Edwards-Hawkins Family Reunion
Labor Day Weekend
It is our pleasure to announce an Edwards-Hawkins Family Reunion in Albany GA, September 4-6, 2026
our story
For as long as we can remember, the extended branches of the Edwards and Hawkins families have found their way down that dusty dirt road to Mother and Da’s farmhouse. What began as simple gatherings slowly grew into structured reunions in the 1970s. As our family circle widened, so did the celebrations. Babies were born, stories were added, traditions were passed down — and the reunion became more than an event. It became a touchstone.While we’ve continued to gather for weddings, homegoings, graduations, and milestone moments, our last official family reunion was in 2002. Far too long ago.Reunion 2026 is long overdue — and our hearts are full with anticipation as we prepare to come together over Labor Day weekend. Three days of activities are planned, but the true highlight will always be the same: family, fellowship, food — and giving thanks together. We gather to celebrate not just our name, but the legacy, love, faith, and laughter that make us Edwards and Hawkins.Let us gather in gratitude. Let us laugh loudly. Let us pray together. Let us honor those who came before us by strengthening the bonds they worked so hard to build.Start planning now. Make the calls. Mark your calendars. Come home.With joy and great expectation,
Your Reunion Committee
The siblings: Inez, Al, Pearl, Vera, and Hazel
The cousins: Ilene, Audrey, Yolanda, Earl, Sondra, Porscha, Portia, and Lesley
Let's rekindle the memories
The hot South Georgia summers. The long stretch of Georgia clay road leading to Mother and Da’s house. And then — the sights, sounds, and smells that met you the moment you stepped out of the car. Jip’s eager bark announcing your arrival. Mother snapping peas into a big metal bowl while something good simmered on that old gas stove. A hymn humming softly from someone in the kitchen. The steady rhythm of rainstorms dancing on the tin roof. The sound of grace being said before a meal. The type of grace that before the food was blessed, there was an earnest prayer. The kind of prayer that thanked the Lord for traveling mercies. The kind that called out each child and grandchild by name. The kind rooted in old-time Southern religion — strong, steady, and unwavering. Those moments are forever etched in our hearts.That farmhouse was more than a house. It was home.Home is where nourishing meals met hearty laughter. Where Scripture was quoted as easily as stories were told. Where elders reminded us to keep God first and family close. Where generations gathered under one roof, and no one left the same way they came. You might have arrived tired from the journey, but you left restored — spirit lifted, soul full.
This September, in Albany and on the farm, we have the opportunity to feel that again and make more memories together.
reunion details, sept 4-6
Day 1 The reunion will kick off with an evening welcome party around the motel pool on. Come reconnect, meet and greet.Day 2 begins with a journey to the family homestead where we will reminisce about farm life and learn more about our family's lore and story before taking a hayride tour of the property. While on the farm we will try our hand at harvesting crops by hand, then return to Mt Olive Church for a BBQ. Our reunion gala will take place at Merry Acres event center that evening.Day 3 Finally, we'll join up at a local park activity hall, begin with a family-led worship service and Sunday meal before concluding with friendly sporting competitions -- fishing in the pond, participating in family field day games and group sports, or cheering on those who do!
register . buy merch . motel
Start planning to attend now!!
Both registration and room blocks are open.Register + Pay When registering, you will be asked to select how many reunion events each member of your party wants to attend - all 4 events ($100 per person) OR individual events ($25-$50 per event). Pay by cash, credit card, or buy now pay later options. For all events other than the Gala, children 6 and under are free.
Please register & pay using the link above, if you are able. Mail-in registration remains available for all others using our printable registration form and following its mail-in registration and payment instructions. Registration is complete once you complete the registration form, pay, and receive confirmation of both. Once registered, you will receive attendee updates this summer.
Registration closes on 4 July.Buy Merchandise Themed merchandise is available for preorder purchase and will be ready for pick up at the reunion. Reunion t-shirts, 8x10 inch copies of our group photo, souvenir programs (that will include detailed history and an address book), and a 2027 calendar (complete with family members' birthdays and family recipes). Prepurchase here or via mail for those who complete mail-in registration. To cut down on overage, we plan to purchase a finite number of each product. To guarantee you get the items you want, we have established a 4 July prepurchase cutoff.Accommodations We are thrilled to be staying at the Merry Acres Inn. The Inn is centrally located and boasts a swimming pool, pub open daily 4-9pm, and bar with curated cocktails open daily 4-10pm, as well as event space where we will hold two of four reunion events. Your stay includes complimentary continental breakfast and shuttle service to/from the Albany airport. When you register, use the code EDWARDSREUNION to access our special room rate of $115/ngt. Each room sleeps 4 and you can select between a room with two queens or a king and sleeper sofa.
Thank You
We cannot wait to see you this September!
Your reunion committee