~ A Clermont County retreat ~
Essex Family Reunion 2026
Looking forward to reconnecting with you!
July 10 - 12 | Eastgate & Bethel, Ohio
Reunion Weekend Lineup
The unofficial itinerary for the weekend! There are RSVP links set up for a couple of the "events" for planning purposes, and there is a forum page we can all use to coordinate.
About the Reunion
Can you believe it has been close to 30 years since our last formal family reunion? (Not counting the weddings and big birthdays that have brought a lot of us together over that time.) It is high time we all come back together to reminisce, reconnect, or heck, for some of us, meet for the first time!
It seemed a no-brainer from the start of reunion planning that we should have it where the Essex family took root way back in 1848 -- Clermont County! Where we held past reunions (Chilo Park) and where Paul and Mary Essex settled on Saltair Maple Road in Bethel, which served as the lode star for our far-flung family for generations. Then, when we learned that our very own Bill Essex was slated to be the next grand marshal of the Bethel Parade, well, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
Actual Essex family photo!
Friday night | 6:00-10:00 PM
Dinner at LaRosa's
4450 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, OH
We will kick off the family reunion weekend with an opening get-together (with pizza and salads!) in the party room at LaRosa's in Eastgate. Join us for a chance to see everyone, get re-acquainted and say hello to new faces!
Saturday Morning (or Sunday morning, if preferred)
Family History Tour
Since Uncle Bill is no longer in the Bethel parade, we are offering two options for the morning.
Option 1: Bethel Museum, opens at 10:00 a.m. Grant Memorial Building at the corner of Plane St and Main St in Bethel. Several pieces donated by the Essex family on the lower level. Exhibit honoring Uncle Bill on the second floor. Tiles honoring vets, including Uncle Bill and Grandpa Paul, on the stairway. NOTE: There is a festival in town that day, and a parade at noon, so arrival close to 10 a.m is recommended.
Option 2: Treasure Hunt A set of stops with family stories attached will be provided. A driving tour from Grandma Dee and Grandpa Paul's farm, to Felicity sites, to Rural (several family connections there), then Chilo Park, Neville (where Grandpa Paul spent many of his childhood years), Pt Pleasant (birthplace of US Grant) and then back to Harsha Lake for the family picnic).
Saturday | 12:30-4:30 PM
Family Picnic
Tailwater Shelter, Harsha Lake, Batavia, Ohio
We will all gather for a lovely picnic and activities! RSVP below. Main entree (probably fried chicken and perhaps some sandwich items) plus all paper products will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share. If you are staying at the hotel (with no kitchen!), perhaps chips or a bakery or deli item from Kroger? Something simple.
If you live locally, consider tossing a couple of lawn chairs into the trunk. Shelter has picnic tables, but chairs may be helpful.
More info and details will be provided later.
Rain location: Holiday Inn Eastgate, 4501 Eastgate Blvd.
Saturday | 6:30 -10 PM
Party Time!
Meeting room, Holiday Inn-Eastgate, 4150 Eastgate Blvd.
Join us for a fun time in the meeting room at Holiday Inn for a light catered dinner, games and family reminiscences.
NOTE: "Young folks" (of any age) who want to keep partying after we wrap up this evening gig, can ditch the "old folks" (and those who just prefer their beds!) and go to Scene 75 in Milford, a premier arcade, mini golf, and go kart establishment to round out their evening. No need to RSVP for that part. We will gauge interest and organize rides that night.
Sunday
Wrapping it Up
The reunion is ending! Let's gather for breakfast at 9 a.m. in the hotel restaurant (breakfast is included with your room rental). If you prefer an earlier breakfast, no problem. Just come sit with us at 9 for a closing visit.
We know some people will need to travel on this day, but for those who are able to stay with us... We have a group going to the Cincinnati Reds game. A group of tickets has already been purchased (if you have already let us know you want one, we have it!). If you decide you want to go, but had not yet requested a ticket, there should still be plenty available. We are seated in section 134.
Obviously, if you prefer to just "hang out" with a group of your new best friend/relatives at your own choice of location, that works, too!
Reunion Headquarters
Holiday Inn - Eastgate, 4501 Eastgate Blvd.
A block of rooms has been reserved for the weekend. Friday and Saturday nights will be paid through the "reunion fund," but you are free to add nights to your stay on your own dime if you wish! Text Kathy Marx with the number of nights, how many rooms you need, and whether 2 queens or 1 king bed, at 513-476-1240.
Holiday Inn, Eastgate
513-752-4400
Group Code MFR
Have questions about the weekend?
Contact Aunt Kathy at kemarx@aol.com or 513-476-1240