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Family Celebrates 40 Years

Benson, Vermont - August 24, 2009

Families can be fun and they can be challenging at times. But for one Vermont family, staying close is a tradition, 40 years and counting.

"Very big lots of fun," said Howard Chase, organizer of the reunion.

This may look like any busy campground on a summer day.

"We just had the redneck horseshoes!" said a family member.

But look closer and you may start to notice a family resemblance.

"Is it strange to look around and realize all these people are related somehow?" asked reporter Kristin Carlson.

"Yes, it's crazy to think how everyone is connected," said Tiffany Caron of Bristol, Connecticut.

This is the Chase reunion. Every summer relatives gather in Vermont from all across the country, for four days of fun,  food and of course family.

"Big family close family, lots of camaraderie," said Howard.

A get together that is marking its 40th anniversary. It started after Howard Chase's mom passed away.

"Some of the family decided to have a reunion that fall and it was held in Montgomery center Vermont and about 100 people showed up. They had so much fun they decided to have one every year." We have 51 registered and we're hoping for 150 to 175 maybe 200 that would be awesome," said Howard.

Curely Chase has attended every reunion, 40 years and counting. "I look forward to it practically all year, keep thinking about it," he said.

And while vacationing with your family may not seem like a vacation for everyone, for the Chase's family are your friends. Curley can't remember there ever being any friction.

"Yeah and everybody is so together and friendly even though they don't see each other but once a year," he recalled.

"It's cool because there are always new people coming," said 9-year-old Ben Beaudoin.

But all those people mean connections can be complicated to keep track of.

"He is our second cousin I think, no first, second or third," said 12-year-old Alec Beaudoin tried to figure out.

"Because his Grandpa is my moms brother. No Uncle," corrected Ben.

A deep bond, even if the family tree gets a little mixed up.

"People are always talking about having a small family - and like oh - I have a huge family and it's cool," said Alec.

"I think everyone would stick up for anyone here, and it's a real tight knit group of people," said Caron.

A tradition of staying close, getting passed down generation to generation.

"Do you ever think this will be the last year, it's just too much work?" Kristin asked Howard.

He replied, "No no. It will go on forever."

Reunion organizers don't get much time to rest. Because it takes so much to put together, planning for the next one start just weeks after the reunion ends.

Kristin Carlson - WCAX News