2026 Pineywoods Living History and New Year’s Ball
January 10, 2026
Salmon Lake Park, Grapeland, Texas
Hosted by Old Ways Made New & Crew
Living History
Get a taste of what it was like back then!
- Purchase Day Pass from Salmon Lake Park the day of the event
- Gates open at 10 a.m.
- Event ends at 4 p.m.
- Pre 1865 Demonstrations throughout the day
- Dance Practice
- Weapons Demonstration
- Camp Cooking
- Soldier’s Encampment
- Family Life
- Who Wore What
- More to be announced
- Shop with vendors and purchase unique items
- Need overnight accommodations? Contact Salmon Lake Park
New Year’s Ball
Learn the social dances as you go!
- Separate event from living history
- Everyone must purchase ball ticket in advance
- Period dress or formal attire required for admittance
- Light finger foods and refreshments
- Doors open at 6:30 pm; dancing begins at 7 pm and ends at 10 pm
- Practice run through before each dance set
- Join us for dance practice at the living history event for extra help
- Need overnight accommodations? Contact Salmon Lake Park
- Limited ticket availability! Register ASAP!
ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED
Help Grow the Event
Why Pineywoods Living History?
Organizing these events each year has truly become a passion of mine.
Gatherings like this are becoming few and far between.
So, as long as I’m able, I’ll do my best to keep bringing events like this to life for you.
The name Pineywoods holds special meaning to me, as I was raised in the Pineywoods region, primarily in East Texas.
The first event I coordinated was in January 2013 in Palestine, Texas.
Thankfully, friends came on board to help make the events possible.
We started with a New Year’s Ball and then in 2020, we moved to Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland, Texas.
At that point, we expanded to include living history and accommodations for out-of-town guests on site.
It’s such a joy to give back to our community while sharing our love for history and the charm of old-fashioned socializing.
I’m deeply grateful for all the volunteers who make this event possible,
as well as our incredible community of demonstrators. Their dedication and talent are unmatched!
Be sure to Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive email updates about the event.
If you have any questions, you can leave us a comment below.
See you in January!
Deborah
Get Updates
Have a question or comment? Scroll to the comments below!
Pineywoods Photo Album
We are members of a vintage dance group. Please tell me what dances are done at your ball.
Thank you.
Hi Ashley! I answered this question in the message you sent me. I hope your group is able to make in next year! We would love to have you.
I would like some information on the dress maker who was at this event. I was told she had a Facebook page, and thought maybe I could order something I saw in the “shop.”
Hi Amanda! You are looking for Cynthis Sews. You can also find her under LeAnn Morlan.
Okay, looks like I will be there. Wednesday the 5th, if allowed.
That’s wonderful! I will reach out to you about where to set up in the living history camp.
Interested
Hi Martha! Awesome! Looks like you’re on the email list for updates since you subscribed. I will email you to see if you have any questions.
I’m so looking forward to it!!!
Me too! So glad you will be there with all of your goodies!
Really want more info on the living history day. I have a group of girls that would love to attend
Hi Martha! We will be updating this page soon. We are working through a few things first to make sure we will be providing accurate information. Looks like we will have a schedule of events to include some dancing during the day as well as different demonstrations as usual. We also plan to have food available for sale this year and will be having a dance in the evening for the demonstrators as well as those guests that would attend in period dress. This will all take place on January 8, 2022. Looks like you have subscribed to updates on Living History events. So, as soon as we have more information available you will receive an email.
We are so glad you are providing this opportunity!! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! I pray it’s a blessing to everyone involved.
Can’t wait! Tom is preparing for Sunday mornings lesson. I’m so proud of him
Ann, so y’all are coming? That’s great! See you then.
Glad y’all are coming!
Me either!