Wood County Old Settlers Reunion cut to two days

There will be a 118th Wood County Old Settlers Reunion with a limited two-day version of the event. The 2020 edition of one of the state’s oldest active festivals will be held July 31 and Aug. 1 at Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman. 

There had been discussion to possibly skip this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The carnival and amusement company, Hip-Hop Attractions, was not able to commit to the four-day affair due to state regulations and insurance restrictions due to the coronavirus.

The Old Settlers board of directors has decided to waive all vendor fees to encourage businesses to set up and promote themselves. Local civic organizations and service clubs will provide food and drinks at the event.

There will be no charge to the event, and Friday night and Saturday night’s music events will be free. Friday night will find gospel night hosting The McNeils. This talented group was the 2019 Gospel Music Group of the Year and the 2020 Band of the Year. They are also Dollywood Artists.

The large group bridges generational gaps with music covering praise and worship, bluegrass, a capella, country gospel and hymns from old. 

Saturday night will be country music night featuring one of East Texas’ most popular bands with Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome Band.

The Old Settlers Reunion board did not want to miss this local event which has been going on more than a century.