The 122nd Old Settlers Reunion will spring to life this year on Aug. 3, 4 and 5 in Quitman.

Although the rebuilding of the pavilion at Jim Hogg City Park has not been completed, Old Settlers entertainment and “Meet the Bulldogs” night will happen as scheduled.

The temporary construction fence will be removed and activities will be held on the concrete slab of the pavilion.

Old Settlers Reunion Board officer Kathy Lutonsky said, “We are really happy we will be able to have use of the pavilion concrete slab for the reunion. There will be some of the benches moved back in on the concrete for the reunion, but we encourage folks to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the entertainment.”

The popular Quitman-Lake Folk Kiwanis Club bingo will be held each night of the reunion. Bingo will again be set up at the Kiwanis outdoor basketball facility.

Events at the pavilion include Saturday night’s “Meet the Bulldogs” beginning at 6 p.m. according to Quitman Athletic Director Shane Webber. “We are looking forward to a successful year in athletics and want the community to come out and meet all of the Bulldogs. Students involved in fall activities will be introduced,” Webber said. “Kids involved in football, volleyball, cross country, band and cheer will all be introduced along with our coaching staff. We hope family and fans will be there to meet these hard-working kids.”

On Thursday evening Dale “The C” Cummings will bring his popular oldies rock n’ roll concert beginning at 7 p.m. to open the reunion. Cummings has been entertaining for several years. He has performed in Branson (Missouri) with the Platters and has performed many times in Carthage at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.  

He has been on musical venues with Eddy Raven, Don Williams, Johnny Lee, The Bellamy Brothers, Gene Watson, Dan Seals, Johnny Lee and Shenandoah. 

The Friday night entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. features local favorite Rafael Espinoza. Originally from the Alba-Golden area Espinoza went on to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. Along with his wife, Emmylou, Espinoza owns the Espinoza Music Academy in Mineola where they teach music in private lessons.

Espinoza has recorded three albums including one done at the legendary studio of Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn. He has won the prestigious Heart of Texas Blue Challenge in Austin at Antone’s.

Local service clubs and other vendors will be back with some great food and other booths set up throughout the park.

On Friday night only, the Quitman Chamber of Commerce is again hosting a cornhole tournament. It will start at 6 p.m. and will continue until a champion is crowned.

The midway with carnival rides and booths will once again be located on the front parking lot at the park.