Cornute Family Reunion—2015
United and Growing
Chicago, Illinois
July 30 – August 2, 2015
Cornute Family Reunion—2015: United and Growing was hosted by Cenita Walker-Scott, Michael Peterson and the Chicago-based family.
The family converged on Chicago from points all across the country via every mode of transportation. We were warmly welcomed to Chicago by the hosting families as we settled in for a weekend of excitement and fun.
This historical city was the backdrop for Cornute Family Reunion – 2015 which got under way Thursday night July 30th with the “Early Bird Hangout” event held at Cenita’s – Chairman of the Chicago Reunion Committee – house. The Early Bird Hangout allowed family members to relax a bit from their hectic travels, socialize with some new and old family, find their family lines on the family tree banner all while enjoying some good ole eat, drink and be merry Chicago hospitality.
A great time was had by all throughout the evening and the tone was set for the balance of the weekend. So, with our fun meters pegged and the thoughts of the next day’s activity we retired for the evening.
Unfortunately, many family members had to cancel at the last minute due to unexpected events or illnesses. We hope that things have returned to normal where possible and that we missed you all dearly and hope that we’ll see you all in 2017.
Friday morning July 31st began the open part of our day and many family members began the sightseeing phase of their trip by visiting many of the cultural and historic offerings of Chicago. The infamous Lollapalooza was in full effect between July 29 and July 31, 2015 and some family were able to partake in that extravaganza.
Time quickly passed and excitement grew in anticipation of the main event. The banquet event, hosted by Michael Peterson and the Chicago Family Reunion Committee, was held in a lovely backyard setting at Michael’s home.
We were welcomed by a stirring and heart-felt poem/message, entitled “Why We Have Family Reunions” written and delivered by Bathsheba Wyatt-Draper. (See full Text on page 9). Bradley Walker provided an entertaining monologue and Eric Thomas, former member of the R&B vocal group The Independents, rocked the house with a live performance setting the tone for the evening. Now, the party was on. The music was bumping, we ate, we laughed, we danced, we drank, we shared some family history and we handed out some well-deserved awards.
Saturday morning August 1st began with the family gathering at beautiful Centennial Park in Orland Park, IL dawned in our Family United and Growing Cornute 2015 T-shirts for the family group photo. After the photo session many of us got together for a great breakfast at the awesome Cracker Barrel then it was more free time to enjoy the sites of the city.
Sunday August 2nd was a very relaxed day headlined by a family picnic at Forest Park. Everyone had a very exciting time throughout the day but began to relax as early evening approached and tiredness began to settle in. Soon we began bidding our farewells with hugs and kisses as this wonderful FAMILY REUNION was winding to an end. We all started heading to the wind but surely looking forward ‘til we meet again in CINCINNATI – 2017.
To the Chicago based Cornute Family Reunion Committee we would like to offer a huge THANK-YOU for your hospitality and a superb job well done.
