The Fyock Family Reunion

(August 2, 2008) The Fyock Family held their 37th annual family reunion Saturday in Elton. It has been an annual event, held the first Saturday of August every year (except 1977), since 1971. The reunion started the year after Grandma Elizabeth Fyock (Mom's mom) passed.
With mom being one of thirteen children, the reunion is a nice way to get to see all the aunts, uncles, cousins and their spouses/significant others every year. Being a father now has given me a new perspective on family, and I really look forward to seeing everybody. I got to see my cousin Jean for the first time in over 30 years. It's amazing how much she looks like her mom, my Aunt Helen. It's great seeing those you haven't seen in a long while. Our time on earth is short, and as Mom's brothers and sisters advance in age, I cherish the day or two I get to spend with them, as tomorrow is never promised!
A tradition of the Fyock family is to play horse shoes. The first couple of years of the reunion, the horse shoe pit was an exclusive club to play in. You didn't play unless you knew how to throw. As a child, I remember watching with my cousins legendary shoe throwers such as my Uncle Frank, Uncle Archie, Uncle Whitey, Uncle Bruce, Uncle Arnold, Uncle Al, and my dad. (I apologize for names I may have forgotten). I always looked forward to the day I could throw shoes with "the men". (Lofty goals, right? :o>) Over the course of the last 10 years or so, David and Michael Hillegas have put together a horseshoe tournament that everyone over 15 can participate in. All names are strictly at random, so there's no telling what kind of teams will be paired up. One thing that has been consistent, that there is usually a Hillegas in the finals, and a champion nearly as much. This year was no different, as the finals saw Mike Hillegas paired with Uncle Arnold against the pair of David Hillegas and Uncle Howard. Mike and Arnold would take the trophy this year. Legends have emerged amongst the cousins; people like "Little" Bruce, Wendy, Mike and David. They always make a good run, regardless of with whom they are partnered. I have yet to achieve this status, considering my poor showing this year, but at least I'm living my dream of playing! :o)
Another tradition was started this year at the family reunion: karaoke. After the success of the karaoke at Uncle Bruce's 75 1/2 birthday party, it was decided to have him come to the reunion. We got to hear what the lucky few got to hear at Uncle Bruce's party, and that was the sultry sounds of Aunt Chris voice singing a few songs. Several people would try their hand at singing, and the cousins would join in and sing our tribute to Little Bruce by singing "Don't Bring Me Down" by ELO. A tradition within a new tradtion was started when a "competition" amongst the males and females was started by singing "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" to close out the evening. It was never determined officially who won, but my non-biased opinion thinks that guys won outright! ;o)
A few of the cousins along with Aunt Regina would continue the recent tradition of the "Fyock Reunion After Party" at Little Anthony's in Moxham. There would be more karaoke and consumption of alcohol, along with lots more conversation.

CLICK HERE to view pictures from the family reunion (I'm still working on the captions)


CLICK HERE to view pictures from the after party at Little Anthony's