Move to fall draws crowds for reunion
While it may be more than 120 years old, the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion felt fresh and new this year with a revised schedule and exciting additions.
“Gospel and Gumbo” night kicked off Wednesday evening, marking the return of gospel night under the pavilion. Praise bands from Hainesville Baptist Church, Spur On Ministries and Rose Hill Baptist Church performed in a friendly “Battle of the Bands.”
Anita Tucker summed up the spirit of the evening perfectly, saying she’d rather “go into battle with other bands than go to battle against them.” The audience was the true winner, enjoying heartfelt performances, a devotional led by First Baptist Quitman’s youth minister and Old Settlers board member Bobby Strong, and a stirring concert by the Grammy-nominated family band, The Erwins.
As the music filled the pavilion, the Hainesville Volunteer Fire Dept. dished up steaming bowls of gumbo just behind it, while more than 500 children and parents enjoyed the adjacent Trick or Trunk event. Altogether, roughly 800 people turned out to celebrate the first night.
Festivities continued Thursday and Friday, beginning at noon – a beloved tradition revived from decades past. The early afternoons started quietly, with visitors browsing vendor booths and sampling fare from food trucks before crowds gathered for games, pony rides, the rock wall, axe throwing and zip lining.
Dale “The C” Cummings performed Thursday evening under the pavilion, joined by dancers from Dance Dimensions, who also delighted the crowd with special routines before Cummings wrapped up his set of golden oldies. A new feature, “Oktoberfest,” brought polka music and the sale of beer and wine for the first time, adding a lively twist to the night.
Friday evening featured rising country artist Layton Myers, whose energetic performance won over the crowd. Stitchin’ Heaven’s hayride drew families throughout the night, as did the Halloween booths and family-friendly dance sponsored by the Quitman High School junior class. The ever-popular Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Bingo moved into the comfort of the Civic Center, reduced from three nights to two, but as well-attended as ever.
Saturday brought the biggest changes to the reunion, starting with the inaugural Old Settlers 5K Run presented by the People’s Impact Foundation. About 40 participants braved the brisk morning weather, with QHS alum and current UT Tyler cross country runner Dakota Jimenez easily leading the pack. Runners, walkers, and even a few four-legged companions joined in the fun.
At the Arboretum, Stitchin’ Heaven hosted a vibrant quilt show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., adding a touch of artistry to the day.
A major highlight came when Wood County Electric Cooperative held its annual meeting at 11 a.m., drawing a large crowd. Attendees heard updates on the co-op, won door prizes and received coupons redeemable at food trucks, along with free armbands for lucky kids.
Afternoon activities included speaker forums featuring special guests and performances by Quitman Pee-Wee Cheer. A brief rain shower paused the inflatables and outdoor activities, but festivities soon resumed before the park closed at 5 p.m. to prepare for the evening concert.
The night’s main event took place at “Floyd Field” on McAlister Street across from the Civic Center, where local favorites One Horse Town opened the show at 6 p.m., followed by the Josh Abbott Band at 7:30. Roughly 650 people attended – the first time a nationally recognized country act has headlined at Old Settlers.
Bevill Music’s Chris Bevill, who booked and managed the event, praised the volunteer board’s dedication. “It takes a lot of hard work to put an event together,” he said. “People don’t realize how much detail, how many hours and days it takes. But y’all made a statement and breathed new life into the Old Settlers Reunion.”
The Old Settlers Board of Directors hopes to build on that momentum, continuing to grow the event and welcoming more volunteers and ideas for the 2026 Old Settlers Reunion.
