Josh Abbott Band headlines County Old Settlers Reunion

Texas country favorites the Josh Abbott Band will close out this year’s Wood County Old Settlers Reunion with a Saturday night concert that’s sure to draw a crowd. The show will take place Nov. 1 at Floyd Field, across from the Civic Center, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Opening act One Horse Town will perform at 6 p.m., followed by the Josh Abbott Band at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are $36.50 at stubwire.com or $47.50 at the gate. A $29 cooler fee will allow guests to bring their own beverages.

The Lubbock-based band has been a Texas country staple for nearly two decades, known for their heartfelt lyrics, lively performances and loyal fan base. The Josh Abbott Band first got their start at Texas Tech University in the mid-2000s and quickly rose to prominence on the Texas music scene. Their newest album, Somewhere Down The Road (2024), has been praised for its honest songwriting and modern sound. After major shows at the Stagecoach Festival, The Long Road Festival in England and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the band will bring their signature Texas country energy to Quitman.

This year’s reunion will take place Wednesday, Oct. 29 through Saturday, Nov. 1, marking the first time in its long history the event has been scheduled for October. The four-day celebration will open Wednesday evening with the return of Gospel Night and Trunk-or-Treat for children. Local worship bands will compete in a “Battle of the Bands” starting at 6 p.m. under the pavilion, followed by a devotional and a 7:30 p.m. performance by Grammy-nominated Christian group The Erwins. Trunk-or-Treat will take place in the pavilion parking area from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

With Quitman ISD students out for fall break Thursday and Friday, the park will open daily at noon with plenty of free fun, including a giant maze, pony rides, life-size Hungry Hippos and midway games. Visitors can also tour the Honeymoon Cottage and museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., restored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. More than 30 vendors, food trucks and Hooker Ranch’s rescue horses will be on site, and the Civic Center will host bridge club demonstrations from noon to 5 p.m.

Paid attractions such as ziplining, axe throwing, Gelly Ball, laser tag and glow-in-the-dark mini golf will open at 3 p.m. each day. Unlimited-ride armbands will be available from 3 to 9 p.m.

Thursday evening will feature Dale Cummings, a local favorite, performing hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s under the pavilion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. DJ Mike Gilmore will provide music before and after the show, and a beer garden will be open during the performance. The Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club will once again host bingo at the Civic Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday nights.

Friday’s lineup includes all regular attractions plus Halloween-themed fun. Layton Myers will perform on the Honeymoon Cottage porch at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Chamber of Commerce’s Candy Walk on the square. Beginning at 5 p.m., families can enjoy games, hayrides, and other fall activities in the park. The Quitman High School Junior Class will host a family-friendly dance at 7 p.m. under the pavilion, with DJ Mike Gilmore providing music.

Saturday will begin bright and early with the People’s Impact Foundation 5K Run at 8 a.m. The Wood County Electric Cooperative will also hold its annual meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offering updates, giveaways, and food truck coupons for members. Other Saturday highlights include a quilt show and kids’ craft area hosted by Stitchin’ Heaven, arboretum tours and museum exhibits. Speaker forums under the pavilion will feature presentations from the Wood County Extension Office, Master Gardeners, Aspen Hospice and the Quitman Pee-Wee Cheerleaders. At 4:15 p.m., County Judge Kevin White and the Wood County Historical Commission will present the 175th Anniversary of Wood County Awards.

While the reunion will not include a traditional carnival this year, organizers say the expanded venues – particularly the Civic Center and Floyd Field – will make the 2025 event one of the biggest and most enjoyable yet.

Newly-appointed Board Director Brook Rogers said helping organize this year’s reunion has given her a deep appreciation for the teamwork behind the scenes.

“As one of the newest board members for the Old Settlers Reunion, I’ve had the chance to see firsthand just how much time, effort and heart goes into making this event happen,” Rogers said. “It’s easy to show up and enjoy the fun, but what most don’t see are the countless hours of planning, late-night messages and the teamwork it takes to pull everything together. This event is truly a labor of love – made possible by an incredible group of board members, our hardworking vendors, generous sponsors and the surrounding volunteer fire departments and local police and county officers who help keep everyone safe.”

Rogers added that being part of the reunion has given her a “whole new appreciation for what community really means – neighbors helping neighbors, small businesses stepping up, and everyone coming together to keep a piece of Quitman’s history alive.”

From gospel music and Halloween fun to the energy of a major concert, the Old Settlers Reunion remains a beloved Quitman tradition that celebrates community, history and hometown pride.