Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs cover some of the questions we have been asked through e-mail and Facebook.

   What is the Blanchette Family Reunion 2014?

The Blanchette Family Reunion 2014 is an opportunity to connect with family members and share good food, fun times, and fond memories.

2.       When is the reunion?  And where?

The reunion is August 9 and 10, 2014, and will be held at the Eagle Lake Elementary School in Eagle Lake, ME.

3.       How do I register for the reunion?

You can register online at blanchette.cma2014.com.  Please do not put a “www” or “http” in front of the web address- that is the actual web address.

Once on the website, select REGISTRATION.  You can fill out the form directly on the website.  In order to submit the form, you must click “Check Calculation” at the bottom.  After you click this, a SEND button will appear.

You may also print out a copy of the registration and mail it in along with the check.

Please include your e-mail address on your check so that we can confirm that we received it.

4.       My mother/sister/cousin/great-aunt’s brother’s cousin doesn’t have internet access.  What can we do?

If you know of relatives who do not have internet access or are not comfortable using the internet, please help them out by printing a copy of the registration for them.

You can also call us directly at 908-472-8657 to request that a copy be mailed to you.  If you reach voicemail, please leave your name, number, and mailing address.  You may also e-mail us at blanchettefamilyreunion@gmail.com.

5.       Are you providing overnight accommodations?  Where can we stay?

No, we are not providing overnight accommodations.  Every reunion attendee is responsible for finding their own overnight accommodations.

We have two blog posts addressing this- “Logistics” and “Lodging Part Deux.”  Please refer to these posts to find ideas for accommodations.  You may also wish to look for a camp/cabin rental through a rental website such as www.vrbo.com.

We do recommend booking accommodations soon, as the hotels and motels in the region are filling up.

Please note that there will be no overnight accommodations available at the Blanchette camp in Winterville.

6.       What will the meals be like?  Is it potluck- can I bring something?  Will there be a cash bar or open bar?

Our meals (Saturday supper and Sunday lunch) are being provided by a caterer.  This is not a potluck event.

You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages- coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and water will be served with meals.

Because our reunion is taking place at an elementary school, there will no alcohol allowed on the premises.

7.       What IS a Blanchette?

A Blanchette is a descendant of Pierre Blanchette, who came to North America in the 1650s from France.

Secondary definition: a human being (often pale in nature) with a fondness for sarcastic wit.

8.       Where can I get more information?

You can visit our multitude of websites and social media!

Official CMA Reunion Website:blanchette.cma2014.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BlanchetteFamilyReunion2014

Blog: http://blanchettefamilyreunion.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-ploy-for-ployes.html

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Blanchette2014

E-mail: blanchettefamilyreunion@gmail.com

Phone: 908-472-8657 (Kelly Blanchette)

The Ploy for Ployes

What’s in a ploye?  That which we call a buckwheat pancake by any other name would taste as delicious, so a ploye would, were it not a ploye called, retain that dear perfection, with savory butter or sweet, sweet brown sugar…

Forget Romeo & Juliet.  If William Shakespeare had visited Aroostook County, ME, he would have written of the beauty of the ploye, the adaptability of the odd-colored buckwheat pancake, and general yumminess of this local staple.

But what IS a ploye?  Simply put, it’s buckwheat pancake.  It is cooked on one side only- never to be flipped- and served in all sorts of ways.  It can be served with a pat of butter alongside a stew, or perhaps with some brown or powdered sugar for an after-dinner treat.  Some make it into a meal, spreading cretons or peanut butter onto a ploye, while others see it more as a side dish.

Why are we discussing ployes on the Blanchette Family Reunion blog?  No, not just to make you hungry (but don’t you want one now?)  Because our reunion happens to coincide with the Ploye Festival!

Every summer, the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Ploye Festival.  This year, the festival will be on August 9- the first day of our reunion!  The biggest feature of the festival is the “world’s biggest ploye.”  The record is currently set at 12 feet in diameter.  The festival also features various other activities, and in the past has been home to ploye wrestling, a ploye eating contest, and craft vendors.

The event is held in downtown Fort Kent, and more details will come regarding the time and exact location.  A visit to the Ploye Festival would be a tasty way to start reunion day!

Calling All Musicians!

Do you play an instrument or sing?  Do you like to perform in front of a crowd?  Rumor has it that the Blanchette family has some musicians in our midst!  Are you a stand-up comedian?  Do you have a penchant for performing Shakespearean monologues?

Would you like to perform at the reunion?  We would love to feature some performances during our Saturday evening reunion!

Send an e-mail to blanchettefamilyreunion@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page if you’re interested.  We look forward to hearing from you!

REGISTRATION

Hello, Family!

We have been informed of a slight issue with registration.  If you have already registered, please make sure that you have received a confirmation e-mail from blanchettefamilyreunion@gmail.com.  If you have not received a confirmation, please send us an e-mail.  There is a chance that your registration was not actually sent.

When registering, you must click on the CHECK CALCULATION button (or VERIFICATION if en francais.)  You must click this even if you are sure of the calculation- clicking the button will then bring up the SEND (or ENVOYER) button.  The SEND/ENVOYER button must be clicked for the registration to be submitted.

I am sorry about any confusion!  Please don't hesitate to contact us via e-mail with any questions or concerns!

Kelly
blanchettefamilyreunion@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlanchetteFamilyReunion2014