.

After a three-month delay, the first Classics & Coffee event was finally held in June with 35 cars even with the threat of heavy rains in the area.

Club President Larry Barnes had been pleased with the first Saturday event.

“We were really appreciative of folks coming out because it was pouring down rain all over Wood County early that morning,” Barnes said.