Submitted by Noreen Bridge
A well planned, very well executed event, the Bridge Family Reunion was held the weekend of August 21–23 at Paul Bridge’s home in Hope Bay.
This reunion was headed by Wendy (Bridge) Cameron, her brother Paul Bridge and Katherine Bridge in honor of Albert Bridge and Mary (Hayes) Bridge.
The Family Descendants of Albert Bridge were Robert Bridge, Nellie Bridge-Jenks, John Bridge, William Bridge, Clark Bridge, Gertrude Bridge (deceased at 3 yrs), James Bridge, Herbert Bridge, Wesley Bridge, Velma Bridge and Melvin Bridge.
Friday afternoon was a busy time at the registration desk manned by Rosemarie (Bridge) McNeil, along with family members and Noreen Bridge.
Saturday morning was a time to put the finishing touches together after several months of preparation by the committee. Attendees were getting acquainted with family members from Alberta and from Ontario. During this time everyone had a chance to look over the poster boards on display from each descendant.
Before the dinner preparation started there was a small table of popcorn and candy, along with Corn on the Cob.
Outside the main doors there was a pig roasting all day, prepared by “Smokeshow”, throwing off a wonderful mouthwatering flavor.
There were many tables set up with donations to be auctioned off, with the main item being 3 binders of family genealogy, prepared by Wesley Bridge (Capreol) and his two sons, Jason and Clark, of Greater Sudbury. I think everyone wanted in on this item! There were also mugs with our family crest, family crests that were framed and many other items.
There was a wonderful buffet styled meal that was prepared by all family members, displaying a various array of appealing palette-pleasing food.
Sunday morning we were honored with a breakfast of bacon, ham and eggs on a bun, prepared by David Bridge with the help of Karen (Ironmonger) Bridge. There was enough leftover food to enjoy as the morning went.
It then was time to say goodbye to all our western family as they had a long travel day ahead of them.
We had around 290-300 people in attendance. Family came as far away as Newlands Valley, BC, Sylvan Lake, AB, Bashaw, AB, Red Deer, AB, Welland, ON, Tara, ON, Oshawa, ON, Wiarton, ON, Hepworth, ON, Hanover, ON, Kincardine, ON, Belle River, ON, Owen Sound, ON, Lively, ON, Sudbury, ON, Ancaster, ON, Copetown ON and Port Colbourne, ON just to name a few.
