The weekend after Memorial Day every year has been a 3 day family reunion in Oakland, MS. It is across the highway from Charleston, Mississippi, where the Cossars are from. It is at a beautiful State Park in North Mississippi named after my grandfather, whom we called ‘Papa Keet.’  https://www.facebook.com/cossarstateparkfriends/

It used to be Yocana Ridge State Park but in 1979 the Legislature renamed it George Payne Cossar State Park. (https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2010/title-55/3/55-3-83)

My grandfather started the family reunion tradition in the 60’s. We used to gather at the Holiday Inn in Grenada, MS.

1972

At Cossar State Park, we rents cabins – we try to get them all next to each other so it is easier to visit all day long! There are several things we like to do each year. On Thursday night, as everyone is arriving my cousin Walter serves crawfish and everyone eats either inside the cabins or on the porches!

His mom (My Aunt Litup) used to have the best tomato and onions drizzled with Italian dressing. On Friday at noon she served gumbo to whoever didn’t play golf. (She always got the crab bodies from Billy’s Seafood in Bon Secour because the crabs sweetened the gumbo). Walter And Katherine also bring a delicious Boston Butt.

Joe Perry, Connie, Pepper And Bob Taggart 2019

On Friday nights is the Catfish fry. My uncle Greezer and Angie do all of the work! It is delicious. After dark a stick fire is made. ( A stick fire is also know as a small bonfire).  Marshmallows are roasted and smores are made. . There are many memories happening and stories being told as the night goes on.

On Saturday the family sometimes goes to my uncles farm and fishes . It is in Teasdale Mississippi and called Pebble Creek. It is a beautiful piece of property.

This past year the trot line was brought back to life and the biggest catch was made!