The Old Settlers Reunion is put on every year and this year is a very special event...

elebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Annual Old Settler’s Reunion the communities of the Nueces Canyon host a huge event the first full weekend in August of each year, scheduled for August 5-6, 2011. The little Hill Country city of Camp Wood nearly doubles in size when it’s time to enjoy the Old Settlers’ Reunion. For 50 years now people who once lived in the Nueces Canyon flock back to the area to celebrate family, friendships and community while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the crystal clear Nueces River. This year will be no exception on August 5th and 6th, residents, friends, family, former residents and those just passing through will be on hand to celebrate the traditions and beauty of the Canyon.

The festivities kick off Friday morning at 9 a.m. as booth vendors open their doors to arts, crafts, food, games and music. The day will host events around the Canyon. This year’s King and Queen will host a Royal Tea in Lindbergh Park and the guests of honor will be the royalty of the past. A complete venue of other activities has not been fully completed. In addition to the rodeo on Friday, the Ex-Students Reunion will be having their annual gathering of ex-students from Nueces Canyon, Barksdale, Montell, Hackberry, Brushy Creek, Dry Creek and Vance. This year they will be recognizing the students who graduated in the years ending in “1”. Teachers are encouraged to attend. Anyone wanting to join for socializing and finger foods may do so by going to Lindbergh Park in downtown Camp Wood around 6:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon, you will see them gathering under the oak trees. Dances and rodeos round out the Friday evening festivities. Although organizations have not booked their bands yet there will be Friday and Saturday night dances along with the Rodeo.

Everyone in town can feels the excitement in the air Saturday morning whenever parade entrants begin lining up at the south end of town on Hwy 55, and the Canyon’s best pecan pie bakers drop off their labors of love for the annual pecan pie contest/auction in the park in the middle of town. Some of the tastiest pies in the Canyon will be judged Saturday morning and then auctioned off to the luckiest bidders. Saturday is the big day! The big parade begins promptly at 10 a.m. and goes down Highway 55. After the parade everyone converges on Lindbergh Park to visit, shop and listen to the entertainment. From the stage, beginning as soon as the parade ends, will be the crowning of the Royal couple, Tommy and Mary Lou Ward, King and Queen of this year’s event. Following the coronation is the Pecan Pie Auction and then the stage entertainment will be performing along with some other local talent. At 2 p.m. the United Fiddlers Association will begin an afternoon of fiddling and music. Food and arts and crafts vendors will be open in the park, music and entertainment will begin, and then the competitions kick in. The Horseshoe Pitching and Washer Pitching Tournaments, and the Domino Tournament also begin at 11:00. And for $10 per event, you can join in with some pretty stiff competition.
Away from the stage there will be a cowboy shoot out around 1 p.m. The park will be filled with food, drinks, arts, crafts and kids entertainment and booths.
This year’s event will no doubt be a scorcher, so prepare for a hot day! There will be plenty of shade and lots of food booths selling food and drinks. So while you grab something to eat on Saturday, you can enjoy the other festivities. Bring a swim suit and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Nueces River later in the afternoon.
According to the Chamber of Commerce President, Ben Cox, “The Annual Old Settler's Reunion is the best place and way to celebrate a beautiful part of Texas with the best people around. Come join us for a hot summer fun time and remember to dip your toes in the crystal clear Nueces River while you are here."