The Truth Staff
It’s a 30 year-old tradition for the Crawford family – a family reunion on Father’s Day to celebrate why fatherhood has such a special meaning in the Crawford family. This year, as in past years, the Father’s Day Cookout was held at the Swan Creek Metropark, a familiar location easily accessed by the out-of-town family members who come to Toledo for the event from Detroit, Cleveland and, even as far away as, Atlanta.
Thirty years ago, Anthony Crawford, the eldest brother, was told by health professionals that he could not become a father, recalls his sister, event organizer Linda Coker. Those health professionals were wrong. Anthony did become a father. He was blessed to have daughter Chloe Crawford (now aged 30) enter his life and his family’s lives.
Anthony and his seven siblings – three brothers (Anthony, Arnie, Alan) and five sisters (Andrea, Linda, Karn, Kristie, Kelly) – have been celebrating that major bit of good fortune on Father’s Day for the past 30 years. Mother Barbara Griffin, who lives in Detroit, is also an important part of the festivities.
So, the Crawford family – mother, siblings, spouses, children, cousins, approaching as many as 100 this year – gather at Swan Creek for a day of food, music, games and, most importantly, the enjoyment of basking in each other’s company.
And the food is always plentiful because there is a rib off and a fish fry as the family members compete for recognition for their culinary skills. More than recognition actually, as gift baskets and trophies await the winners.
Swan Creek is an ideal site for the family get together. Lots of space for adults to work out on the grills, lots of space and playground equipment on which the kids can entertain themselves.
The Crawfords know how to celebrate fathers and family!