The 22nd Annual Reunion
of
The Lance-Lantz-Lentz-Lence People, Inc. ("4L")

June 12-14, 2009 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

 Are you ready for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains?  The 2009 reunion is now planned to take place in scenic Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

Reunion Details

Whether you are an "old-timer" who has attended many of our family reunions or you have never attended one before, we invite all to join us for a time of fun, food & fellowship this year in the Smokies!

We will be having various activities throughout the weekend:  An informal "get-to-know-you" time on Friday evening, a historical forum with family genealogists on Saturday morning, a dinner banquet on Saturday evening, and a special devotional service on Sunday morning.  All reunion activities will take place in the large meeting room at our hotel.

Reunion Accommodations

Hotel accommodations have been reserved at the Greystone Lodge at the Aquarium, which is in Gatlinburg itself directly across from (you guessed it) the Ripley's Aquarium.  The hotel is very easy to find and has sufficient parking for hotel guests.  The Gatlinburg trolley is also located across the street, which you can ride to the different areas of Gatlinburg... however, several attractions are an easy stroll from the hotel.

All reunion activities will take place in the hotel's main meeting room, and our reserved block of rooms are located close to this room.

Our reserved block of rooms are standard rooms with 2 double beds, and 1-4 people can stay in a room for the special group rate of $77 per night (+ 12.5% tax).  Other room options are available for discounted group rates such as handicapped-access rooms & rooms with king beds, although these may be located a little further from the meeting room.  Other room types not included in our reserved block are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Our reserved block of standard rooms will be held until May 30, 2009, and then released.  (You can call after this time to check if any rooms are available.)

The hotel features a deluxe continental breakfast with biscuits & gravy, hot & cold cereals, bagels, fruit, and so on.

The reservation period has now started and you can call at any time to make your reservation.  Click here for the hotel web site and its toll-free phone number.  When calling, mention you are with the "Lance Family Reunion" to get the special group rates.

Motor homes: If you are traveling by motor home, the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area also have many campgrounds available.  Trolley stops are available at many of the campgrounds to help you get to where you need to go during your stay!

What Do I Need to Bring To the Reunion?

Whenever you come to a 4L reunion, everyone likes to see any special "family heritage" materials you have from your branch of the family. These are things in which you think others would have an interest -- for example, newspaper clippings from those in your family who have done significant things, pictures of your family in unique or special places, unusual or entertaining stories, family handmade items like quilts, pillows, or other crafts, pictures & tales from your branch ancestors, and so on.

At the 4L reunion we have so many different family branches represented. We often don't know the tales, the experiences, the talents, and the accomplishments of other branches. A major draw for people at our reunions is a desire to learn more about your own personal history and the other branches.

The key thing to think about is: What could I bring that would help others to know our family branch better... to help others have a deeper love and appreciation of our overall family heritage?

If you are one of the family historians for your branch of the family (every tribe has one!), then I would also plan on bringing enough of your research so you can "connect" with other family researchers. We often have people attend that only have a basic knowledge of their ancestry, and they are looking for others in the same family branch to help them understand how they connect into the family tree.

We also have a fundraising silent auction each year during the reunion to pay the costs of organizing reunions.  We would appreciate any donations you may have to support the organization.  Special handmade family items (such as quilts, woodwork, etc.) are especially treasured!

Area Attractions

The Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area is well-known for its dozens of attractions, its shopping experience, and beautiful setting in the heart of the Smokies.  There is something here for everyone of all ages!  While in the area for the reunion, be sure to take some extra time to enjoy all that this area has to offer.

Here are some links to information to help you plan your visit:

Main Gatlinburg Web Site

Great Smoky Mountains - NPS Information

  Attractions in Nearby Pigeon Forge

Reunion Schedule

Here is our schedule for the 2009 reunion!

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 by The Lance-Lantz-Lentz-Lence People, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.
These pages maintained by Don Lance.  Send comments to 4L@TheLances.org.