National Allison Family Reunion
2006
The National Allison-Allanson Family Association has accomplished that which few organizations ever accomplish. We have bridged the Generation Gap!
We have bridged it flawlessly and seamlessly, with an ease to which not even the government can aspire. We can all be very proud of our accomplishments.
The 2005 National Allison Reunion was an event which encompassed both parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren, all were pleased and entertained. The reunion will be in good hands when all of us are among the elders around the campfire of memories.
The morning portion of the reunion was a dignified tribute to the respectful admiration which we hold for the ancestors. We honored their lives and their contributions to our collective lives as a family. We honored those who came before us with our presence, with flowers, and with the music of our, and their, heritage.
The evening portion of the reunion was a celebration of the spirit the ancestors gave us. We danced, laughed, drank a toast to Queen and homeland, and felt the warmth that only kinship brings.
We ate fantastic food underneath the starry heavens as the shades of the ancestors walked among us, smiling in approval.
This grandmother has grandchildren who beg, between reunions, to go to the "big party." This year those grandchildren were in grandchild heaven. A bouncy house, games and puzzles, chocolate chip cookies, and most wonderous of all, Christmas lights in a Port-a-John!
Those grandchildren asked "Grandmother, are all these people our fambly?" When told, "Yes, everybody here is your family," they ran around hugging everyone. So.......if you got a hug from a little girl you didn't know, that was just one of my granddaughters celebrating her "fambly" with the joy that only lives in the innocence of children.
Don and Sandi Brown's Hawg Wild Barbeque is the absolute best barbeque in the South where barbeque is always good. I would be proud to take company to eat at their establishment on any Sunday.
The wine, and the homemade meade of our English heritage, was excellent, the music was fantastic, the company was awesome.
Pyramid Brass is as good as any brass ensemble anywhere.
The Pisgah Pilgrims vividly remind us of those misty-coloured Sunday evenings on the front porches of our childhoods.
The Dowden Sisters do an exceptional job of keeping our heritage alive through the songs and story-ballads of our ancestors.
The Drover's Old Time Medicine Show is a favorite of mine. They speak to the part of our being which will always be ready for a party, a hearty laugh, and good friendship.
Monica Deaver-Noland and Martha Melton are ours by blood. Their beautiful voices represent us well, touching the best in all of us.
Southern Mountain Fire was perfect as always
My family is looking forward to seeing all of you next fall.
Autumn's Wealth
Board members selling quilt raffle tickets
Making an entrance
Ann King Kent and brother Bill King find their seats
One of the many historical displays
The Dowden Sisters entertain before the ceremonies
Getting re-acquainted
Old friends, dear cousins
Catching up
In Remembrance
Getting ready for the night event
Waiting for the gate to open
Jessica and Jordan with Aunt Debrada
Security
Debbie Browning
Assoc. President Micheal Allison checking last minute details
Jordan, Jessica, and Aunt Debrada patiently waiting
seated: Mr. and Mrs. Rass McCall
Mr. McCall brought beautiful polished gemstones for everyone
Pyramid Brass starts the evening off
The bouncy house was a big hit
Autumn Warmth
Special fun for the kids
Cousins gather
Puzzles!
Becky and Bill
Can't you tell they're cousins?
Pisgah Pilgrims take the stage
Cousins Debrada Browning and Monica Deaver-Noland
Family
seated: Barbara, Bill, and Joe Moore
The Moore Family
Descendants of Nancy Allison Parton
The Allison's family's favorite vocalist
Monica Deaver-Noland
Descendant of Benjamin Allison of the Allison-Deaver House
Drover's Old-Time Medicine Show
Something for young and old
Music playing is "Mercedes-Benz" sequenced by a talented
Haywood County donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Back to Index
Becky Howell