Smith Family Reunion 2023

Hello Smith Family Member! I believe the wise young Dorothy Gale said it best when she declared “There’s No Place Like Home!”

And I believe we all would agree! So, we are going back home to Shreveport, LA for the Smith Family Reunion from July 13th – 16th, 2023. Our theme this year will be “There’s No Place Like Home!” and George “Tiki” Norman, III aka Gentleman George will be hosting again! This family reunion affords us another opportunity as a family to feel right at home with family history, art, live entertainment, and good ol’ Southern hospitality.

Get ready for a great time in “The Boot”, as we will play, explore, and eat in local restaurants. We’ll also take in historical information at a museum and enjoy a delicious cookout. Gators & Friends will give us a closer look at several exotic animals (that we can also feed) and SURGE Entertainment will allow us a chance for friendly competition. A nationally known artist will entertain us at a concert, and don’t fret about getting around – we will be able to enjoy bus transportation throughout the weekend to our activities. On the last official day, we will end with a marvelous worship service at Hurricane Bluff Baptist Church and a down-home Sunday Brunch.

Our hotel accommodations are at Sam’s Town Resort Hotel & Casino, which is located at the heart of Shreveport, LA on the historic Red River downtown, blocks away from museums, botanical gardens, an I-Max Theater, and many other local attractions. Sam’s Town is a luxurious property with modern amenities and stylish interior, and provides an enjoyable experience with live performances, a signature spa, a wide array of dining options, and three floors of gaming. Each room is furnished with a flat-screen TV, an oversized desk and a refrigerator. Some rooms also boast a lovely view of the cityscape.

https://samstownshreveport.boydgaming.com/groups-and-weddings/group-reservation?groupcode=SFRG23L

or contacting the hotel directly at 877-429-0711 for the Smith Family Reunion Room Block and mention Smith Family Reunion group code, SFRG23L. If you need reservations before Thursday or Sunday and later, let George or Carolyn know (contact information below).

When you call, please provide the full name of the room occupant, the type of room requested (Deluxe King Non-Smoking or Deluxe Two Queen Non-Smoking), the number of individuals occupying the room, check-in date and check-out date and any other requested information. To receive the group rate, the “Reservation Cut-Off Date” is on or before June 29, 2023. After this date, room requests will be confirmed on a space-available basis and at the prevailing hotel room rate.  Group Room Rate is $109 per day plus tax for single or double occupancy.  All reservations require a $100.00 deposit with a credit card at time of check-in.  Any rooms requiring triple or quad occupancy will be surcharged $15 plus tax per adult, per room, per night. All rooms are subject to a 15.05% Room Tax (6% Occupancy Tax, 4.6% Parish Tax and 4.45% State Tax).  Check-in is available after 4:00 pm and check-out is by 11:00 am. The Hotel cannot guarantee that all guest(s) rooms will be available at 4:00 pm but will make every effort to accommodate any guest(s) who arrive early. All guests will be required to present valid photo identification and a major credit card upon check-in. Thirty-five (35) rooms have been blocked off for us.

A schedule of events is attached that provides details for all the major information related to our 2023 Smith celebration. In order to host an affordable gathering, we are offering as much as we can, for as little as we can, with a strong emphasis on togetherness, oneness and maximizing family time.  The last three reunions were heavily subsidized by donations from family members and friends, but those donations have reduced this year.  However, you are still getting a lot of “bang” for your buck!  So, understandably, expect to bear more of the “real” costs for the activities. Thus, you will notice our fees increased this year to cover the amazing time we’re going to have together.

Reunion Fees: Ages 13+ = $250.00  Ages 4-12 = $125.00  Ages 3 & under = Complimentary

Deadline for reunion fees is June 15, 2023

T-Shirt Prices:  Child (XS - XL) = $15.00  Adult (S, M, L, XL) = $20.00  Adult (2X-4X) = $25.00

Deadline for T-shirt fees is June 15, 2023

We also request you share family photos with us; we would love to include them in a video.  Additionally, let us hear about all your recognitions, honors, graduations, promotions, births, deaths, retirements, marriages, and awards. Please send all pictures and accomplishments to Carolyn Hamilton-Evans at chamevans@verizon.net by June 30th.

Forms of payment are as follows:

1. Cashapp (8177031408)
2. Zelle – Used by all major banks to transfer funds from account to account, no fee added. Use phone number 817-703-1408 to send money, and make sure to type your name in the memo area. Then text Aisha and let her know the details.
3. Check – Please use the enclosed registration form. Make all checks or money orders payable to Smith Family Reunion and mail directly to Aisha Riley at 1405 North Britain Road, Irving, TX 75061. Please be sure to put a phone number or an email address that you can be contacted for confirmation of receiving your check.

DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL!!!

If you have any questions, please contact one of the planning committee officers:

• George “Tiki” Norman, Host: 318-348-7593 or gentlemangeorge@nationalartistdevelopment.com
• Carolyn Hamilton-Evans, Co-Chair: 214-684-5553 or chamevans@verizon.net
• Linda Smith, Co-Chair: 405-637-8466 or lsmith050580@yahoo.com
• Aisha Riley, Treasurer: 817-703-1408 or aisha.hunter.riley@gmail.com

As always, continue to pray for unity…and never, ever let the “Smith chain” gather dust.  Links will become weak and break…we’ll repair those that are broken, replace those that are gone and as the Smith Family continues to press on, remember “Our Family is a circle of strength and love.”

Love & Prayers,