Thursday, October 9, 2008

Reunion in the fall? Why not?

Bud Thompson had a brilliant idea. Why try to enjoy a class reunion when the weather is so hot you can fry eggs on the pavement? July 4th versus sometime in early fall.

Think about it.

Bud was mainly responsible for putting together a reunion for the Class of ’59 in late September and it went over with a big bang. Here’s what Bud had to say in an email when I questioned him about it, and asked specifically whether Jim Wisdom, Cynthia’s brother, and his wife Sanny were able to attend. And, I was curious if 80-year-old coach Carl Twidwell was able to attend.

Twidwell lived across the street from me when I much younger.

Well John, it was absolutely the best one we've ever had ....

We had events Friday afternoon at Mazzio's, Friday night at the homecoming game, then after the game a bunch of us went to the downtown cafe and laughed ourselves silly....

Saturday morning we got together for brunch then some of the girls went to Poteau for "tea".... They've been doing this for 50 years and allowed my wife to go with them this time... She really loved that special time with Franny, Paulann, Bobbie Jo, Frankie and Kay... Saturday night we had a great program with Rocky's quartet singing 50's music, a video presentation of old pictures we gathered from classmates and a really emotional tribute to our deceased classmates..

Good food, laughter, stories and tears... It couldn't have been better.... Out of 70 with 11 deceased we had 38 show up... I just couldn't be more pleased...

Jim and Sanny were there Saturday night and he really enjoyed the video presentation since it had a lot of pictures of their old band.... He looks great, to me hasn't aged that much at all... Sanny looked good and I thought she enjoyed it as well. (Coach) Twid was unable to make it but sent an e-mail for us to read.... Sorry you guys were unable to make it but stay on the mend and before you know it we'll be back in Heavener for the July '10 reunion...
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Why didn’t anybody think of this earlier? Think of the possibilities. Harvey Stadium could be rockin’. All former band members would be pleased. Former cheerleaders, former pep squad members, too. A banquet could still be held on a Saturday night. Registration could be held on Saturday morning. The parade could be held later on Saturday afternoon, prior to game kickoff, and that would be good for team morale.

The football schedule would have to be slightly changed, but nothing’s wrong with a game on Saturday, is there? It might even have the feel of a playoff atmosphere, complete with big crowd and all, kinda like Heavener games used to draw in the good ole’ days back in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.


I mean, a Heavener Wolves football game could have one of its largest crowds in years, or at least every two years, if the time was changed to late September. Plus, it would alleviate conflict with family summer vacations. It might even be easier on the eyes to drive to Heavener with the fall foliage, although it may not be in full bloom in late September.

In White Oak, right here in east Texas , a school reunion is held ever three years and a large boisterous crowd at the football game is certainly nice to see. It means more to the players, band, coaches and everyone involved.

Come on, give it some thought. Somebody who knows somebody who knows someone on the alumni association who could make it happen.

5 Comments:

At October 9, 2008 at 5:34 AM , Blogger Craig Hall said...

I suggested this a couple of years back when HOL was up in running. A lot of people thought it was a good idea and would support it.

Actually, there wouldn't have to be any changes in the schedule. Heavener would play a home game typically the first or second week of October.

Plus, this could be combined with the Lions Club carnival, car shows, arts & crafts fair.

It could be the biggest bash we have seen in some time. The only drawback is not having a three-day weekend to build around.

But if people wanted it bad enough, they could find a way.

Just my thoughts. Thanks.

 
At October 9, 2008 at 1:50 PM , Blogger Chuck said...

I'm all for changing the reunion to the Fall. I've missed several that I might have gone to if they weren't on the July 4th weekend (or close to it). Who wouldn't like cooler weather. We might look at least a year or two younger if everyone wasn't sweating so much.

I also liked Graig's idea of aligning the reunion with the street carnival. Having all the alumni in the area would probably more than double the attendance down there. Think of all the extra money the Lions' Club would make. As they say in business, it would be a win-win for everyone.

 
At October 9, 2008 at 4:27 PM , Blogger Bill Hinds said...

Hey you guys!
The class of '58 started doing that many years ago. I think it was about our 20th that I went down there on July 4th and I could not take it. Mercy!

I and others complained about it and our class agreed to meet in the fall. We have been doing it many years and it is so much better. Like you all were talking about, football homecomming and being able to go to the games is really good!

Bill H

 
At October 9, 2008 at 6:50 PM , Blogger Glen Lazalier said...

I would like to see the whole HHS reunion occur every year in the fall. As Bud said in his email, we had a blast this year.

 
At October 9, 2008 at 9:00 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would prefer it in the fall, and getting to see a football game, too. Keep the game on Friday night and do the usual reunion things on Saturday. - Jim Patterson

 

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