Members of the McAdams family used their own version of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to keep them safe from the coronavirus during the 21st annual McAdams Family Reunion held in Tightwad, Missouri, July 8-12, 2020. (Megan McAdams’ photo)

Steve McAdams was dubbed the new McAdams Patriarch at the 21st annual McAdams Family Reunion. (Molly McAdams’ photo)

Fifty-eight members of the McAdams family gathered in Tightwad, Missouri, July 8-12, 2020, for the 21st annual reunion. Due to COVID-19, activities were limited, but several members participated in their own versions of coronavirus-free festivities.

Family members began gathering at Hickory Hollow Resort on Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and 9. The weather was gorgeous and several members enjoyed cooling off in the pool. Friday night’s fun, July 10, included a display of the McAdams Family Personal Protection Equipment (inflatable costumes and mask – two unicorns, a sumo wrestler, a T-Rex, two Minions, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man) and those decked out in their special COVID-19-free gear performed the MaCorona (Macarena). The dance party continued into the night, hot dogs and s’mores were roasted over the campfire, and toasts were made to honor McAdams family members who have passed away and to celebrate birthdays of some others.

Saturday, July 11, dawned a bit humid, but that didn’t stop everyone from enjoying a day together. There was antiquing and swimming to be done, and later that night, the annual dinner and gathering was held. Cindy (McAdams) Dean and Steve Riska and family made a delicious meal of smoked meats and sides, and along with personal protection equipment, and face masks made by Betty (Steve) McAdams, the food was safely handed out. Following the dinner, Steve McAdams was dubbed the new McAdams Patriarch by the daughter, grandsons, and great-granddaughter of the late Alan McAdams. After the passing of a sibling, a new leader is crowned. Steve McAdams and Mary McAdams are the last two surviving children out of seven of the late Chub and Margaret (McGlone) McAdams of Tarkio, Missouri. The family also celebrated the adoption of Jeanie Noelle Cochran, the daughter of Patrick and Ashley Cochran, who is the most recent addition to the McAdams clan. Family pictures were taken and the children painted face masks supplied by Maggie (McAdams) Crawford. Later that night, a few members once again donned their PPE (T-Rex, sumo wrestler, and unicorn costumes) to induct honorary members of the McAdams clan (other Hickory Hollow campers). Those campers had been testing out the newly created trail with their golf carts and the T-Rex, sumo wrestler, and unicorn met them at the end of the trail for a hilarious surprise.

Unfortunately, all fun must come to an end and the family said goodbye Sunday morning, July 12. The 22nd annual reunion will take place July 7-11, 2021. Hopefully, COVID-19 will be a thing of the past and hugs will be handed out freely and activities can resume.