By Larry Tucker
As the heat of a long hot summer fades away and cooler winds and temperatures prevail, Wood County, Texas is at the forefront of a host of special events and festivals. The month of October is filled with Wood County events, stretching from Minola and Golden to Winnsboro and Hawkins.
In its 66th year, one of those Wood County events is the month-long Autumn Trails, taking place in Winnsboro, where thousands will attend various activities during October.
Autumn Trails features a long list of activities for the entire family. Just a few examples are a Model A tour, a trail ride, cornhole tournament, arts and crafts, a trade day, youth rodeo, and even a hockey demonstration and tournament.
History Recalls Early Settlement
To understand the Autumn Trails of today, one must step back into the history of the beginnings of Winnsboro and northern Wood County.
The first settlers were Winn and W.R. McMillian, who purchased 351 acres in 1855 where they established a post office and mercantile business named Cheap Cash Store. The surrounding community was named Winnsboro honoring Winn.
The railroad arrived in 1876 and sparked a period of growth and prosperity to the hub called Winnsboro. The area became a shipping center for the entire Northeast Texas region.
In 1904, the Texas State Railroad was built in Winnsboro and led to an influx of new settlers to the area. By 1914, the community had four banks, two potteries, and was served by a pair of weekly newspapers, the Wide Awake and Wortham Messenger. At that time, the population had grown to 2,300 residents.
The Depression and falling gas and oil prices in the 1930s forced many local businesses to close. After World War II, the area began to build back slowly.
Autumn Trails Begins in 1958
In 1958, area community leaders became a part of the comeback for Winnsboro to make it a tourist attraction. Local leaders felt like a big draw to northern Wood County and Winnsboro was the fall colors and foliage.
The former editor of the Winnsboro News, Harold Rosser, and his wife Kathy, had been on a trip outside of the state to see the fall colors. They felt the Winnsboro area was just as spectacular as anywhere they had visited. Thus, the idea was born to “show off” their hometown and surrounding areas.
Local residents are proud of the growth and continued success of Autumn Trails and what it means to the community. Kristi Amason is the office manager for the Winnsboro Area Chamber of Commerce. “Local residents know it is a local festival we share with others. I think the fact that people come in from all over to attend is a huge economic boost for the city and Wood County,” Amason noted. “Visitors are here, they go downtown to the stores and eat at local dining places. The antique car show is one the biggest draws during Autumn Trails.”
Trail Ride
Amason has fond memories of the trail ride during Autumn Trails. “I grew up in Perryville, Texas, and when I was a little girl, I can remember the trail ride coming through our community. We were always excited when it came our way. The history of Autumn Trails is important to Winnsboro as it continues to grow.”
The third weekend of Autumn Trails is highlighted by the annual trail ride. Although the numbers are not what they were 20 to 30 years ago, the trial ride is still an important part of the event. Before modern technology, the trail ride would draw several thousand to make the trip through the backroads of Wood County.
The big welcome parade is held on the Friday before the Saturday ride. Horse-drawn wagons and horses of all breeds and sizes make up the participants in the ride.
Many people arrive early and spend the weekend camping out and visiting with old friends while making new friends. Church services before the ride are at 7:30 a.m. at the Winnsboro Rodeo Arena.
Final Activities
The final weekend of AutumnTrails is full of activities. The day begins with a huge trade day and swap meet held at City Park. Then an antique car parade is held on the final Saturday at 10:00 a.m., with a classic car show following. There is also a cake and pie baking contest on the final Saturday.
A local big draw is the all-school reunion, which is held in the rock gym at 11:00 a.m. on the final Saturday. This reunion is for all classes of Winnsboro High School through the years.
For all who can stand the heat, this year, the 2nd annual Lone Star Pepper Palooza will be at the Jack Cross Pavilion on the final Saturday, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This event is for those brave enough to try the hottest peppers they could possibly keep down! The winner of the contest will be crowned around 2:00 p.m. It is held at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA) Pavilion.
Also on the final Saturday, the beard and mustache contest will be at 1:00 p.m. at Best Barber Shop. Prizes will be for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in four categories. Those categories are beard, mustache, goatee, and freestyle.
Pet Show
An animal shelter pet show is also on tap for the WCA Pavilion at noon. This one is fun for children and adults alike. The contest will include categories for best dressed, best-dressed pet and owner, best talent, best butt wiggle, and most unique pet.
There is a $10 entry fee, and cash prizes are awarded to the winners. Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter is the sponsor of the event.