Each first full weekend in August, the little Hill Country town of Camp Wood nearly doubles in size when it’s time to enjoy the Old Settlers’ Reunion. For 49 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. On August 6 and 7, 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 evening with a reunion of ex-students. Dances and rodeos round out the Friday evening festivities. The rodeo kicks off both nights at the Bruce Park Rodeo Arena. The Nueces Canyon Volunteer Fire Department will be having their annual Fundraiser Street Dance in front of City Hall on 4th Street beginning at 9 p.m.

The admission is quite reasonable and it’s fun for the whole family.

Everyone in town can feel the excitement in the air Saturday morning when parade entrants begin lining up at the south end of town, and the Canyon’s best pecan pie bakers drop off their labors of love for the annual pecan pie contest/auction at 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.

The annual parade officially kicks off the events Saturday morning at 10:00 sharp. Everyone from the local cheerleaders, high school marching band, churches, horse clubs, area businesses, fire department, and ex-students to those with rare collections of vintage tractors and cars line up to entertain the awaiting crowds. When the last of the parade entrants has made its way down the main street and turned left at the bank, the rest of the festivities begin.

The OSR King and Queen are coronated at 11:00 on-stage in the park, followed by welcome speeches and entertainment. Food and arts and crafts vendors will be open in the park. Music and entertainment from Texas Steel Horse Band begins after the welcome speeches, and the competitions commence. Awards and bidding for the pecan pies starts immediately after the coronation. The Horseshoe Pitching, Washer Pitching, and Domino Tournaments also begin at 11:00. For $10 per event, you can round up some pretty stiff competition. The fiddlers’ competition, hosted by the United Fiddlers, starts around 2:00 p.m. You can join in or just enjoy the show. Local talent will be showcased on the stage throughout the day.

Water is always available in the park since it will be hot. Please remember to apply sunscreen, especially on the younger ones. Local businesses always prove to be a welcome respite from the summer heat. The Nueces River is also an easily accessible and fun way to cool off and relax during our toasty summers.

We’re making plans for an even bigger better event next year for our 50th OSR. So make sure to save the dates and make plans for August 5 – 6, 2011, next summer.

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