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The 2026 Watts Family Reunion has already come and gone. We are grateful to those who made the journey to Natural Bridge State Park. To those unable to attend, you are in our prayers and we hope to see you next year. It seems like this one day is better than any holiday as there is a guarantee of much family being present. Many of us who gathered this year remember the reunions of years ago when “it used to be there wasn’t any standing room there was so much family here.” Even though fewer than a hundred arrived, we represented the legacy of love that George and Emaline taught to their children and their children’s children.

In addition to a wonderful potluck, we had many an items in the auction, and two scholarships awarded- to George and Emaline’s descendants, ta-boot! Perhaps one of the most memorable moments from this year’s reunion was the continued tradition of singing the full hymn of Amazing Grace. Those in attendance had the privilege to hear our family member, Fred Watts lead us. While the traditional line singing was omitted this year, our voices coming together shared the truth of our family heritage. Singing as one, for a moment the mountains seemed to travel back in time to our roots and the hustle and bustle of our lives back home quieted while we acknowledged it is by the grace of our Creator that the Watts family continues on throughout the generations.

Our time here on earth is precious and it is an honor at every chance we get to share it with family.

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

Our time to reunite as the descendants of George and Emaline Watts is quickly approaching. Faster yet is the deadline to submit applications for the David Watts Memorial scholarship. Applications must be post marked by tomorrow, June 30, 2025. Please take time to complete the form and apply if pursuing a higher education or attending a technical college. Complete information and requirements can be found here on the scholarship page of our website.