Gather ’Round, Wood County!

More than a century after Wood County neighbors started gathering to celebrate the harvest, the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion is still giving Quitman a reason to get together. This year, the tradition returns October 31 and November 1.

An Old Tradition Gets a Halloween Weekend

The reunion’s roots reach back to the late 1890s, when the gathering grew from an end-of-harvest celebration into an annual Wood County tradition. The event eventually found a permanent home at what is now Governor Jim Hogg City Park, a 27-acre park tied closely to Quitman history.

That makes the setting especially fitting. The park is home to the Wood County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the Stinson House, Honeymoon Cottage, and Ima Hogg Museum, along with the pavilion that has hosted generations of reunion-goers.

This year’s full schedule brings that history straight into Halloween weekend. Saturday’s plans include the Monster Mash Dash 5K, Stitchin’ Heaven Quilt Show, food and retail vendors, and reunion activities throughout the day. Sunday keeps the weekend rolling with more vendors, carnival hours, and free attractions for kids.

A Little History, a Lot of Midway

The reunion has plenty beyond its historic pedigree. The lineup of attractions includes food, shopping, family activities, and games, while the entertainment plans feature live music and other performances.

The big return this year is the carnival. Midwest Rides is bringing 10 rides, four midway games, and two food trucks to Quitman. The family-owned carnival company operates more than 30 amusement rides overall and travels to fairs and festivals across the nation. 

That mix feels right for an event that has lasted through generations. The Old Settlers Reunion can nod to Wood County’s agricultural past without getting stuck there. Families can wander the midway, grab something from a food vendor, catch live entertainment, and spend a fall weekend in the same community gathering place that has been part of Quitman life for decades.

Halloween costumes may look a little different than turn-of-the-century harvest clothes, but the reason for gathering still holds up: good food, familiar faces, and a weekend worth sharing.

Find more festivals worth marking on the calendar at https://www.guidetotx.com/festivals!