SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
SANFORD – For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down, the Summer of 2024 finally saw families all over the US gathering for their annual family reunions. An event that many look forward to all year long, and had been missing for the past few years, was finally back on the calendar for Summer vacation.
The Collins Family is one family that absolutely could not wait to get together this summer! Planning began about a year ahead of time, and once the date was set, the Collins Clan happily marked their calendars in anticipation of the event. After a long 4 years, family members from upstate New York as well as those from Sanford and Central Florida, were looking forward to getting together and enjoying some long overdue time together.
From Wednesday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 7th, the Collins Clan gathered in Sanford, Florida to enjoy some Fun, Family and Fellowship. From the Meet and Greet on Wednesday evening at the host hotel, to welcome family and friends from out of town, to the 4th of July Cookout and Pool Party on Thursday – followed by some amazing fireworks on the Waterfront in Downtown Sanford, the festivities were off to a great start! Everyone enjoyed catching up with friends and relatives that they had not seen in years, while the kids had a blast playing in the pool.
Friday night’s event was the All White Party and Fashion Show. Everyone was dressed in their best all white fashions and the venue was beautifully decorated to match. Cousin Traccie Eudell was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event and she kept everyone entertained and on track. The DJ played both Old School and New School jams to keep the dance floor packed. Various relatives shared wonderful memories and cousin Renee Hartsfield led the group in remembering those family members that had passed away since the last Collins Clan Reunion. Cousin Patricia Eudell introduced her fellow Planning Committee members, Tasha Moultrie, Barbara Kirby-Bentley and Shelia Windom so that they could be recognized for all the hard work they put in planning a truly wonderful event. Everyone in attendance had a blast, talking, laughing and dancing the night away!
The next day called for some free time to relax and do anything that you wanted to do. Some played golf, some went shopping, and some even spent the day at the beach. Later that evening, everyone gathered for a Family Bowling Party. The Collins Clan is nothing if not competitive! The lanes were filled with young, old, and all ages in between for several hours of fun and games. After posing for some group photos outside, plans were made for some of the cousins to meet up to check out the nightlife in the Downtown area, while others retired to the hotel to relax for the rest of the evening.
Sunday – the final day – began with a family church service and Communion at St. Matthews MB Church in Midway, where so many of the family grew up. For those who had not visited in a while, it brought back nostalgic memories of years past. A traditional Sunday dinner followed as those who were travelling prepared to depart. As goodbyes were said, the location of the next Collins Clan Reunion in 2026 was discussed and plans were made to finalize that in the coming months so that planning can begin in the new year.
All in all, the Collins Clan gathered together from near and far, and had a wonderful time catching up and enjoying one another. Promises were made to keep in touch and not wait until the next gathering to see one another. Until next time! See you all in 2026!
