All about the 'Handy Jam'

UPDATE 7/19/2014: Changed the name of the family patriarch - and the corresponding event nickname - back, as well as revised some numbers. - D.H.

The Barefoot-Johnston County Family Reunion, informally known as the "Handy Jam," is a highlight of local life that takes place annually.


The event celebrates six generations descended from John Hannah "Handy" Barefoot, Jr.  Born about 20 years before the Civil War, he married Beulah Mae Cobb, for whom Buddy Wayne Barefoot wrote the hit song "The Ballad of Beulah Mae" (and who I wrote about here, although as often occurs with the strange way my mind works I gave her a different name at the time).  He was one of eight children of John Hannah, Sr. and Ophelia Stewart. 

The younger John and Beulah had three children of their own. This was a small number for the time they lived in, but Beulah ran an orphanage and was away from the family for considerable periods of time, and Handy chose not to divorce her.

In addition to the kids, Handy had eight grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren (including Popeye), 92 great-great-grandchildren (including Ralph, Harvey and Hambone), 98 great-great-great-grandchildren (with Bobby Ray, Buddy Wayne, Brandy, and Bunky among them), and six great-great-great-great-grandchildren (including Belinda).  All of them, their wives, and even their friends are invited to attend the one-day reunion.  The potential total of attendees is 240, but due to some of them being judged to Hell and for other reasons, the actual number varies between 175 and 200.

The Pink Party is a one-day event that takes place on the Saturday closest to the Independence Day holiday, sometime between July 1 and July 7.  It takes place at the site of the former Pink Barefoot cemetery, at 792 Eldridge Road in Benson, NC. (Miles Vinson "Pink" Barefoot was one of Handy's brothers.)  It's the brainchild of Popeye, who is known for his organization skill and eye toward celebrating history.

It all begins at 8:30 a.m. when the out-of-town guests begin to come in.  The first event is Reverend Ralph's Fishing Derby that takes place at mid-morning in the family pond.  This may not be the Bassmaster Classic, but it is highly competitive among the clan nonetheless.   The morning also sees the opening of a carnival midway with rides, games, and open house for all the kids in Bryson's treehouse.

However, starting at 11:45 a.m., people start moving to the huge picnic shelter set up between the pond and loblolly pines to eat lunch, the first of two meals of the day.  The menu is classic summer picnic food:

• Hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Garlic French fries
• Soda bar (all are made with Oliver's Creek water and are served in a device similar to Sodastream)
• Fruit cup, including watermelon

The bandstand just in front of the shelter then plays host to a talent show at mid-afternoon.  A typical program includes these acts, with entertainment both traditional and modern:

• Hollerin' (hog calls) - Oysbert Barefoot
• Southern gospel - Barefoot Boys (Alonzo Barefoot, Ralph Barefoot, Harvey Barefoot, Landon Barefoot Jr.)
• Southern rock - The Hunting Club (Boo-Boo Barefoot, Cooter Barefoot, Donnie Barefoot, Ronnie Barefoot)
• Traditional country - Kimberly Strickland
• Ballroom dance - Brandy Barefoot with Hylton Tripp
• Comedy - Dwight Herring
• Bluegrass fiddle - Shelton Barefoot, Jr.
• Lip rock (imitating pop music songs) - Beth Barefoot, Becky Barefoot, Brookie Barefoot
• "Hambone" (music with body) - Reba Pearl Barefoot
• One-man band - Bunky Barefoot
• Country guitar - Buddy Wayne Barefoot

Right after the show, there's a wild scramble to get changed into formal clothes for the next part of the program - the formal dinner and family tribute.  First, all the attendees arrive in order of their generations,

starting with the elder Handy and Beulah Mae Cobb, who of course are seated at the head table.  Next comes an invocation and "Dixie" (the Confederate "national anthem") just before this meal is served:
Appetizer choices

• Brunswick stew
• Briar patch salad with Italian-style dressing

Main course choices

• Meat: Barbeque baby-back ribs or classic fried chicken
• Side 1: Baked Irish potato, baked sweet potato, or briar patch rice
• Side 2: Briar patch corn
• Bread: Barley biscuits or hush puppies

Dessert
Red-velvet cake or peanut butter pie topped with "Brenda's Best" cake batter ice cream
Beverage
Sweet tea brewed with Oliver's Creek water

Then, it's on to a large room resembling a barn for an traditional country dance that often goes well into the night.  Both square and line dancing are being offered.  Married couples dance together, while young people are paired up to join them.  Instead of a disc jockey, the music is performed live by the Spears Family Band.  At the end of the night, B.W. and Brittany Raylene typically come together to perform their duet hit "When the Bough Breaks."

It's time to head home, and not a moment too soon - everyone is expected to return home in time for Sunday church services in their area!