As the long anticipated summer came to an end on August 16, stress and anxiety filled our lives as school came around. While some spent their summer break overseas in tropical, beachy places, I stayed local here in our not-so-little hometown, Decatur. When people think ‘Decatur’, they think there’s nothing to do, so they tend to venture elsewhere. As a person who spent most of the summer in town, I can confirm that there’s a variety of enjoyable events going on around here during the summer break. 

In June, the toughest sport on dirt comes to town for the annual JW Hart PBR event that takes place at the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse Arena. This year, the roster included PBR legends Kaique Pacheco, Valdiron de Oliveira, Reese Cates and Fabiano Vieira. This is an event that raises money for charity while putting on a show for the community. It is a place where most residents of Decatur can be found. 

As most people in Wise County know, the annual Old Settlers’ Reunion takes place the last week of July. For those who don’t know, this is basically an outdoor event that includes rides, games, food and live music. Friends invite friends, families invite extended families, and everyone takes part in a series of evenings filled with laughter and fun. The whole town comes alive with the lights and sounds that are so recognizable to our community.

Although PBR or reunion might not intrigue everyone in town, these events are certainly places to make memories that most certainly last a lifetime.