Flanigan's North American Adventure: Lavich Family Reunion

I have to say, it was a complete coincidence that we happened to make it to 2 different family reunions in 2 consecutive weekends but that is exactly what has happened and we are very glad that it worked out that way. For the Bertoia's, it was their first ever reunion but for the Lavich's - they have been doing this every 4 years since 1984 (every Olympic year) and believe me when I tell you this family could probably run an Olympics if this weekend was anything to go by. Talk about organised - they had everything from Under 30/Over 30 Survivor (complete with colored buffs for each family), a Horse Shoe tournament, 50/50 draw, Polish Auction and the world's largest Chase the Ace tournament among the activities. The venue was the Carberry Showgrounds (which is 30 minutes South of Brookdale) which is about as perfect a venue as you could ask for - it has everything from Bathroom facilities, to Grandstands, to a 200 seat Kitchen, to a 50m x 80m shed for the Dance amongst other purposes.

The reunion officially started on Friday evening but the set up started well before that. When John and I arrived with our first load on Thursday morning, there was already about 10 campers in position and people everywhere. By the time we made our 4th trip, the place was buzzing with activity. Machinery was moving bleachers to different parts of the grounds so that no matter what the event, there was a grandstand to sit in to watch. There was Horseshoe pits being built, fire pits being made as well as a truck load of fire dropped in place and insulated tarps covered the roof and walls of the big shed to keep the music from annoying the neighbours (who would have been a couple of miles away). Sign-up sheets went up for anyone wanting to enter any of the events - as places were limited and all events had the entrants drawn out of a bucket.

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Carolyn, Don, Ed, Heather, John & cousin Mark

The contestants prepare for Survivor

The crowd took position.........

Kristin & Tyson in the Cookie competition

Kristin working it down

.... and a point for her team - this actually proved quite difficult for nearly everyone

Talk about hard work........ all fitness is out the window

time to eat some 'treats'

....... and try a bit more running

...... put on some sexy outfits - and then run again

Looking good, Ed

.... and John in the Whoopie cushion outfit and lovely scarf

There was 187 family members in attendance and were all there for the same reason - having some fun. And they all knew how to do that. The parties pretty much went to sun up each day and there were some sorry looking heads each morning - but what we have found with Canada, that doesn't slow them down long. Just grab a coffee, put some Kahlua or Bailey's in it and off you go again. This was usually followed by a beer with tomato juice and giddy up, away you go again.