The Surry African American Heritage Society
"Celebrating the Work African Americans have done in Building America" and "Footprints of Education........"
Welcome!
The Surry County African American Historical Society and its Family Reunion
Festival committee welcomes everyone to its celebration of the African
American family and the contributions of people of African decent to the
building of America. We invite you to attend and join in the celebration by
telling your family's story and participating in the fun activities.
The Reunion Festival will allow
you to explore the bonds that African Americans share with the motherland, Africa, other ethnic groups and the African Diaspora spread throughout the western hemisphere. During the Reunion Festival, you will be able to explore the work Surry African Americans did in building and maintaining railroads in the county; in early farming activities; and as waterman. You will also be able to explore the "Footsteps to Education" exhibits.
The Reunion Festival will take place on the historic grounds of Chippokes State Park during the weekend of August
23rd & 24th, 2008. It will be reminiscent of a typical African American Family Reunion. The grounds of Chippokes will be set up as a festive marketplace like those found in Africa and the Caribbean islands. Food, arts & crafts, and informational booths will be arranged around the grounds of the Mansion at Chippokes. A main stage will provide a platform for major musical acts. Children will be intrigued and have fun in "Kiddyland".
The entertainment, food, arts, and craft will be influenced by the cultures of African Americans, Africans, and Caribbean's. Informational booths will provide display areas for the family history of individual African American families, historical artifacts
and details about family research. Information booths or tents will provide space for topics of major concern to African Americans.
A health fair will be conducted on Saturday.
Some of the major concerns that will be addressed include health issues, education and parenting, etc. Saturday's events will start with the
"Parade of Families" and Sunday's event will begin with an outdoor religious service.
The 2008 Surry County African American Family Reunion Festival will be the county's 2nd
annual event of this kind.
Admission is only $5.00
Children age 12 and under are free
( Religious Service is Free 10 AM and 12 PM )
Surry African American Family Reunion 2008 Weekend
Saturday August 23rd, Chippokes State Park
GATES OPEN AT 10:00AM
12:00PM PARADE OF
FAMILIES
ENTERTAINMENT
* Suwabi African Ballet Dancers &
Drummers
* Caribbean Steel Drummers
* Hampton Roads African American Authors and
Book signing
* "Granny Love" Gospel Comedian
* DJ Baseline
Food Booths, Informational, and Arts & Crafts Booths
Surry African American family Information Displays
Sunday August 24th, Chippokes State Park
GATES OPEN AT 9:00AM
10:00AM RELIGIOUS
SERVICE
ENTERTAINMENT
* Mt. Nebo Praise Dance
* Fredrina Hill, Vocalist
*
Chariots of Fire Faze
* 2 Praise Ministry
* Surry Family Gospel Hour
- Pastor Ruby Turner and the Jones Singers (1:00pm)
-
The Washington Family
Food Booths, Information Booths, and Arts & Crafts Booths
Surry African American family Information Displays
News
31 JUL 08Registrations
Deadline to sign up as a Vendor or Parade participant is August
1st 2008 . .
» Learn More
The OJay's - "Family Reunion"