ABC19980502.1830.1342 NEWS CAPTION In other news, the population of plains, Georgia, almost doubled as the town's most famous resident hosted a reunion there. Jimmy Carter and 500 of his closest relatives are celebrate special anniversary. ABC's valeri Williams reports from plains. Oh, my God, there's Jimmy. they came from as far away as California and Connecticut to meet the most famous member of the Carter clan. If I didn't love Jimmy, I wouldn't be here. To heck with the other kinfolk. Don't let that go on the air. 76-year-old Betty Reynolds drove up from Florida with a screaming baby in the car. More than 500 relatives came to plains, George gork, for the first Carter family reunion. He picked this day to celebrate his great, great, great grandfather's birthday. Tracing the family tree can be confusing. Her great, great, great -- they share the same great, great great. 11-year-old tommy Rogers and janet boss found out about the family's background just a few months ago, when a letter came in the mail. But not everyone was easily convinced -- like the teacher in North Carolina. She Hung up on me. She thought it was one of her brothers-in-law kidding her. So I dialed back and she said, "I know this is not Jimmy Carter." So I said, "let me give you my number in plains, Georgia, and you call me." like all families who gather for reunions there were stories about the more flamboyant side of the family. In this case, think of Billy Carter -- brother known for guzzling beer and occasionally embarrassing the president. He was definitely a character, definitely one of a kind. Very proud of him. of course, all families have interesting characters, but not everyone is related to the president of the United States, which is what has made the long trip here worthwhile. Most people here were meeting for the first time. There's a barbecue this evening and a church service tomorrow designed to strengthen family bonds. Valeri Williams, ABC News, plains, Georgia.