Every year, as the dog days of summer approach, I’m reminded of Woodstock and the 1969 music festival that took the world by storm here in Bethel, NY. History books, television specials and films documenting the event abound. But for those of us who live here, we need only drive down Route 17B on any given day and pass Yasgur Road and the former home of Max Yasgur to nudge recall of what happened where Max opened his heart and home to an entire generation, an event that forever changed the face of music.

While it’s impossible to recreate that magical moment in time, generations of like-minded individuals have tried, making annual pilgrimages to the region ever since. Today, Yasgur’s original homestead is still a beautiful reminder of days gone by, thanks to the Herculean efforts of Jeryl Abramson and her husband Roy Howard, who purchased the property in 1985. Howard, who passed away in 2013, was a driving force in the community, and both he and Jeryl became iconic in their own right, as keepers of the flame. “We’re not trying to re-create Woodstock,” Abramson told me during a chat last week. “That’s not possible. But what we do strive to accomplish is honoring the past, while remaining present. Today’s music is different, the styles are different, but the essence of human nature remains the same.” With the assistance of their son Zack, who has returned to the region, Abramson is able to ensure that the legacy will live on. “He’s my succession plan” she said with a laugh. “We think that it’s important.” When asked what his duties include, Zack chuckled, too. “I mow the lawn. That’s about it.”

“But it’s a lot of lawn!” Jeryl interjected.

In all seriousness, Zack enthused about his role in Yasgur Road Productions, the ongoing enterprise that his parents started together. “It’s bigger than Yasgur Road,” he said. “It’s about the town of Bethel too, and we are here to work with the community, building on the history of Woodstock.” The reunion has been gaining momentum for decades.

“Around 1970, people began gathering at the monument site, and when Alan Gerry purchased the property in 1996 and began developing the site, some of those people felt displaced,” said Jeryl. It was then that Roy and Jeryl decided to make their home and stunning 100-acre wood available to those who also wished to keep the spirit alive.

“That’s when I literally said ‘Welcome Home’ to the thousands who felt a connection to the land, and the phrase just took hold.

“It’s unlike anything else out there” she said, referring to the annual three-day festival, featuring 25 bands, that will commence on August 11. “In some ways, it’s like a Renaissance Faire. The reunion is a grassroots, non-commercial event that embraces the Woodstock spirit.” Jeryl notes that they encourage people to come and go, supporting and stimulating the local economy, while being able to call Yasgur Road their temporary “home” for a few days. 

There are off-site events scheduled by individuals as well. “I know of several local spots where folks will be gathering to dine, check out the museum at Bethel Woods and soak up some of our gorgeous scenery here in Bethel,” said Jeryl. Plans for a permanent Yasgur Road Campground are moving forward, as permits are being granted and engineers work with the town to provide all of the services necessary to ensure that the proposed campground will have a positive impact on the community.

“The 50th anniversary is just around the corner,” Zack reminded me, “and it is our desire to make it an event that the entire town [and county] can participate in and flourish as a result.”

Meanwhile, Jeryl and Zack are busy. Preparing to have a couple of thousand guests for the next few days is a lot of work, but the end result will be a days-long party brimming with camaraderie, food, crafts and music, music, music—in other words: good vibes, just as it should be. Welcome home.

For tickets and camping information visit www.yasgurroadreunion.com, like them on Facebook and follow Yasgur Road on Twitter and Instagram.