Thirty-one Bidwell cousins gathered in Phoenix, Arizona at the Embassy Suites Phoenix-Biltmore for the 2014 BFA Reunion. Reunion attendees came from 13 states and as far away as Australia!
Activities began with a trolley ride through the city of Phoenix and Scottsdale. We enjoyed a delicious box lunch as our guide offered informative facts about the 6th largest city in the United States.
We stopped at the internationally acclaimed “Heard Museum” as part of our Friday afternoon tour. The museum boasts 11 spacious exhibit galleries and beautiful outdoor courtyards which feature outstanding traditional and contemporary American Indian Art.
Friday evening we attended a “Murder Mystery” dinner show. We all enjoyed watching Bidwell cousins, who were chosen from the audience, have their “moment of fame” in the dinner show!
At the BFA Board meeting, held on Saturday morning, we regretfully accepted the resignation of our President, Don Bidwell, our Treasurer, Richard Bidwell and our Newsletter Editor, Louise Fahey. We extend our deepest appreciation to Don, Richard, and Louise for their years of service and contributions.
The Board of Directors nominated and voted into office the following: President, Tina Bidwell – 1st Vice President, Zebulon Bidwell and Treasurer, John Bidwell Jr.
The above officers were sworn in during the BFA General Meeting which was held on Saturday evening. Following that meeting, we gathered for our annual banquet, memorial service, and auction. We enjoyed delicious food and an enjoyable evening at the annual auction.
Bidwell cousins attending the Sunday tour traveled down the Apache Trail to the Dolly Steamboat for a relaxing cruise on Canyon Lake. The lake is nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains giving us breathtaking scenery and even some long horn sheep along the way.
After our cruise, we visited the town of Tortilla Flat, which is an authentic Old West Town. We were able to mosey down the boardwalk to the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant. Real saddles serve as bar stools and the wall paper is made from real dollar bills from visitors all over the world, making this a very unique place to visit! We enjoyed a hearty lunch then had time to explore the town.
Sunday night we returned to the hotel and gathered in the atrium for dessert and socializing. We left on Monday morning with fond memories of the time we spent together with our Bidwell cousins!
Our reunion was wonderfully planned by reunion host, Ann Cline.
2014 Bidwell Family Reunion – Phoenix, Arizona
