With the FFHS Millennium Reunion bringing hundreds of former residents back to Rainy River District, more and more families are taking advantage of the opportunity by making plans to hold family reunions next summer.
Already, the organizing committee has heard of at least five family reunions being planned around the reunion dates. As time goes on, that number promises to increase.
For some of the gatherings, special birthdays, weddings, and even the chance to celebrate a family name are proving to be reason enough to plan events around the high school reunion.
Many of the secondary events taking place before or after the reunion dates will be held at resorts and family homes. The days leading up to and following July 7-9 promise to create a great deal of activity throughout the entire district.
For some families, the reunion will provide the first opportunity in many years for the “entire family” to get together.
Not only are families having gatherings but so, too, are neighbourhoods. People from the neighbourhood who lived nearby during “high school” years will be getting together as well next summer.
More than a few of the reunion registration forms already received have included notes like “. . . looking forward to seeing [my neighbour] at the reunion.”
Those neighbours hoping to get together at the reunion no doubt will be talking about the times they would walk to and from Fort High, or will be talking about the bus rides they took each day.
The high school event is scheduled to host 2,000 former students, staff, and their guests next July. Besides attracting just those who attended FFHS, many reunion registrants will be travelling with spouses and children.
With the event and its spin-off activities on the increase, event organizers believe the final 1,000 openings for the reunion will fill rapidly. It will very much be a case of “first come, first served” for the available spots remaining.
The number of telephone calls, letters, and e-mail messages received, inquiring about the Millennium Reunion, has increased dramatically since the fall. On a daily basis now, committee members are being contacted for information about the reunion.
As well, registrations are arriving in the mail in greater and greater numbers.
People are becoming very excited about returning “home” next July. Departure points for some of the reunion celebrants include towns and cities throughout North America, as well as Saudi Arabia and France.
“Anyone still seeking information or registration forms for the reunion can either stop by Fort Frances General Supply, or can send in a request to FFHS Millennium Reunion, 1208 Elizabeth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3R9.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
