Fairbanks Family in the West Reunion, July 29, 2000!

Saturday, July 29, 2000, saw the big event of the year - the Fairbanks Family in the West Reunion. Our theme this year was "Family Unity for the Future." Here's a quick run-down of some of the events:

Things got started early on Saturday morning at This is the Place Heritage Park. We met at the Social Hall for breakfast and a welcome from Co-President, Leah Poulsen. Those who were feeling adventurous went on a wagon ride around the Park or toured the Fairbanks home, exploring even the rarely-seen upstairs areas.

At mid-morning the group went on a safari to another location: an LDS ward house on Sunnyside Avenue. There we were surrounded by talent of our great artistic family, with many displays set up for our enjoyment. Some of these displays included paintings, needlework, and quilts from Carolyn Barrani and Joseph N. Fairbanks.

Just before lunch a business meeting was held. Leah Poulsen related intriguing stories about some of our famous and infamous relatives.

One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to hear the outstanding musical and poetic talents of members of the family. The variety and the performances were remarkable. They were: Bonnie Jean McDonald, piano, Joan Reynolds, piano, Ginger Fairbanks, piano, James and Georgia Fairbanks, vocal duet, Chandelle Fairbanks, violin, Annette Kirk Harmon and Allison Kirk Daniels, Piano and Cello duet, and Douglas Fairbanks, poetry reading written by his father Farrall Fairbanks.

The icing on the cake was the chance to see slides of artistic works by Avard Fairbanks, with commentary by Grant Fairbanks.

With about 100 people in attendance, this was definitely a reunion to remember. A BIG "Thank you!" goes out to all the family members who took care of the little ones in the nursery. These young Fairbanks children really enjoyed themselves by making crafts and participating in carefully planned activities. Thanks too to those who did all the work of setting up, preparing and serving truly wonderful food, and cleaning up. Special thanks to all who shared their talents of music, poetry, arts and crafts. We are very grateful to the family committee who put in a lot of hours to get the word out. And, of course, "Thank you" to all who came from near and far to make this a day of "Family Unity."

By David Poulson