Hello,
In the August/September 2005 issue of Reunions magazine, there's a great article about the Anthony and Ruth Johnson Family (African-American) of Yalobusha County, Mississippi. At their reunion, they place two large cut-out figures (foam-core) of Anthony and Ruth at strategic locations during their three-day reunion...like at the entrance to serve as "greeters", so to speak. If your reunion is based on the descendants of one couple, this will be a great idea. Even if your reunion is based on two or more people or couples, and you are fortunate to have pictures of all of them, this could work as well.

Side Humor: Let's say that some family members "get out of hand" at the reunion or the business meeting, one can always turn to the figures and say, "Great-Great Grandpa and Grandma are watching you, so behave!" LOL

Tidbits of the article:

"Cutouts were placed in strategic locations during our three-day celebration; they served as greeters outside our banquet room, an on-stage presence during our talent show, and presided over our annual business meeting. They spurred great conversations about....."

"I don't suggest that the inexperienced attempt to mount a sticky-back laminated photograph. Mounting the photo to the foam core is problematic as you get only one chance to do it right..."

"For detailed information about how to 'order your own ancestors', contact Benedwin L. Smith at 404-559-9307 or Bensmitty@aol.com."

Reunions Magazine
August/September 2005 issue
Vol 16 No 1