DRAKESVILLE — A Davis County tradition returns when the Old Soldiers & Settlers Reunion gets under way Thursday at the Drakesville city park.

“This is the 162nd year,” said Committee Secretary Carol Downing. “The celebration is for the oldest living solider and the oldest living settler in the county.”

The oldest soldier and settler awards are determined by who has lived in the county for the longest time.

On Friday, organizers will honor the oldest living soldier in Davis County and on Saturday, a presentation will be for the oldest settler in the county.

“This is a countywide event,” Downing said. “Anyone can come and it is for all ages ...

“The reunion is for anyone who wants to come. It’s a time when people come back and just enjoy being with one another.”

There will be food stands and entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as events for the whole family to enjoy. There will also be a carnival for the kids.

“It’s a gathering for old and new residents alike,” Downing said.

One of the new events during this weekend’s event is an antique tractor show. The owners will not only show their tractors, but they will take a ride out to Lake Wapello where there will be a ceremony, followed by ride back to the park.

The reunion kicks off with the queen contest Thursday night (open to ages 7-10) and a family variety show, where different people will perform in the arena.

“It’s just a time where people can sit around and talk, relax and just catch up with each other,” Downing said.

There will bands on two nights — the Double Barrel band on Friday night and The Lonesome Fugitives on Saturday. Dancing will also follow Friday night’s band, around 9:45 p.m., on the outside dance floor.

There will also be several kid and adult games both Friday and Saturday, including the frog jumping contest, the canoe carnival (and racing), the pedal tractor pull and more.

“A lot of times we have more adults than kids,” Downing said. “We will also have our annual mule show, which is extremely popular with people.”

There will also be a parade Friday.