The 144th Wise County Old Settlers Reunion is July 21 through July 26 at Joe Wheeler Park in Decatur. The Messenger has you covered on where to go, what to do and how to make it another memorable year. FILE | WCMESSENGER
The countdown is almost over, folks.
The Wise County Old Settlers Reunion is just four days away from drawing thousands of visitors from home and abroad for its 144th rendition.
Reunion runs July 21 through July 26 at the Wise County Fairgrounds in South Decatur, 3101 Farm Road 51.
We know you’ve had this on your calendar since you said your goodbyes to Joe Wheeler Park one year ago. And we wouldn’t want to insult you by assuming you haven’t taken that time to prepare for another year of the county’s best tradition.
But just in case it somehow slipped your mind, the Messenger has you covered.
Parking is $10 and carnival bracelets are $30; cash or card is accepted for both. Rides will start around 6 p.m. each evening and wrap up at midnight. And don’t forget to bring your appetite, because the convoy of food trucks start serving at 7 p.m. each day.
You thought that was it? Some carnival rides and food trucks? How cute.
Here’s the rundown of can’t-miss events next week.
Monday, July 21
The Reunion committee opens the week with a classic that brings out the competitive spirit from grandmothers to grandsons: bingo. The callers will be stationed under the pavilion at 7 p.m. as you enter Joe Wheeler Park with cards for sale at $10 each.
Bring your cash or have Venmo ready to buy a stack of winning cards. The prizes are always serious business.
Tuesday, July 22
Tuesday is no time to go easy on the rotator cuff, champ. The Decatur Chamber of Commerce will once again host the ultra-competitive Put Yo’ Money Where Yo’ Mouth Is Washer Tournament, where drinks flow and washers fly all night long. Event registration starts at 6 p.m. under the new pavilion and washers start getting tossed at 7 p.m.
It’s $50 for a chance at lifetime glory, but be warned: this event separates the great from the good.
Last year, rookie sensations Corbin Oates and Justin Bridges defeated Layton Harris and Layton Huddleston well after the clock had struck midnight. The defending champs are allegedly coming for a repeat, so prepare accordingly.
Wednesday, July 23
Remember those state championship volleyball matches in November that included Boyd and Decatur? Well, some say those teams were built through competing in the LEVB Booster Club Grass Bash, Reunion’s very own annual volleyball tournament.
Registration is closed, but I guarantee you’ll want to hang around for the action that lasts late into the night. Team Jumbo was the last team standing in 2024 and showed no signs of slowing down.
Thursday, July 24
The free concert series begins Thursday at 9 p.m., with Dallas-based Vencedores Del Bravo taking the stage first.
They’ve already proven to be a smash hit at Reunion and take the stage for the second year in a row. Get ready to sweat when they go into a fusion of traditional and contemporary Mexican music, because they’ll have the dance floor moving from start to finish.
Friday, July 25
You’ve only got 24 hours to recover before a local legend in the making gets you back to boot scootin’, so ice your knees, take an Advil and slide your boots on.
Before he heads to Nashville to start his full-time music career, Dax Davis goes under the pavilion at 9 p.m. with his backing band that could stand on their own.
Red dirt legend Stoney LaRue will be on stage at 11, singing classics that will both get you rowdy and make you reminisce on that first Reunion crush from high school.
Saturday, July 26
We love it and we dread it at the same time: the final goodbye
Triplephonic, the Wise County band made up of Zayne Browning, Carson Tibbels and Eric Rieger, sign the week off with a performance beginning at 9 p.m.
They offer something for everyone, with their diverse catalogue that includes 40 years of covers and some original works.
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