Old Settlers Reunion has full lineup for fall move
The 2025 Wood County Old Settlers Reunion is set to kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and continue through Saturday, Nov. 1, marking the first time in the event’s long history that it will be held in October.
Organizers say the change came in response to numerous community requests “to move it to a cooler time of year.”
Wednesday night will feature a return of “Gospel Night” and “Trick or Trunk” for kids. Festivities will begin Wednesday evening under the pavilion, with local worship bands facing off in a “Battle of the Bands” for bragging rights starting at 6 p.m. This will be followed by a short devotional and a special performance by Grammy-nominated Christian group, The Erwins, at 7:30 p.m.
Children can also enjoy a festive Trunk-or-Treat in the parking area next to the pavilion from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
With Quitman ISD students out for fall break on Thursday and Friday, families will have plenty to enjoy at the reunion. Events open both days at noon, featuring free activities such as a giant maze, life-size Hungry Hippos, pony rides and midway games.
Visitors can also tour the Honeymoon Cottage and adjacent museum at the front of the park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restoration of these museums are the result of preservation efforts from Mineola’s Elizabeth Denton English chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Over 30 vendors and a variety of food trucks will also be onsite, along with Hooker Ranch’s rescue horses for families to meet and pet.
For adults, a new bridge club will host demonstrations and lessons at the Civic Center from 12-5 p.m.
Paid attractions begin at 3 p.m., including Blue Line Mobile Gelly Ball, a zipline, rock climbing wall, axe throwing, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, laser tag and more. Guests can enjoy unlimited access to these with an armband from 3-9 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Dance Dimensions will perform at the Quitman-Lake Fork basketball court.
Thursday night will also feature local favorite Dale Cummings performing hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s under the pavilion from 6-7:30 p.m., with DJ Mike Gilmore spinning tunes before and after. A beer garden will be open during the show. Meanwhile, bingo moves to a new location this year, the Civic Center, from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Friday Night: Halloween Festivities
Friday continues with all the same daytime attractions, followed by Layton Myers performing on the Honeymoon Cottage side porch at 4:30 p.m. After the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Candy Walk on the square, families can head to the park for Halloween games, booths and hayrides beginning at 5 p.m.
At 7 p.m., the Quitman High School Junior Class will host a family-friendly dance under the pavilion, again featuring DJ Mike Gilmore. The juniors will sell refreshments and trinkets to raise funds for prom and offer a haunted bus tour for the brave!
Saturday will be packed with activities for all ages. The day begins with the People’s Impact Foundation 5K Run at 8 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stitchin’ Heaven will hold a quilt show, while the Friends of the Arboretum offer tours of the Stinson Home. Museum tours at the front of the park will also be available from 1-3:30 p.m.
The Wood County Electric Cooperative will host its annual meeting under the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with updates on elections, financials and operations. Members can enjoy giveaways and new food truck coupons.
Children can participate in a Kids’ Quilt Craft, sponsored by Stitchin’ Heaven, at the “little pavilion,” and continue enjoying all the same activities and attractions.
The Chamber of Commerce will also host its annual Cornhole Tournament at the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club basketball court.
In a nod to the event’s early traditions, the Old Settlers Reunion Board of Directors is introducing speaker forums under the pavilion.
2:00-2:45 p.m. – Wood County Extension Office on 4-H and soil sampling
2:45-3:15 p.m. – Master Gardeners on local horticulture topics
3:15-3:30 p.m. – Aspen Hospice presentation
3:30-4:00 p.m. – Quitman Pee-Wee Cheerleaders’ competition routines
At 4:15 p.m., County Judge Kevin White and the Wood County Historical Commission will present the 175th Anniversary of Wood County Awards.
The celebration wraps up with a major concert at Floyd Field (on McAlister Street across from the Civic Center). Gates will open at 5 p.m., with local favorites One Horse Town performing at 6 p.m., followed by the Josh Abbott Band at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at stubwire.com for $36.50 or $47.50 at the gate. A $29 “cooler fee” allows concertgoers to bring their own beverages.
While this year’s Old Settlers Reunion will look a little different – with no traditional carnival and with events expanding to the Civic Center and Floyd Field – organizers say they’re excited about the packed schedule and fresh fall setting.
OSR Board Treasurer Joanne Wisdom said, “The volunteer board has worked very hard to preserve tradition while also making several shifts based on feedback to bring the festival into the present day and future. Great care and expense were taken to consider activities for people of all ages, and this year’s event has a packed lineup.”
Wisdom also added that the board hopes everyone will come check out the event and give feedback.
For more information, visit the 2025 Wood County Old Settlers Reunion Facebook page or www.oldsettlersreunion.org.
