52nd Abernathy Family Reunion 
Join us on July 25
Greetings Family,

The Charlotte Committee is super excited about our first in-person Abernathy Family Reunion in 5 years. A lot has changed, but the love and spirit of family remains. The Abernathy Family of Linden Alabama – United in Excellence will come together from Thursday, July 25th thru Sunday, July 28th in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are blessed to be able to commemorate our 52nd family reunion as we continue to honor and celebrate the gift of family as well as the rich legacy we continue to build.

We have reserved a block of rooms at The Courtyard Hotel by Marriott Charlotte Waverly, which have been filling up fast. Please feel free to use the link below to make your reservation. You will find additional information about the hotel further down. Please keep in mind that you will have until Saturday, June 29, 2024, to make your hotel reservation under our room block. After that time the remaining rooms will be released from the block.

Listed below is our planned itinerary along with a wealth of information.  Please note, the exact times and more details will be provided in the near future.  As we are all too familiar with the current state of our economy, we have worked very hard to keep things as affordable as possible. Considering all these things, we are pleased to announce the registration/assessment for individuals 12 years and older is $165. The registration/assessment fee for children 4 – 11 years old is $75. Children under 4 years of age are free. We want to continue to thank everyone who has provided their support to our efforts by pre-paying their assessment fee so we could use the funds to get things started. This has allowed us to pay the required deposits to reserve the locations and services needed to host our family reunion. Again, a sincere thanks to you all.

Please note, everyone who pre-paid their assessment over the amount of $165 per person will receive a refund of the difference. We will contact you directly upon receipt of your registration form with details.

Hope to see you all in July.
Location
Charlotte, North Carolina
Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Waverly, Providence Farm Lane, Charlotte, NC, USA
Date & Time
July 25, 2024 - July 28, 2024
Reunion Itinerary - (Exact times will be provided soon)
Thursday
july 25th
time TBD
REUNION CHECK-IN
After your arrival and you check into your hotel room, you will receive instructions on reunion check-in where you will receive your reunion credentials & meal tickets.  You will need these items to participate in the planned activities.
Thursday
july 25th
time TBD
WELCOME RECEPTION
All registered attendees are invited to the welcome reception which will be held in the beautiful outdoor courtyard of the hotel.  There will be a light meal/snack served.  This will be a great time to unwind and relax while catching up with family members.  We will also have board games and playing cards on hand for your enjoyment and entertainment.  

Thursday
july 25th
time TBD
BOWLING MIXER
For all those that who are not quite ready to call it an evening, you are invited to join family members for some late night fun bowling and playing at Spare Time Entertainment Center. Those who wish to join us will be responsible for paying for the activities they decide to participate in.  Spare Time is a family-fun facility that features luxury bowling lanes, a huge Game Zone arcade packed with games, an epic laser tag arena, escape rooms, and more.
FRIday
july 26th
time TBD
REUNION CHECK-IN
For family members arriving on Friday, we will provide you with the time and location for reunion check-in where you will receive your reunion credentials & meal tickets.  You will need these items to participate in the planned activities.
FRIday
july 26th
time TBD
INDIVIDUAL SMALL GROUP EXCURSIONS
There is so much to do and see in the Queen City so it’s impossible to take you to them all during our weekend together.  Therefore, we are pleased to offer Self-Guided Small Group Self Excursions for  Friday, July 26th.  We have provided several popular Charlotte attractions that may be of interest to you and your family.  (See list of attractions below on the event website). There is something for everyone.  
This is how it will work. Individual family members will select one option from the attraction list during the registration process. A few weeks prior to the reunion you will be contacted with a list of names of the family members that have selected the same excursion. You can decide if you would like to carpool and/or travel together to your designated activity. Each excursion will have a group facilitator from the reunion committee who will serve as your point of contact and answer any questions you may have. They will NOT travel with you, but will make sure you have the information needed to have a great time.


FRIday
july 26th
time TBD
SNEAKER BALL BANQUET
This year our family banquet will have a theme with a twist. . . We are having a “Sneaker Ball”.  For those not familiar, it’s an event where guests are dressed in formal wear donning sneakers.  What better way to get all dressed up and walk & dance in comfort.  Dress to impress because there will be a Sneaker Ball King & Queen.


FRIday
july 26th
time TBD
BOOK SIGNING
During our banquet we will feature a book signing for our very own, Regina Abernathy.  As many of you know her first book: The Quilting Storyteller: Preserving African American Culture and History through Quilting Stories was published last year and has continued to gain momentum.  This book records several accounts of our beloved family members and a must have.  If you have the book at home, please bring it so she may autograph it for you.


SATURDay
july 27th
time TBD
FAMILY PICNIC
The family picnic has been a tradition since the beginning.  A great time to mix & mingle with family members.  Lots of games and activities for kids of ALL ages.  As always, there will be playing cards & board games.  We are looking forward to hosting game stations with some old school games like the bean bag toss, water ballon toss and more.  Our picnic will be located at Cane Creek Park which is about a 7-20 minute drive from the hotel and features beautiful land and water views


SATURDay
july 27th
time TBD
FAMILY CAUCUS
This year our family caucus (business meeting) will be held immediately after the picnic and will take place at the park.  For those of you who are not planning to attend the caucus you are welcome to continue to enjoy the park or head back to the hotel.



SATURDay
july 27th
time TBD
ICE CREAM SOCIAL & GAME NIGHT
Join us Saturday evening for a cool sweet treat.  We will have an ice cream bar with several toppings to choose from.  Once you grab your ice cream get ready to join us for our 1st in-person game night.  If you attended any of our Zoom reunion game nights, you already know how much fun it is.  There will be gift card prizes to be won so don’t miss out on the family fun.  We will also have a fun activity for the little ones.



SATURDay
july 27th
time TBD
NIGHT ON THE TOWN (on your own)
There is so much to do here on a Saturday evening.  Uptown Charlotte at night is beautiful and has an array of venues to choose from.  If you need help finding something to do on Saturday night, let us know and we will be more than happy to provide some options.


SunDay
july 28th
time TBD
FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE
Faith is the foundation of The Abernathy Family, and as such we will come together to worship the Lord and give thanks for all He has done and continues to do for us collectively and individually.  We encourage every family member to come worship together as the word of the Lord is shared by one of His faithful servants.




SunDay
july 28th
time TBD
SOULFUL SUNDAY BON VOYAGE LUNCHEON
We will conclude this fabulous weekend with a delicious soulful ~ soul food luncheon with a brief program.



Courtyard Marriott Charlotte Waverly
6319 Providence Farm Lane - Charlotte, NC
We are happy to announce the host hotel for our reunion is the Courtyard Mariott Charlotte, which is located in Waverly section of the city.  This suburban hotel is in the center of a corporate park surrounded by tons of retail shops and restaurants along with a Whole Foods all within walking distance from the hotel.   It is conveniently located off Interstate 485 and a short 22-mile drive to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. 
This hotel has many amenities which include a small indoor pool, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, a convenience store, laundry and more.  This property also features an onsite restaurant - The Bistro, which is open for breakfast and dinner with a limited menu. There is plenty of complimentary on-site parking, as well as an electric car charging station.  

Our room block rate is $139 per night from Thursday, July 25th thru Sunday, July 28th.  This block offers the choice between a standard room with one king bed or a standard room with two queen beds. The room block will expire on Saturday, June 29, 2024.  However, we encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible as the summer season is a busy time for area hotels.  Please note, hotel check-in is at 3:00 PM EST, and check-out is 12 noon EST.
2024 Abernathy Achievers
We are pleased to announce during the 2024 Abernathy Family Reunion, we will once again take a moment to recognize and pay tribute to some of our family members who have achieved or are currently achieving noteworthy accomplishments. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and talent in their respective fields and other endeavors.   Their achievements are a continuous source of pride for our family. By acknowledging their accomplishments, we hope to show our support and encouragement for their continued success and inspire the next generation of Abernathy family members to pursue their own goals and aspirations. If you would like to nominate a member of the family for the 2024 Abernathy Achiever Awards. They must meet the criteria listed below:
 
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS:
All candidates must meet the following criteria:
  • Must be a member of The Abernathy Family - a descendant of or spouse of a descendant of Jake Sr. & Lucinda Abernathy. 
  • Demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance and/or talent in their respective field or other endeavors.
  • Made remarkable contributions and/or achievements in their profession, community, family or personal lives. 
 
Once you have determined the candidate you’d like to nominate meets these requirements, please send a written nomination explaining why they should be considered for the 2024 Abernathy Achievers.
 
Your nomination should include the name of the family member, the names of their parents and grandparents (Abernathy side), their accomplishments, and why you believe they should be considered for this honor. 
 
Please submit via email to [email protected].  All nominations will be reviewed and selected by the 2024 reunion committee. Candidates that have been selected as an "Abernathy Achiever" will be announced during the banquet during this year’s family reunion.  Please note, all nominees will be acknowledged regardless of whether they are selected as a finalist or not.  All nominations must be submitted by July 1st.
Self-Guided Small Group Excursions
There is so much to do and see in the Queen City so it’s impossible to take you to them all during our weekend together.  Therefore, we are pleased to offer Self-Guided Small Group Self Excursions for Friday, July 26th.  We have provided several popular Charlotte attractions that may be of interest to you and your family.  There is something for everyone.  

This is how it will work. Individual family members will select one option from the attraction list during the registration process.
A few weeks prior to the reunion you will be contacted with a list of names of the family members that have selected the same excursion. You can decide if you would like to carpool and/or travel together to your designated activity. Each excursion will have a group facilitator from the reunion committee who will serve as your point of contact and answer any questions you may have. They will NOT travel with you but will make sure you have the information needed to have a great time.

Listed below are the proposed excursions along with a brief description.  For more detailed information, please visit the website listed for a more detailed description.
Charlotte Area Attractions
Timed Out Escape Room
12239 N. Community House Rd - Charlotte
(5.3 miles from the hotel)
 
Join family members for some escape room fun at Timed Out Escape where the group will select one of this attraction’s top rooms.  Use clues and intellect partnered with family teamwork to make a stellar escape.  (8-9 People per escape room).  The cost for this attraction is $33 per person and must be paid in advance as a deposit is needed to reserve the room.  If you select this option the designated group leader will contact you for payment.   
 
For more information visit:
www.timedoutescape.com
 
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 East MLK Jr Blvd - Charlotte
(20.6 miles from the hotel)
 
If the sport of racing is your thing, you will love a visit to one of Charlotte’s most popular attractions, NASCAR Hall of Fame.  Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte, it’s only XX miles away from the hotel.  The hours of operation on Fridays are from 10am - 5pm.  General Admission is as follows:
Adults - $27
Youth (4-12 y/o) - $20
Seniors (65-up) $24
 
For more information visit:
www.nascarhall.com/
 
Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture
551 S. Tryon Street - Charlotte 
(20.3 miles from the hotel)
 
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, formerly known as the Afro-American Cultural Center, is named for Harvey Gantt, the city's first African-American mayor and the first African-American student at Clemson University.    This rich cultural museum celebrates the contributions of Africans and African- Americans to American culture and serves as a community epicenter for music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs, literature and community outreach.  With so much to see and experience you will not be disappointed if you decide to visit “The Gantt”.  On Fridays the hours of operation from from 12 noon to 6pm.  Admission is Adults - $9; Students, Educators and Seniors - $7; Youth 5 & under - free.
 
For more information visit:
https://www.ganttcenter.org/

Discovery Place Science
301 N. Tryon Street - Charlotte 
(21.8 miles from the hotel)
 
Discover one of the Carolinas’ top attractions—Discovery Place Science! This captivating destination offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, making it a top choice for things to do in Charlotte. Explore a wealth of interactive exhibits, awe-inspiring experiments and fascinating displays that bring science to life. The hours of operation on Fridays are 9:30am - 4:30pm. Admission is as follows:

Online Ticket Price:
Adults: $24
Children $19
Seniors: $21
Under 2y/o: free
 
At the Door Ticket Prices:
Adults: $29
Children $24
Seniors: $26
Under 2y/o: free

For more information visit:
https://discoveryplace.org/

Museum of Illusions
601 S. Tryon Street - Charlotte
(20.2 miles from the hotel)
 
Everything is possible at Museum of Illusions Charlotte! Immerse yourself in our intriguing visual, sensory, and educational experience. Find out more about our fascinating exhibits, Discover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. Our exhibits will teach you that nothing is ever quite as it seems, especially in the Museum of Illusions. Get ready to be mesmerized!
 
The hours of operation on Fridays is 10am - 10pm.
 
They offer 2 types of tickets:
Adult (ages 13+) - $24
Child (ages 5 - 12) - $20
Seniors* (ages 60+) - $22
Flex Ticket - $28
 
For more information visit:
https://moicharlotte.com/
 
Carowinds Amusement Park
14523 Carowinds Blvd - Charlotte 
(14.7 miles from the hotel)
 
Carowinds is where the Carolinas come together for fun! For 50 years, families and friends chose Carowinds for an amazing day the Carolina way. Only at Carowinds will you find more than 60 world class rides, Carolinas’ best waterpark, live entertainment, Camp Snoopy, and downhome Carolina cuisine. Family-friendly special events keep guests coming back for new ways to play all season long. At our well-appointed on-site hotel and beautiful campground you can turn your Carowinds stay into a fun getaway. From the moment you get here, you’ll see that Carowinds is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina and South Carolina. Carowinds’ is open from 10am to 10pm on Fridays. Admission is as follows:

3yrs old & up
$39.99 online
$79.99 at the gate
* (2 y/o and under free)
 
For more information please visit:
https://www.carowinds.com/

Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy - Charlotte 
(20 miles from the hotel)
 
Take your pick between more than 30 different land and water activities at the Whitewater Center, a 1,300-acre facility about 15 miles west of Uptown Charlotte along the Catawba River. At the world's largest human-made whitewater river, you'll have your choice of a variety of activities, including kayaking (both flatwater and whitewater), stand-up paddle boarding, and, of course, whitewater rafting. In fact, the center is home to one of the best whitewater rafting tours in North Carolina. If you'd prefer to stay dry, the center can accommmodate you there, too: land activities include mountain biking, rock climbing and zip lining, with plenty of running trails and obstacle courses for those with a competitive edge. Though most of the center's activities require the purchase of a pass, access to its more than 50 miles of trails is free.

For more information and the cost of activity passes, please visit:
https://center.whitewater.org/

Charlotte Premium Outlet
5404 New Fashion Way - Charlotte 
(16.4 miles from the hotel)

Charlotte Premium Outlets is North Carolina's newest upscale outlet center and features an impressive collection of fashion designers, luxury brands and name brand manufacturers. The 398,421 square-foot center offers 100 notable upscale outlet stores including Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Cole Haan, kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th at savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. Visit the website for a complete list.
 
Levine Museum of the New South
401 S. Tryon Street - Charlotte
(20 miles from the hotel)
 
Levine Museum of the New South confronts difficult issues through history to inspire a better future. Thirty years ago, Levine Museum of the New South was founded as a history museum that would tell everyone’s story – a radical idea at the time and a radical idea still. This museum was founded as a place that would use exhibits and programs to confront some of the most difficult issues facing us today in the historical context that deepens understanding, fosters empathy, and inspires action toward a better future. Long before the practice was commonplace, Levine Museum created exhibitions and programs with, for, and about the diverse communities we serve. Thirty years ago, Levine Museum redefined the role of the history museum in community. On Fridays, the museum is open from 11 - 5pm and is free of charge.

For more information please visit:
https://www.museumofthenewsouth.org/

Explore on Your Own

Have fun and let us know if you have any questions.


Charlotte Reunion Committee 
For the past several months, the Charlotte Reunion Committee has been hard at work planning memorable, family friendly activities while trying to keep everything affordable without sacrificing quality.  This has not been an easy task considering the country's current economy.  However, the committee has been dedicated and laser focused in making this reunion a success.  Please feel free to contact any of us with any questions or concerns you may and we will do our best to assist. 
Kelly Abernathy
Committee chairperson
Daughter of Garlen Jr. & Lucille Abernathy
WL Abernathy Branch
Traci Evans Simmons
committee co-chairperson
Daughter of Robert & Jean Evans
WL Abernathy Branch
 Brielle Simmons
Committee member
Daughter of Bruce & Traci Simmons
WL Abernathy Branch
Jadon Porch
Committee member
Son of Kelly Abernathy
WL Abernathy Branch
Jean Abernathy Evans
committee member
Daughter of Garlen Sr, & Elizabeth Abernathy
WL Abernathy Branch
Ora Abernathy White
Committee member
Daughter of Gregory & Doris Abernathy
WL Abernathy Branch

Alicia Abernathy
committee member
Daughter of Gregory & Doris Abernathy
WL Abernathy Branch
Eldridge Abernathy Glover
Committee member
Daughter of Clarence & Hattie Abernathy
WL Abernathy Branch

Jonathan Evans
Commmittee Member
Son of Robert & Jean Evans
WL Abernathy Branch
Kahrema Evans
Committee Member
Daughter-in Law of Robert & Jean Evans
WL Abernathy Branch
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
In order to attend the 52nd Abernathy Family Reunion, we need you to complete the registration form.  There is a button which can be found at the top of this page that says "REGISTRATION FORM". The registration form will provide you with several payment options for your convenience.  One of those options is to pay by credit card.  If you would like to pay by credit card, please click on the button below that says: "CREDIT CARD PAYMENT" 
Join us on July 25
We look forward to hosting you!

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