2024 REUNION, North Platte, NE
We've extended the Registration Deadline to May 15th!
If you need to cancel your Ramada hotel reservations, do so by May 31st!
Click here for a Souvenir Map of North Platte!
Make your own plans to travel to North Platte. If you're flying, North Platte Regional (LBF) Airport is exclusively seviced by United Airlines through Denver (DEN). There’s no passenger train service, but Greyhound has a bus stop in North Platte.
Our Headquarters Hotel is the Ramada by Wyndham, located at 2102 South Jeffers Street, North Platte, NE 69101.
TAKE ACTION NOW: Please call the hotel directly ASAP to book your reservation while rooms are still available. They will only have vacancies for a very short period of time due to the large gathering for the NebraskaLand Days Festivities.
To book your room(s), guests must call the Ramada at 308-532-9090 or 308-224-9538 and mention that you are with the "Cody’s Family Reunion" to receive our special group rate.
| Our Special Group Rate Pricing: |
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| Reserve Now! Reservations close on May 15th! |
We recommend you use each activity’s "Add to Cart" button to enter a reservation for each type of person in your party, Adult, Child or Senior. Then you can adjust quantities using PayPal.com’s Shopping Cart page. |
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| Review Your Reservations! Cancel by May 1st to avoid 10% penalty. |
Use the "View Cart" button to adjust quantities to suit your needs. If the Shopping Car’s "Continue Shopping" link doesn’t return you to this page, go to the top of your screen and close the latest tab. |
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Thursday, June 13 6:30 - 9:30am Click for a map of today’s activities! |
Breakfast On Your Own Free breakfast for Ramada guests, or you can "Pay As You Go" at the Starbucks or Penny’s Diner nearby, or the Espresso Shop on East 4th Street further away. |
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8:30am - 12pm |
Welcome Registration at North Platte’s Ramada by Wyndham Lobby 2102 South Jeffers Street (US 83), North Platte, 3 stars The Ramada is conveniently located 5 miles from North Platte Regional Airport (LBF). Take advantage of their amenities, including free hot breakfast buffet, complimentary WiFi and free outdoor parking. Also, you’ll find an indoor pool, relaxing hot tub, fitness center and an American-style bar and grill! Reservation Fees go towards venue donations and miscellaneous Reunion costs, so we don’t have to collect for Cody Park Railroad Museum donations, Picnic Shelter costs, the ICFA Float or the drinks/chips/cookies costs. Check in and pick up your Gift Bag and meet and greet your Cuzzins! Late arrivals, contact Dwight Cody at 617-908-6258 to get your Gift Bag. |
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| 12 - 1pm Pay As You Go! |
Lunch on Your Own There’s an Applebee’s, a Starbucks, a Qdoba, a Ruby Tuesday’s or Penny’s Diner, all near the Ramada. Further afield, we recommend Two Brothers (Bar Food), Tempura (Japanese), La Hacienda (Mexican), the Espresso Shop (Breakfast & Lunch), Good Life on the Bricks (BBQ), the Cedar Room (American), The House of Oriental Foods (Asian), or Pals Brewing (Pizza & Beer). |
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| 1 - 1:30pm |
Motorcade to the Grain Bin Antique Town 10641 Old Highway 83 Road, North Platte Situated about 8 miles south of the Ramada, Grain Bin is a unique collection of ’Americana’ from all over Nebraska! |
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| 1:30 - 3pm Free Admission! |
Stroll their Boardwalk and Shop! Clustered on a hilltop in a scenic canyon south of town, Grain Bin Antique Town consists of 20 historic grain bins and a massive barn that are connected by a boardwalk to form a huge and eclectic collection of antiques and primitives. You’ll find everything from old signage and advertisements to farm implements and cow skulls! |
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| 3 - 3:30pm |
Motorcade to the Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard 1249 North Homestead Road, North Platte The Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte is the largest railroad classification yard in the world. Named in honor of former Union Pacific President Edd H. Bailey, the massive yard covers 2,850 acres, reaching a total length of eight miles. The yard is located in the midst of key east-west and north-south corridors, on the busiest freight rail line in America, making it a critical component of Union Pacific’s rail network. |
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| 3:30 - 3:45pm |
Meetup in the Golden Spike Tower Lobby The lobby of the Golden State features a "Hall of Fame" that honors the influential people that helped to build Bailey Yard. The lobby also features different equipment exhibits and a model train as well as a gift shop. |
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| 3:45 - 5:45pm |
Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center Private Tour! The idea of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center was first conceived in the mid-1990s as Union Pacific’s viewing platform was falling into disrepair. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center opened on June 26, 2008. Take a ride up the elevator to the 7th floor open air observation deck to experience the sights and sounds of the rail yard, or the 8th floor for enclosed viewing. |
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| 5:45 - 6pm |
Motorcade to Another Round Grill at the River’s Edge Golf Club 1008 West 18th Street, North Platte Located on the grounds of the River’s Edge Golf Club, Another Round is where fun meets fine dining, with the relaxed atmosphere of a sports bar, and the sophisticated menu and service that you expect from an upscale restaurant! |
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| 6 - 7:15pm |
Another Round Pulled Pork & Chicken Buffet Sit inside or relax on their deck to enjoy your Pulled Pork & Chicken with Baked Beans, Salad, Soup, Texas Toast, Chips & Soft Drink! |
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| 7:15 - 8pm |
Motorcade to the Wild West Arena 2801 Charlie Evans Drive, North Platte This incredible venue has seen some of the best shows to play North Platte, including the NEBRASKAland DAYS Buffalo Bill Rodeo, which has called the Arena home since 1971. Annually, NEBRASKAland DAYS brings about $21.5 million into Lincoln County’s economy in 10 days! |
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| 8 - 10pm |
NEBRASKAland DAYS Buffalo Bill Rodeo! The NEBRASKAland DAYS Buffalo Bill Rodeo was founded as the "Old Glory Blowout" on July 4, 1882 by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. It's recognized by the PRCA as the world's first spectator rodeo. North Platte’s first NEBRASKAland DAYS event was held in 1968, three years before The Wild West Arena was completed. NEBRASKAland DAYS has been a source of tradition and community pride throughout Nebraska and has won many awards. |
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Friday, June 14 6:30 - 9:30am Click for a map of today’s activities! |
Breakfast On Your Own Free breakfast for Ramada guests, or you can "Pay As You Go" at the Starbucks or Penny’s Diner nearby, or the Espresso Shop on East 4th Street further away. |
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| 9:45-10am |
Motorcade to Dusty Trails 2617 North Buffalo Bill Avenue, North Platte Dusty Trails is located just outside of Buffalo Bill’s Scouts Rest Ranch, here you can experience a taste of the Wild West! Ride horseback through Buffalo Bill’s original ranch or float down the iconic North Platte River in a tank, tube, canoe, or kayak. Please bring a change of clothes for the North Platte River Float event! |
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| 10am - 12pm |
Dusty Trails Horseback Ride! We’ll ride from Dusty Trails to Scout’s Rest Ranch and back! Horseback riding is one of the most relaxing exercises you can do with friends and family! Hang out at their Petting Zoo while the staff gets your mount saddled and ready to ride! |
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| 12 - 1pm |
Pop Corner Catered Lunch at Dusty Trails We’ll feast on assorted Sandwiches and Chips, Veggies with Dip, Tossed or Caeser Salad, Veggie Pasta, Beverages and Desserts! |
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| 1 - 3pm |
Dusty Trails North Platte River Float! The trip is about 2 miles long, beginning at Dusty Trails and ending at Cody Park, where they’ll pick us up. Tanks hold 3 to 8 people and have benches with the added bonus of extra room for a cooler. Bring sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat, or carry an umbrella or parasol and change clothes in their rest rooms! |
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| 3 - 4:30pm |
Return to your hotel to rest & change wet clothes Freshen up and get ready for more fun! |
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| 4:30 - 4:45pm |
Motorcade to the Lincoln County Historical Museum & Western Heritage Village 2403 North Buffalo Bill Avenue, North Platte Built by the Lincoln County Historical Society, it opened its doors on July 4, 1976, and has been growing ever since. It now encompasses approximately 8 acres that includes the main museum building and an entire village made up of primarily historic structures from the Lincoln County area. A visit to this compelling museum will immerse you in the native culture and history of this region of the Great Plains. |
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4:45 - 5pm
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Meet "Buffalo Bill" & See the Shootout Skit! The Museum offers events that give visitors a chance to experience history up close. Cowboy fast draw, bailing hay, Native American dancing, even anvil shooting provide colorful vignettes of our past. You’ll see the 1885 Union Pacific Brady Island Depot, Platte Valley Barn, the Rowland House, the Dick Neve Barber Shop, the Birdwood School, Trinity Lutheran Church, a General Store, the Pony Express Blacksmith Cabin, the Fort McPherson Cabin and more! |
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5 - 7pm
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Browse Lincoln County Historical Museum’s Western Heritage Village! 2403 North Buffalo Bill Ave, North Platte During WWII, North Platte was a major railroad hub for service men and women as they travelled crosscountry. One resident asked "Why can't we, the people of North Platte... start a fund and open a Canteen now?" It served 1,000 customers per day and closed in 1946 after over 4 years of good work. |
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6 - 6:30pm
for Group A 6:30-7pm for Group B |
Cowboy Cookout Dutch Oven Dinner Lincoln County Historical Museum Dine in the open air with a Dutch Oven Dinner of Beef Stew, Veggies, Cornbread, Apple Cobbler and a Soft Drink! We’ll accomodate their facilities by splitting into 2 groups. |
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7-7:15pm
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Ride With the Wild Bunch Hayride & Storytelling with "Buffalo Bill" Group A and Group B each get their own wagon! Since we'll be taking 2 wagons on the hayride to Scout's Rest, our historical interpreter, "Buffalo Bill", will ride over on one wagon and ride back on the other, telling stories along the way! |
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7:15-8:30pm |
"Buffalo Bill’s" Private Tour of Scout’s Rest Ranch Our guide will show us the Mansion, Barn and Grounds of Scout’s Rest! The original two-story house was built in 1886 for Al and Julia Goodman, Cody’s sister and brother-in-law who managed the ranch. The house was built by Patrick Walsh, a native of North Platte, for $3,900. |
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8:30 - 8:45pm
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Wild Bunch Hayride back to Dusty Trails & Storytelling with "Buffalo Bill" We’ll ride back to Dusty Trails from Scout’s Rest in 2 wagons and "Buffalo Bill" will be telling his stories all over again in the other wagon! Scout’s Rest has a reputation for spiritual manifestations, so hold your loved one’s hand on the way back! |
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| 8:45 - 9pm |
Motorcade back to the Ramada It’s been a big day, so why not gather at our Headquarters Hotel and chew the fat around the pool? |
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| 9 - 10pm |
Relax & enjoy Ramada’s Amenities Pool, Hot Tub, Spa, Gym, Arcade, Lounge, Gift Shop & Newstand with Free Coffee, Tea, and Internet. This is a good time to get to know each other, introduce ourselves and ask any genealogical or historical questions you might have about our Cody Family! |
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Saturday, June 15 6:30 - 9:30am Click for a map of today’s activities! |
Breakfast on Your Own Free breakfast for Ramada guests, or you can "Pay As You Go" at the Starbucks or Penny’s Diner nearby, or the Espresso Shop on East 4th Street further away. |
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| 9:30 - 9:45am |
Motorcade to Fort Cody Trading Post 221 Halligan Drive, North Platte It’s been a landmark on the Nebraska prairie since 1963! Visitors that came as children are now bringing their own kids or grand kids to savor that sweet touch of 'Roadside Americana' that is so quickly disappearing in the U.S.A. A stop at Fort Cody is to many visitors, a step back into a more simple and gentle time. To others, it is an exciting adventure to explore and enjoy! |
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| 9:45 - 11am Free Admission! |
See Buffalo Bill’s Wild West in Miniature! This narrated diorama, made by Ernie and Virginia Palmquist, took 12 years to complete and contains over 20,000 hand-carved pieces...many animated! Also, see their Old West Exhibits! and don’t forget to Shop for Souvenirs! |
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| 11am -11:45am Pay As You Go! |
Quick Lunch On Your Own A block north of the Western Nebraska Bank is Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, 2 blocks north of the Bank is a Little Caesar’s pizza and 4 blocks north of the Bank is a KFC. Get your order to go and eat it while we wait! In the map on the right, the Western Nebraska Bank is the circle with the red dot in it. |
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| 11:45 -12pm |
Park at the Western Nebraska Bank lot for Pickup by the ICFA Float 600 South Dewey at 6th Street, North Platte The ICFA Float will pick us up and drop us off here because of the crowds and traffic on Parade Day. |
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| 12 - 1pm Free Admission! |
Ride Our ICFA Parade Float to the Parade Lineup This could be a good time to eat your "To Go" lunch! |
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| 1 - 1:45pm |
March with Our Banner or Ride Our Float! The Parade route runs from Memorial Park, west on East 4th Street to North Dewey Street, takes a left to go south on North Dewey, which turns into South Dewey Street at East A Street, joins US 83, and continues south to East H Street. It’s about a mile and a third and will take about 45 minutes once we leave the Park. Don’t forget to wave at the crowds and smile! |
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| 1:45 - 3pm |
ICFA Float Dropoff to View the Parade! We’ll be at the head of the Parade, so when it ends at East H Street, we’ll double back to catch the rest of the Parade from the Western Nebraska Bank Parking Lot! |
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| 3 - 3:30pm |
Motorcade to the Prairie Arts Center 416 North Jeffers Street, North Platte It’ll take a while for the crowds and traffic to disperse, so try to avoid the Parade Route by taking South Willow or South Vine Street north and turn right onto West 5th Street, go a few blocks and you’re there! |
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| 3:30 - 3:45pm |
Buffalo Bill Art Show in the Prairie Arts Center’s Main Gallery |
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| 3:45 - 4:15pm |
Prairie Arts Center Private Tour! The first floor includes the historic East Marble Hall, with it’s original marble flooring. There’s a beautiful main gallery with wall space for local artists, and a Wildflower Gift Shop. The second floor includes a Library, the Textile Room, offices, a Catering Kitchen, and a Reception Room with an outdoor balcony patio. The third floor hosts art classes and the Ted Long Legacy Room, a tribute to the renowned international artist and North Platte native. |
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| 4:15 - 5pm |
Browse the Prairie Arts Center’s Exhibits in the Main Gallery and in the Sculpture Garden Along with the rest of their exhibits, we’ll see the NEBRASKAland Days Competitive Art Show of western, wildlife and landscape-themed entries in 2-D, 3-D or photography, with cash prizes and awards! |
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5 - 6pm |
Steve Friesen Presents his book, "Galloping Gourmet: Eating & Drinking with Buffalo Bill" in the Prairie Arts Center’s East Marble Hall Steve spent 22 years as Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain in Golden CO. He wrote his first freelance article in 1969 and has been writing everything from articles and book chapters to exhibit labels and grant proposals ever since. His first book, "A Modest Mennonite Home" was published in 1990. Since then, he’s authored "Buffalo Bill: Scout, Showman, Visionary," published in 2010 and "Lakota Performers in Europe," published in 2017. Steve is an avid "foodie" so it’s not surprising that his new book combines his two favorite subjects, Buffalo Bill and food! |
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| 6 - 10pm Pay As You Go! |
Free Time! Your Choice of; Dining on your own at one of North Platte's many restaurants. Gaming at Wild BiII’s Fun Center, they have bowling, laser tag, an arcade, Godfather’s Pizza and Brigham’s Taproom with appetizers, tacos and burgers! Bowling is a form of exercise that lowers your risk of stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, increases bone density, improves circulation, lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and helps your body utilize oxygen better. Racing at Cody Go Karts on their full-size track! It’s a fun place for the entire family with waterslides, rides and games supervised for your safety and enjoyment. Open till 10pm, the Cody Go Karts track is fully lit, so your fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. New drivers, try their "Slick Track" to practice driving on wet pavement! Exploring yourself at the First United Methodist Church’s Alpha Omega Labryrinth! Their eleven-circuit Labyrinth is a spiritual tool used for walking meditation. It embodies a medieval Christian tradition and is a replica of the one on the floor of Chartres Cathedral. Walking it leads to a Sacred Place deep within that engages one in the process of healing and transformation. It is a symbol of unity and wholeness and the winding path takes us to the center, a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. |
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Sunday, June 16 6:30 - 9:30am Click for a map of today’s activities! |
Breakfast on Your Own Free breakfast for Ramada guests, or you can "Pay As You Go" at the Starbucks or Penny’s Diner nearby, or the Espresso Shop on East 4th Street further away. |
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9:30 - 9:45am Free Admission! |
Motorcade to Cody Park 1601 North Jeffers Street, North Platte Cody Park has a zoo, picnic areas, swimming, kiddie rides and an antique carousel with hand-carved horses. We’ll see the statue of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the display of flags from his "Wild West" tours and the Railroad Museum. |
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9:45 - 10:45pm |
Sunday Services at the Cody Park Shelter Covered in case of rain, it’s on the left as you enter the Park! Unwind from the festivities and sing with the Congregation in this non-denominational Sunday Service conducted by our own ICFA Chaplain, Mark June! |
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10:45 - 11pm |
Family Portrait at North Platte’s Buffalo Bill Memorial Statue It’s just a short walk from the Cody Park Shelter! A life-size statue of Buffalo Bill Cody stands guard at the entrance to Cody Park, the site of the original 1882 Old Glory Blowout, a precursor to his famed Wild West Show. It was was donated to the city of North Platte by the citizens of Great Britain. |
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11 - 12:15pm Free Admission! |
Inspect the Pufferbellies at the Cody Park Railroad Museum! It’s in the southeastern part of the Park, only a quarter mile from the Cody Park Shelter! This hands-on museum gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval for having the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display in the world. Number 3977 is not only on display, you can actually climb up and get the engineer’s view before you walk through a series of old rail cars, including a mail car and a caboose, that are filled with old railroad memorabilia from the time when trains were America’s main mode of transportation. In addition to the 3900 series is Unit 6922. The 6900 series diesel locomotives were the largest ever made. These two locomotives made a combined horsepower of over 12,000. It’s not just the locomotives and rail cars, you’ll also find the old Hershey, NE rail depot with more historic railroad artifacts on display! |
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12:15 - 1:45pm |
Picnic Lunch at the Cody Park Shelter with Prokops’ Smokin’ BBQ! Specializing in mouthwatering barbecue, this family-operated food truck is the go-to spot for barbecue lovers in the area. Whether you prefer classic BBQ flavors or unique twists, Prokops has something to please everyone! Prokops offers a variety of barbecued meats, like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, prime rib, French Dip, smoked sausage and chicken, all slow-cooked to perfection. They also feature delectable sandwiches, loaded with tender meat and flavorful toppings and house specialties like their BBQ Sundae, Jerbear Sandwich or Frito Pie! |
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1:45 - 2:45pm
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ICFA General Business Meeting & Election of Officers As announced in our December Review, we seek a Term Limit Waiver from our attending Members to confirm the slate of nominees for office as Kevin Cody for President, Dwight Cody for Treasurer and Allan Cody for Secretary. |
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2:45 - 4pm Play As You Go! |
Relax at the Cody Park with Your Kinfolk, Play Horseshoes, Frisbee-Golf, Tennis, Swim, Camp, enjoy their Playground & Carnival Rides, or Tour their Wildlife Zoo! This is a good time to get to know each other, introduce ourselves and ask any genealogical or historical questions you might have about our Cody Family. If you have pictures or videos, we can make arrangements to share them with the stay-at-homes by publishing them on our website and in the Review! |
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