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Memories to Last a Lifetime
It wasn’t a funeral or a holiday that brought the Owen family together. July 20th marked the memorable Owen Family Gathering, Lost River Expedition 2002. They shared laughs, dodged a severe thunderstorm and created memories to last a lifetime.
Staying in touch in today’s world can be hard, but Carol Owen got a little help. She spent Saturday, July 20th, at The Owen Family Gathering, Lost River Expedition 2002. This opportunity for family togetherness was sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America.
The celebration began at Fountain Square Park in historic downtown Bowling Green, Ky. Fountain Square Park was donated in 1798 and has been the centerpiece of the city ever since. Family traveled from Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky to share in the fun as they set out on scenic boat tours of the Lost River Cave in Warren County.
As Kentucky's only underground boat tour, this expedition travels underneath the city of Bowling Green. The entrance to the Lost River Cave is thought to be the largest cave opening east of the Mississippi River. At one time it provided shelter to both Union and Confederate soldiers and Jesse James and his gang after they robbed the bank in nearby Russellville. A dance floor from the popular underground nightclub during the 1930s and 1940s still stands.
Before dining at 440 Main, Jon Payne Photography arrived to take family portraits across the street in Fountain Square Park. A severe thunderstorm blew into town, and the Owen family was forced to move inside. A nearby transformer was struck by lightning, causing the air conditioning to fail and the lights to flicker.
"The cave was beautiful, and dinner was excellent. The severe thunderstorm didn’t damper our spirits. We still had a wonderful experience overall," said Carol.
440 Main provided an excellent dining experience and gracious emergency accommodations. Entrées included woodland chicken, crab cakes and prime rib with the choice of chocolate cake or cheesecake with raspberry sauce for dessert.
The restaurant, built in 1871, features original pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick and mahogany woodwork. 440 Main displays work of area artists with an art gallery throughout the restaurant.
"There was happy Owen laughter at the dinner tables of 440 Main that contrasted the somber occasions that usually bring us together," said Carol’s husband, Lanny. "I cannot wait to see the photographs we took of our family."
"It is really hard to put it into words," said Lanny. "This is something we will remember for a very, very long time. It meant so much to me to have all the family there, to see the smiles on their faces and to catch up on good stories."
Visit http://www.gatherings.info/contest/ to register to win a complete family gathering. The winner's name will be selected in a random drawing from eligible entries on April 5, 2003.
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