According to a 1899 news article, "“The first meeting of the old settlers of Wood County, and their representatives, was held in the town of Quitman, Wednesday, August 2, 1899...". Since then, the Old Settlers Reunion has been held annually on the first Weekend in August at Jim Hogg Park in Quitman, Texas and runs Wednesday through Saturday.
Although the Old Settler's Reunion began over 100 years ago when locals arrived by horse and buggy, today the event is a much more modern affair with carnival rides, games, vendors and food, with each night offering free entertainment under the pavilion. The midway, which opens at 630pm, is just 50 cents per person and events under the pavilion (starting each night at 7pm) are free. You can even catch a game of bingo courtesy of the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club. Additionally, each night the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion Association recognizes the oldest, youngest settlers, as well as the longest hitched, newly hitched and weariest travelers. Winners are awarded cash prizes. A great week of fun to celebrate and start your family tradition by attending the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion in Quitman!