Story by Sara Howell, Features editor

Howell family reunions in Cadiz, Kentucky were a big thing back in the day. When the month of September rolled around, my family spent three days together catching up and eating good food. The first day of the reunion began at my Aunt Clara’s house.

Getting there and reuniting with out-of-town family members was probably the best part. The kids would spend the day laughing (and occasionally bickering) until it was time to eat. No matter which house we were at, the food was delicious. By the time it got dark, we were ready for flashlight tag.

My cousins Logan and Lucas always brought glow sticks and we’d use them and flashlights to play. Our aunt’s huge German Shepherd, Jack, would scare us sometimes because we would forget he was in his cage and would think it was a monster. Whether we were still scared or not, we continued the next day at my Uncle Ricky’s house.

Just like the night before, the food and the memories made were the best. I actually learned how to shoot a basketball at one of the reunions at his house. As the night went on, my uncle and other relatives would play bluegrass music as everyone else sat around and happily listened. Uncle Ricky would play the same bass that my grandpa used to play.

Reunions would always come to a close at my Granny’s house. This night was treasured the most because we knew the fun times were coming to an end. No matter what though, we continued to laugh and flashlight tag the night away. These reunions were a highlight to growing up and I am happy so many good memories came from them.