Buzzy Bash

Every two years a phenomenon takes place in Indiana known as the Buzzy Bash. Folks come from near and far (CO, MI, GA, VA, WI, IL, and now the great state of WV) to take part in this event. It is a very exclusive party, outsiders not welcome. Invitations only by blood or marriage, so we're a pretty darn committed group.

You may have guessed by now that I'm talking about my upcoming family reunion.

This just isn't any family reunion, this is a BYOT. We gather at the family farm for 3-4 nights and camp out in tents. We have lots of great food & lots of great games, scavenger hunts, videos (up graded from our out-dated slide show. What's a slide, you ask), skits, and many stories. There are other traditions such as jarts, showering at the drain pipe by the creek (although we've up graded from that to an outdoor shower, complete with tarp sides and many garden hoses. We've also up graded from an outhouse to port-a-poties), walks to the bridge, walks to the cemetery late at night, and walking to church on Sunday morning.

Essentials to bring: tent, bug spray, lawn chair, and basketball shoes.

We Bashers play a mean basketball game. We have impartial (?) referees and enough players for 3-5 teams of 5. We all caravan to the local gym, and those who choose not to play (for reasons unknown) come & cheer us on. (The gym is also an upgrade since our clan has out grown the old backyard slab court, which has been home to many a game in previous decades). Trash talking abounds from my ever aging cousins who think they still have game. Trips to the local emergency room are not unexpected. As the only nurse in the family, I'm expected not only to play, but to administer first aid as needed. (aka make sure they are all well-hydrated so they don't pass out when I drive by them).

In so many words, it is a fun experience & I wouldn't trade it for the world. Here's to a Buzzy Bash with no car trouble, no geese tied to tents, and no injuries.

Happy Bashing!