The family began arriving Friday afternoon at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport hotel. The meet and greet was spirited, filled with spontaneity and lots of hugs and kisses! The family assembled from 14 states for the reunion and from as far away as California and Florida.
The large hospitality room had round tables and the family was at ease table hopping and fellowshipping. To that atmosphere add in finger foods: chicken wings with sauces, meatballs, vegetables, cake and beverages and you have a great party.
Young and old mingled and talked about the Family Memorial book that was unveiled. The 254 page, nine chapter book of family history and family photographs brought smiles all around. It was the vision of Geardean Rideout Redmond and with the cooperation of many family members it chronicles the Lambert Rideout history!
Saturday was a day filled with choices: swimming, movies, choir rehearsal, shopping trip to the mall, games of dominos and many small groups reminiscing about prior reunions and catching up on family news, children and new additions. The banquet Saturday evening was beautifully done in red and white and boasted two head tables. There were Proclamations presented from the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee and from the Milwaukee County Council.
The family choir was in the very capable hands of director Tiffany Lambert. Elder George Rideout, Jr was on keyboard and Elder Lorenzo “Butch” Lambert was on electric guitar.
The small in number but mighty in talent choir filled the Aviation Theatre and their harmonies melodically floated down the hotel corridor!
Sunday brought church services in the Aviation Theatre followed by a picnic in Grant Park near magnificent Lake Michigan. Again the food was delicious and never ending! The children were entertained by a clown, with face painting, and swords and animals crafted from balloons.
The Milwaukee hostesses of the reunion were Mrs. Terri Lambert Jones and Mrs. Geardean Rideout Redmond. A J Lambert is the founder of the annual gathering.