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Rogers' Family Reunion Weekend a Grand Success!

“The family reunion trip was a blast…everything, it was just so awesome” exclaimed an elated, and recently engaged, Ms. Yolawnda Rogers of Cincinnati, Ohio, the grand prize winner of the 2006 Prince George’s Family Reunion Sweepstakes. Ms. Rogers and 47 of her family members gathered in the reunion capital this weekend to celebrate their 10th annual family reunion, paid and sponsored by the Prince George's Conference and Visitors Bureau, the Marriott Greenbelt, Six Flags America and First Priority Trailways bus tours.

Ms. Rogers and her family spent the entire weekend laughing and catching up, and yes, there were even some tears. Yolawnda said her and her family, “just feel so blessed, and so welcomed by the entire County.” Rogers's daughter, Nushayla, 9, who has been part of the reunion planning committee since learning her family had won, expressed that she was glad to see relatives she hadn't seen in a long time, and couldn't wait to "Go to Six Flags and ride the roller coaster!"

A luncheon held on Friday, Aug. 3rd welcomed Yolawnda and her family to Prince George’s County. Then on Saturday, after a buffet-style breakfast and genealogy workshop, the family took a bus tour to the 19th century mansion, Riversdale House and museum, as well as the University of Maryland College Park. Six Flags America Family Theme Park was next on the agenda, where the family enjoyed a catered picnic at the park’s private pavilion. The laughter-filled day came to a close with a banquet at the hotel Marriott in Greenbelt. The next morning, the family attended a Sunday morning service at Woodstream Church in Mitchellville before leaving for home. A photographer and videographer followed the family throughout the weekend to capture their fond memories.

According to Ms. Rogers, “Highlights of the trip would be my engagement, the royal service from all the hotel staff, the wonderful people at Prince George’s County Conference & Visitors Bureau, the touring agency, and meeting the First Lady. The entire trip was a blast and not one thing out-weighed the other because it was so awesome. My family and I just really appreciate everything and thank Prince George’s County for bringing us together.”