Tips for Your Next Family Reunion

Post a daily schedule. That way, family members know when to show up for vairous activities, like choir rehearsal.

Help folks identify each other. Prepare name tags, and have some handly latecomers, too. Don't be sa slave to the clock. It helps if you stick fairly closely to the itinerary. But, if everyone's enjoying the family olympics, don't feel compelled to end the friendly competition just to begin your next event promptly at 5.

Help defray costs. Have a fund-raising committee hold a dinner-dance and a raffle, conduct garage sales, and bake and sell green corn tamles to keep expenses down. The collection will pay for T-shirts and go toward airfare and lodging costs.

Gather lodging information. Give your relatives options, in several price ranges, of good places to stay. Along with the reunion registration, assign someone to send a form so relatives can request a hotel room or camping spot.

Check local ordinances for noise or park hours. Notify nearby neighbors or the impending reunion, which means extra vehicles and noise. Not everyone has the room to hold a reunion at home. If you have gatherings at a park, find out about closing time.

Embrace local traditions. Different parts of the country have their own customs. Incorporating some of those features into your normal activities can lend new excitement to your reunion.

Plan sight-seeing excursions. Many family members had not visited the area before, so car-pooled trips are especially fun. Find out in advance about who might want to go on tour, and to what sights. Get information from local visitors and convention bureaus.

Give inexpensive gifts. Hand out earrings made from replica chile peppers, visors, bags of saltwater taffy, bookmarks, a magnetic note holder, and other low cost items.

Gather lasting mementos. A family group portrait is essential. Also try to get youngsters to write down their feelings about the reunion.

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