Before the reunion a newsletter should be sent out to each member or to the heads of the family to notify their own children and married grandchildren of the event. The newsletter can include a schedule of events as well as a list of items that they should bring. Attach a map of the area if necessary.
Managing The Large Group Feeding Frenzy
If your extended family reunion is even half the size of our immediate family - you will have a very large number of people to feed. Meals can be provide in several different ways. Everyone can fend for themselves or perhaps they can bring their own drinks and a side dish to share with others while the family organization provides the main course.
If your family reunion is at a campsite, packing and preserving enough food for the trip can be a hassle as well as expensive. Some camping reunion families choose to assign a different meal to each family. This is a fun option that will get each campsite visited, a different one for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. I would suggest assigning the smaller families the least expensive meals or perhaps two families can double up on hosting a meal.
The USDA has a handbook called Planning Food For Institutions that can give you ideas on how much food is required for large groups. Many good cookbooks will also offer a guide for large quantities. Choose menu's that require little preparation time or that can be prepared ahead of time and simply warmed before serving.
Down to Family Business
If you do not already have a delegated family president you will want to elect one as well as a secretary/treasurer for publishing newsletters and handling family funds. A historian can also be appointed to update the family on genealogy and family history.
Plan to have a meeting at a scheduled time during the reunion to discuss family business matters. Discussions could be about arranging care for an elderly family member or how to set up a family trust.
