Hazzard Homecoming 2011

The Dukes of Hazzard television series ceased making new episodes more than 25 years ago and is currently being rerun on networks such as CMT. The Dukes of Hazzard started out as a fun fill-in television show to only last a few episodes, but here it is, more than 30 years since the first episode aired, and The Dukes of Hazzard has grown from a simple television show to an international family staple.

Beyond the car chases, fumbling law enforcement and Daisy Duke Shorts, there was an important lesson to be learned in every episode. Family, unconditional love, morals, manners and respect taught through a family friendly and light-hearted evening television show turned the Dukes of Hazzard into a teaching tool for families everywhere.

In this day and age, there are very few television shows where families can sit down and enjoy together or even leave the room and trust that children are in good hands with what you leave on the television set.

After becoming engulfed in a television show for so long, you start to feel like you know the characters, you bond with the characters, and you truly feel like you wish that you were part of that family. As we all know, not all families are perfect, including the Duke Family, but the love and respect was always there. That reason alone is something that many crave. I know I did.

So, the cast of The Dukes of Hazzard over the years have created DukesFest and Hazzard Homecoming to bring all the cast, crew and fans together for fun times, music and a chance to meet The Dukes of Hazzard family.

In August of this year, I was finally able to attend the first Hazzard Homecoming event, and my first ever Dukes of Hazzard gathering. As a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan who had only met John Schneider (Bo Duke) and Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) once, and who has only ever seen one General Lee replica up close, this was a big deal for me.

Held in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the drive alone put you into the country life setting and began the preparation for what was to come. Staying at a hotel only a few miles from the Hazzard Homecoming location, you could catch a glimpse of a General Lee or two passing by and sounding their Dixie horns. This pushed the excitement thermometer higher. It wasn't until the first morning of the Hazzard Homecoming, when I parked my car in a field and began the walk to the gates, that it hit me.

I watched as General Lee after General Lee, patrol car after Cadillac, pulling into the field and parking in rows followed by floods of fans excitedly running to the cars. I couldn't help but stand there and smile. Huge tents were set up with banners pointing where The Dukes of Hazzard cast members would be signing autographs. There were plenty of food tent areas with everything from country cooking, to carnival snacks, to the basic hot dogs and burgers.

Music was all around you as the main stage that was set up switched between country, bluegrass, gospel and rockabilly. For a two-day, all day long event, there was always something happening. BMX stunts, wrestling, car shows, fireworks and Sunday church services were among the events.

Aside from the ongoing events and music, the biggest joy in my first time Dukes of Hazzard gathering event, was the feeling of being home. It truly was a Hazzard Homecoming. The fans treated you like you were friends. Fun conversations and story sharing sparked laughter throughout the fields. Children running around playing and having fun without a care in the world, you got to see families bonding and enjoying each other's company. There was no profanity, no alcohol served, no violence, and no fighting. It reconnects you with a part of humanity that many days feels like it has been lost.

The Hazzard Homecoming is truly a Dukes of Hazzard family reunion of fans. The cast that was there included John Schneider - "Bo Duke," Catherine Bach - "Daisy Duke," James Best - "Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane," Sonny Shroyer - "Deputy Enos Straight" and Rick Hurst - "Deputy Cletus Hogg." The lines were long, and many waited several hours in the heat to meet their favorite cast member. But it was worth the wait. Everyone was happy and took their time meeting and greeting everyone. It was so nice to chit chat with the cast for a few minutes as they signed autographs and took a moment to post for pictures, shake your hand, and give you a hug.

Ben Jones and his wife did a wonderful job organizing the Hazzard Homecoming to make it a huge success. Everyone was genuine and so warm hearted. There were a few times where Ben Jones noted to the crowds that due to the heat and the long lines, some people were beginning to get impatient, and he had prompted the General Lee's to sound off their horns, it was a gentle reminder to the crowd of why they were there. When those Dixie Horns sounded off one by one in a wave, the cheers, the smiles and the feeling that your heart grew wings made the moment when you met your favorite cast member even better, and well worth the wait.

The Dukes of Hazzard is truly a piece of American history, and as a fan, it is truly uplifting to see it thrive in the hearts of generations to come. If you have never seen The Dukes of Hazzard television show, I highly recommend taking the time to sit with your family, your children, and watch the show. If you are a Dukes of Hazzard fan, small or large, please attend one of these amazing Hazzard Homecoming events. It will be a time you will never forget.