JACKSONVILLE, Ohio — The Old Settlers Reunion Festival returns to Jacksonville for its 88th edition, starting with the parade at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.
In addition to the parade, the festival will feature a horseshoe tournament, pageant and a variety of other activities. Music will be headlined by award–winning Nashville recording artist Tim Atwood on Saturday night, and a Bon Jovi tribute band on Sunday.
Rebecca Koons-Petty, president of the Old Settlers Reunion committee, has high hopes for attendance.
“We might have a bigger [attendance] on Saturday night than we’ve had for a while, because [of] Tim Atwood,” Koons-Petty said.
In 1946, the festival began as a way for former village residents to return and reconnect with family on Labor Day. In the late 1970s or early 1980s, Koons-Petty said, the festival was moved to Sixth Street, where it began to change into the festival it is today.
“They decided to bring it down the street and have games, and rides and different entertainment,” Koons–Petty said. “We just had a lot of really good entertainment, and it just kept growing and growing.”
The festival includes a variety of vendors and food options.
Kiddie Day, held Saturday, Aug. 30, is “all day long for the kids,” Koons-Petty said, with assorted children’s events and free ice cream.
Although the festival has changed over the years, it still provides a time to reconnect with family in a celebratory setting.
“It brings people back home to Jacksonville to be with their families if they live out of town,” said Carletta Williams, vice president of the festival committee.
But it isn’t just for the families of Jacksonville. Anyone is welcome to attend this vibrant celebration.
“It’s a very friendly atmosphere,” Williams said. “We like to see new faces and let them know about our festival.”
Event Schedule
All entertainment is free. For more information, visit the Old Settlers Reunion Facebook page.
August 28
6 p.m.: Opening parade.
8:15–10 p.m.: “Old Settlers Got Talent” talent show, $10 entry fee per participant.
August 29
6:30–8:30 p.m.: Open mic.
8:30–11 p.m.: Jimmy Patterson, country rock.
August 30 – Kiddie Day
11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Dutch Pine Equine pony rides at the park.
12 and 1 p.m.: Queen City Stunt Circus.
12–3 p.m.: Foam bash.
12 – 3 p.m.– Face painting.
1–3 p.m.: DJ Rockin Reggie.
3–4 p.m.: Cute kids contest for children ages 1–4, with a Hollywood theme.
Additional events
1 p.m.: Horseshoe tournament. Begins with singles. $10 per person.
4–6 p.m.: Little Miss Talent Show.
4–8 p.m.: Tarot card reading.
6–7:30 p.m.: Ian Thomas Hayes and Probable Cause Band.
8:30–11 p.m.: Tim Atwood.
August 31
12–2 p.m.: Old Settlers reunion cruise–in car show. Registration on Fifth Street, $10 per car.
1 p.m.: Horseshoe tournament continues with random partners, $10 per person.
2 p.m.: Cruise–in awards.
3–11 p.m.: Helicopter rides (weather permitting). Cost not yet established.
5:30 p.m.: Little Miss coronation.
6:15 p.m.: Jr. Miss coronation.
7 p.m.: Miss Old Settlers coronation.
8:30–11 p.m.: The Bon Jovi Tribute Band.
September 1
9:30–10 a.m.: Parade line–up.
11 a.m.: 88th Jacksonville Old Settlers Reunion grand parade.
1 p.m. Queens luncheon, the last luncheon of the former festival queens.
1 p.m.: Horseshoe tournament concludes. Bring your own partner. $20 per person.
