Generations of Roanoke residents are set to gather this weekend for the inaugural Roanoke Hometown Reunion, a time to reconnect, reminisce and reflect on the past.

David Castille, who spent his childhood weekends and summers visiting family in Roanoke, is one of the organizers. Castille said the idea for the reunion stemmed from his special memories of visiting Roanoke, where weekends and holidays meant visiting family and enjoying food together.

“I came up with the idea because growing up I spent a lot of time in Roanoke,” Castille said. “About once a month we’d go visit family there and we were always there for the holidays. I remember the holidays were special because everyone was family and we’d go from house to house visiting and we always had food.”

He fondly remembers those weekends and the sadness of returning home to Texas.

“Roanoke was really special to me when I used to come there as a kid,” he said.  “We’d come Friday and stay for the weekend. It was always so sad going back home. I have fond memories of my time there.”

Now a retired caterer living in Houston but planning to return to Louisiana, Castille, along with other former and current residents have been envisioning a community reunion for years.

“It’s just an opportunity to bring people back home to celebrate and for young people to reconnect with family and friends,” he said.

He hopes the gathering will revitalize the town by reminding everyone that its strength lies in its people.

“The people are what makes this town,” he said. “It’s not the property. It’s the people and we can come together as a family and hopefully keep Roanoke alive.”

The reunion will take place this weekend near Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, 510 Mt. Triumph Street, over three days filled with food, fun and fellowship. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the church fellowship hall.

The three-day event is free; attendees are asked to bring side dishes, as meats will be provided for the meals.

Events will kick off at 2 p.m. on Friday and continue on Saturday in and around the church. A church service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Mt. Triumph Church, followed by a meal.

Tents and tables will be set up for activities, including dominoes, card games, a basketball arcade, and football.

Attendees are encouraged to bring old photographs, memorabilia and family history information.

Commemorative t-shirts and water bottles will be available.

Castille is excited about the reunion and looks forward to sharing good times and fond memories. The organizers hope to grow the reunion into an annual event.

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For more information, contact David Catille at 409-354-9688 or Yolanda Taylor at 785-608-3291.