Weekend Breakdown
Learn more about the Redmond Reunion Events
Opening Reception and Dinner
Friday, July 17th, 7-10 PM at Westin Chicago NW
The reunion officially begins here.
Friday evening is where it all starts with a beautiful sit-down, three-course dinner and reception designed to welcome every branch of the Redmond family together for the first time this weekend. Come dressed to impress, ready to reconnect, and prepared to celebrate.
Guests will have a chance to move around and greet the wider family throughout the night.
The Evening's Program
As you enter the room, you'll be welcomed by a gallery of our ancestors. Full-size images of the 12 children of Andrew and Mary Redmond will be around the room, creating a gallery walk experience that sets the tone for the entire weekend.
The reception will open with a traditional libation ceremony — a meaningful tribute to the ancestors who came before us and made this gathering possible. Dinner will follow, with a carefully selected menu, and the evening will continue with music, interactive family trivia, and plenty of time to laugh, share, and celebrate together.
A Welcome Gift and Family Zine will be available at each table, featuring family history, a completed family tree, and stories from across the branches.
Details
Dress: Dressy casual to semi-formal
Dinner and non-alcoholic beverages included
Memory Lab
Saturday, July 18th , 9 AM-12 PM at Westin Chicago NW
Our family history deserves to be preserved. Let us help you do it.
The Redmond Family Memory Lab is one of the most unique experiences of our reunion weekend. The Memory Lab is a dedicated morning where family members can bring their old photos, documents, letters, and keepsakes to be professionally scanned, digitized, and preserved for generations to come.
This is a living archive. A chance to make sure that faded photos, handwritten letters, and treasured papers don't disappear with time. The items you bring will be digitized and saved to a flash drive for you to take home, at no cost to you.
How It Works
Sign-up slots are required — appointments will open after registration closes. Each slot allows you to bring a select number of items to be scanned by trained volunteers at one of our three scanning stations. An audio recording station will also be available for anyone who wants to sit down and share an oral history, a memory, or a story for the family archive. Volunteer interviewers will guide the conversation, all you have to do is talk.
A printed guide on how to continue preserving your photos and documents at home will be available for every attendee to take with them.
What to Bring
Old family photos (loose or in albums)
Documents, letters, certificates, newspaper clippings
Any paper keepsakes you'd like digitized
Stories! We want to hear them
Space is limited. Sign-up details will be sent after registration closes.
Picnic in the Park
Saturday, July 18th , 1-5 PM at Busse Woods
Come hungry, come ready to play, and come ready to make memories.
The Redmond Family Reunion Picnic is the heart of our weekend. A full day of food, fun, and togetherness out in nature. There’s room for every generation to find their joy, whether that's competing in a game of Jumbo Jenga, dancing to the DJ, or simply sitting in the shade catching up with family you haven't seen in years.
What to Expect
We'll games set up throughout the day, including Jumbo Yard Games, Bean Toss, Musical Chairs, Sack Races, and more. Prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon. A professional photographer will be on-site capturing family portraits and candid moments all day long. Inflatables will be on-site for the kids (and the kids at heart), and a DJ will keep the energy going all afternoon.
Of course, there will be some good food, cooler stations will be set up with water and beverages to keep everyone refreshed as well.
What to Bring
Lawn chairs — there's no such thing as too many!
Your Redmond Reunion Tee, comfy jeans and shoes for being outdoors
Your best competitive spirit
Rain plan and contingency details will be communicated closer to the event date, if necessary.
Church and Brunch (Optional)
Sunday, July 19th at New Mt. Moriah (time tba)
End the weekend the way we started it — together.
Before everyone hits the road, we'll close out the reunion with a Sunday morning church service followed by brunch. It's a chance to slow down, give thanks, and squeeze in a few more moments with family before heading home.
After service, we’ll head to brunch (TBA). Brunch is not included in registration fee.
Church details and recommended brunch spots nearby will be shared closer to the date.