The Wood County Old Settlers Reunion (OSR) returns to Gov. Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman this weekend, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, with two days of carnival rides, live entertainment, food, vendors and acallows us to relive childhood memories while creating new ones with our children and vorite part of the reunion for generations of Wood County families, and bringing it back was a priority for the OSR board of directors.

“Old Settlers has been a cherished Wood County tradition tivities for the whole family. One of the biggest attractions this year will be the return of a traditional carnival midway. Midwest Rides will bring 10 rides for different age groups, four midway games and two food trucks to the park. for generations. Bringing the carnival back is The carnival has been a faespecially exciting because it grandchildren. It’s important that we preserve this piece of our history and pass the tradition on to future generations,” OSR Vice President Brooke Rogers said.

The OSR board committed $20,000 to secure the carnival, relying on sponsorships and community support to help cover the expense. The reunion dates were moved from the traditional summer schedule to the fall last year, offering visitors achance to enjoy the festivities without the intense August heat.

This year’s celebration falls on Halloween weekend, and organizers have added several activities to take advantage of the timing.

Saturday’s activities begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Peoples Foundation Monster Mash Dash 5K. Participants are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes, and a prize will be awarded for the best costume. The Stitchin’ Heaven Quilt Show opens at 10 a.m. at the Wood County Arboretum, giving visitors an opportunity to view quilts and enjoy another longtime reunion tradition.

A ribbon cutting celebrating the Bigfoot art installations at the Arboretum is also scheduled for 10 a.m. Food trucks and retail vendors will be set up throughout the park, offering festival food, handmade items and other merchandise.

Wood County Electric Cooperative will hold its annual membership meeting under the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Cooperative members attending the meeting will receive coupons to use at participating food and drink vendors.

The Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club will bring back Bingo, another longtime reunion activity. Games are scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children will have plenty to do beyond the carnival rides.

Free activities will include Giant Hungry Hippos, a maze and a kiddy midway, giving families several attractions to enjoy without purchasing carnival wristbands. Saturday evening will feature live gospel music by area church bands under the pavilion, along with Halloween activities for children and families.

A Trunk-or-Treat is scheduled from 5-7 p.m., giving children an opportunity to collect candy while enjoying the reunion. A costume contest will be held at 6 p.m. under the pavilion during an intermission in the musical performances. Categories include pets, children ages 0-6, ages 7-11, ages 12-15, ages 16 and older, and groups.

Other planned activities include a pie-eating contest, hayrides and additional family entertainment. The celebration continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with carnival rides, food and retail vendors, free children’s activities and Bingo. OSR Board treasurer Joanne Wisdom said she is looking forward to seeing the park filled with families enjoying ities.

“I’m looking forward to a great Old Settlers Reunion this year with a return to some old traditions combined with new events to bring the community together. I appreciate so much the support of the community and businesses that sponsored and donated to make this year‘s event happen, as well as the city workers and Wood County Electric that give their time and talents to get the park and pavilion ready. I hope everybody gets a chance to come out and enjoy the festivities and carnival!” Wisdom said.

The Old Settlers Reunion dates to 1898, when Wood County residents gathered to celebrate the end of the harvest season. In 1902, J.H. Jones donated property that became the reunion grounds, helping establish a permanent home for the annual gathering.

Over the years, generations of families have returned to the park to visit with old friends, enjoy the entertainment and take part in a tradition that remains an important piece of Wood County history. The volunteer board has worked throughout the year to organize the event, secure sponsorships and bring back activities that residents remember from past reunions while adding attractions for younger

Rogers said community support has been essential to making this year’s reunion possible.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community and generous sponsors: Wood County Electric Co-op, Peoples, Stitchin Heaven, Alba Golden Federal Credit Union, Wood County Economic Development Corporation, Rock Solid Fitness, Quitman Health Services, Origin Bank, QISD, RF Electric and First Baptist Church Quitman. Along with our dedicated volunteers, their support makes this event possible and helps keep this special tradition alive for future generations,” Rogers said.

Organizers are also welcoming volunteers to help with activities and event operations throughout the weekend.

Saturday’s festivities are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Sunday’s activities running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission to the park and many activities is free. Carnival rides require a wristband, which will be available for purchase at the park.

For more information, a complete schedule or volunteer opportunities, visit oldsettlersreunion.org.