New and exciting ideas for family reunions

Ebony, August, 2003 by Kimberly Davis

GONE are the days when family reunion participants sought nothing more than a weekend away and some face time with long-lost relatives. Contemporary reunioners are not only looking to reconnect at their annual or semi-annual gatherings, but they are also looking for education and entertainment. And special event planners and family reunion coordinators say there are a number of new ideas that can add sparkle and excitement to your family's important event.

Many families make their reunions memorable just by changing the location--moving from the indoor environment of a hotel to the outdoor locale of a state park or camping site. The Hagan(s) Family Reunion, scheduled for this month in Millville, N.J., will be held at Camp Cedar Knoll, which was once an important link on the Underground Railroad, says organizer Gloria Hagan Kates of Vineland, N.J. Those who don't want to sleep in the dormitory-style housing can book rooms at the nearby hotel.

"We won't be distracted by technology--there's no TV or video games," says Kates, an office manager and secretary for a school superintendent's office. "We thought it was an ideal way for us to be together."

Other exciting ideas include a golf or miniature golf tournament, with proceeds going toward a charity or non-profit organization. Instead of a regular scavenger hunt, you can supply each group with Polaroid or digital cameras and require "proof" that they were actually in the area. In addition to the traditional videographer and photographer, you can hire a caricaturist for a unique take on the family portrait.

But families have not completely turned their backs on the traditional Black family reunion staples, such as high-energy fashion shows, talent shows and Sunday church services.

Other ideas for giving your family reunion a facelift can be accomplished just by changing your approach, says Carla V. Oglesby, co-owner and partner of Arrei Event Planners, LLC. The Chicagoan, who, along with co-owner and partner Konyia Clark, has planned events for HBO, Aon Corporation, Nike and Chicago Bears cornerback R.W. McQuarters, says all you really need is a new twist on a proven idea.

You can, for example, play a family version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," where questions are asked about family history, family events and/or African-American history. To get the whole family involved, you could break up the contestants in several different ways--females vs. males, older generation vs. younger generation, etc. Oglesby says the event should be lighthearted and entertaining, so obviously the questions should be applicable to each family represented at the reunion.

Another game idea is a family version of "The Dating Game," where the young people come up with questions for the adults/parents to answer about his or her spouse. You'd be surprised how engaging it is to just learn more about the couples who make up your family. Prizes could be simple--a gift certificate for the winning couple--or more extravagant, such as a trip to a day spa. Ask local businesses for prize donations.

You can also use instant photos to build your family tree. Take a Polaroid or i-zone photo of each family member as he or she registers. As the reunion progresses, build the photos into a gigantic family tree. Other photos of deceased or absent family members can be added later to create a memorable keepsake for your family.

The main event--the evening dinner or banquet--always provides a cherished memory. Marsha Middleton, spokeswoman for the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, says the hotel's caterer has had success with regionalizing the food and incorporating different themes.

If you're in New Orleans, do a Cajun theme. If you're in Atlanta, it's soul food all the way. In Maryland, it's all about seafood. If your family has its roots in the Caribbean, plan an evening that reminds you of the West Indies, with food, music, wardrobe and dancing. You can decorate based on themes as well.

A recurring reunion problem is music. Do you ever get tired of hearing the "oldies but goodies?" And what about rap? Chicago event planner Oglesby says one solution is hiring a DJ who will play music from each era (i.e., '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s) and gives each generation an opportunity to get its "groove on" to its favorite tunes.

And for Sunday, after church services, consider hosting a gospel brunch. Reunion planners can hire a local gospel choir to perform before, during or after the meal.

If you follow these suggestions and develop additional ideas by checking with event planners and local convention experts, you can make your 2003 gathering an event to remember.