Nell Phillips hosted the 29th annual family picnic on July 29, 30, and 31 at the Phillips Ranch in south Skelley. There were more than a dozen participants on Friday which swelled to 46 for Saturday’s gathering, and 75 enjoyed the Sunday reunion. Lively entertainment was provided by young family fiddler Molly Goosens.

The impromptu family chorus enthusiastically performed the “Official Picnic Song” on Sunday, after a public rehearsal on Saturday night. The song was written by Alice Matthews, who graciously autographed copies of her song on Sunday.

Other Saturday evening merriment included the traditional barbecue and potluck, followed by loud and lively visiting and the family’s traditional games. The pinochle players behaved in an uncommonly reserved manner. Other gamesters gleefully attacked opposing teams in their usual cheerfully aggressive games of “Aggravation” according to “Yuma Rules”. Several “Aggravators” vied enthusiastically to take the prized position as Nell’s partner on the White Team, the team historically most likely to win most of the games.

Sunday activities included a potluck lunch even more lavish than Saturday evening’s. The feast was announced by the traditional sounding of the BIG bell in Nell’s front yard, rung this year by Brooke Chapman. Supplied with two huge tables of food, including the traditional flats of fresh blueberries, cans of black olives, and everyone’s favorite desserts, the conversation encountered a brief lull and then rebounded in full force.

Some guests took advantage of the “HershNell Natural Forest” to hike or meander, while others enjoyed not catching fish in Billy Creek.

Prizes in the Saturday and Sunday raffles included tins of playing cards, mugs, and key chains; all adorned with pictures of Nell at various ages.

Other intriguing picnic gifts were pairs of small rocks cleverly painted to resemble slippers or shoes of various kinds. These unique treasures were painted by Fannie Dell Cook.

Each attendee was photographed by the unofficial family picnic photographer, Nell’s son-in-law David Baldwin. The pictures are displayed on the following pages. Burgundy (Billie) Nadine  sneaked in a few video shots of the family as they celebrated despite the 90+ temperatures.