DRAKESVILLE — Davis County residents celebrated a 163-year-old tradition this weekend at the Old Soldiers and Settlers Reunion in Drakesville.

The celebration, which took place in the Drakesville city park, honored the soldier and settler who have lived in the county the longest. Each was given a chair donated by local businesses.

Dean Dixon, of Bloomfield, was named the Old Soldier. He has lived in Davis County for about 85 years. Lucile McConnell, of Bloomfield, was named the Old Settler. She has lived in Davis County for 87 years.

There were also other events Thursday through Saturday like a tractor pull, variety show, queen contest, parade, mule show and kids and adult games. The event was funded through sales of membership tickets and help from local businesses.

“It’s a very good summer activity,” said Joyce Spurgeon, who lives just outside of Drakesville. “It’s the last hurrah before the kids go back to school.”

Spurgeon said she’s been going to the reunion since she can remember, more than 50 years.

“There are probably some families with five generations here,” she said. “People’s kids come back for the reunion. It’s an opportunity to see friends, catch up on what they’re doing and see their kids.”

One of the big draws to the celebration is the frog jump, Spurgeon said. Participants bring a frog, and the frog jumps three times. Prizes are given for different things like longest jump and smallest frog.

“Everybody just has a good time,” she said.

Mary Stocker, of Drakesville, remembers the reunion as a child and how exciting it was when the carnival came to town.

Stocker and her friends Cathy and Kay would ride the Tilt-A-Whirl every year and it became a tradition until the carnival stopped coming to the reunion.

“After we were married with kids, we still rode the Tilt-A-Whirl,” Stocker said.

“I’ve been here every year of my life, and I’m 63,” Stocker said. “It’s home, it’s a celebration; you see people you haven’t seen in a year.”

Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or by e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.