Merriment and Memories
As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, I think back to how we have celebrated our country’s birthday in the past. It would begin with the long trip, (or what seemed like a long tri p to a 7-8 year old), to Breathitt County. On Saturday everyone would congregate at Riverside to celebrate “The 4th”. There would be old fashion games for all ages, such as nail driving contests, 3 legged races and watermelon eating contests. The annual men’s softball tournament would run all day. Many of the Watts family and friends would be involved in this part of celebration either playing or watching. One year in particular, my uncles and cousins won the tournament.
The next big event of the weekend was the Watts Reunion at Natural Bridge. We would awaken to the smell of chicken frying and the sounds of pots and pans clanging in preparation for the Reunion. We would venture down the road to Natural Bridge. Families from all over would visit and remanence of times past. There was plenty food to go around. Games of horse shoes were played, as well as wading in the creek, swimming and hiking. The annual trip to the gift shop was a must. Even though we didn’t make many purchases, I loved to smell the cedar from the different boxes on display. The day would end with packing up, saying goodbyes and traveling the different distances back home.
Times have changed. Loved ones have passed. Babies have been born and a new generation of the Watts Family still gathers at Natural Bridge the last Saturday in July. Families have come and gone but the love and fellowship of the Watts Family continues on.
-Connie Watts, Treasurer/Secretary, 2024-Present