The greater West family gathered for an afternoon of food, friendship and music on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Pavilion B at the Petit Jean Mountain State Park, near the scene of the old West family homestead in Conway County, Arkansas.  The descendants of Owen West and Jane McClure arrived from across the country to renew old friendships and make new ones.  Of course, we "Arkies" were present in force to celebrate with a potluck dinner that featured pulled pork and ribs.  
 

Click group photo to enlarge

The group photo, above, represents a portion of the family members who were present at the event (estimated at over one hundred West kin).  Several had already departed by the time the picture was taken.  Those who remained, however, were treated to some "down-home" country music, courtesy of West cousins Ireland Barnes, Helen Barnes, James West, and Carol Eubanks.

Also on hand were at least two grandchildren of the Seven West Brothers.  One of those was a grandson of Samuel Claude West, Cecil West, and the other a granddaughter of Ephriam Miles West.

  
Cecil West (L) and a Granddaughter of Ephriam West (R)

We had a great time and really enjoyed meeting with our kinsmen and look forward to the next gathering of the Wests.  Thanks to Sheila West Edwards and daughter Robin Bird for putting the 2011 edition of the annual event together.

  
Shelia West Edwards (L) and daughter Robin (R)

If anyone has information about or photos of the reunion (or any other West family related subject) that they would like to share, please feel free to contact me at jws@westclan.info .  Thanks again to everyone for a great afternoon.  JWS

       
A few of the young West cousins get acquainted.
 

The West musicians are just getting warmed up.  Can't wait 
until next year!