All School Reunion going to be a fine time
July 30, 2013
Saturday, August 3, is expected to be a banner day in Bonners Ferry as alumni from every school in Boundary County, spanning decades, converge to catch up with old friends an classmates, reminisce and catch up on all that's new around town.

As of the last committee meeting, more than 600 had registered, and many more are expected.

This year's All School Reunion will be a little different than those of years past. Instead of a big sit-down catered dinner seated by class, guests this year will be on their own, free to choose from local restaurants, nearly all of whom are offering great specials for the event, or from food vendors set up on Main Street, which will be blocked off with tables and chairs set up for folks to sit and visit.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with registration at the former Roundheels Gun & Pawn on Main Street. Alumni will sign in and pick up their packets, which will contain raffle tickets, a list of participating businesses and more.

The raffle will be fun, as guests will be able to choose what they might win.

Stop in at any participating merchant; Boardwalk Boutique, Top Secret, Callie's Niche, The Groove Gallery, Larson's, Baby-Go-Round, Northern Treasures, Huckleberry Variety, Sequels, The Gift Gallery, Under the Sun, Vapor Max, Hippi Chick Cosmetics, Pizza Factory and Radio Shack, see what raffle prize they're offering and if you like it, drop your ticket to be in that drawing.

Winners of each drawing will be announced during opening ceremonies at 4 p.m.

Guests will also receive a wristband, making eligible for many merchant specials only offered to alumni.

While details are still being arranged, the new Bonners Ferry High School is expected to be open for tours during the day, which will include a brand new display on the wall between the Becker Auditorium and the gym.

Since 2005, Evelyn Smith has been working to compile the class photos of every BFHS graduating class since that first one back in 1904. Last winter, she teamed up with museum curator Sue Kemmis, and together they finished the display in time for the All School Reunion.

The display is currently on bond paper, and they'll be accepting donations to enable them to have it put on long-lasting photo paper so it can be enjoyed by many more generations of Badgers.

The Boundary County Museum will be opening, offering wonderful displays and a special slide show, and Howard Kent will be giving guided tours and speaking of the history of downtown Bonners Ferry beginning at the museum at 9 and 11 a.m.

For those who'd like a bird's eye view, Northern Air is offering 20-minute air tours for only $20, departing the Boundary County Airport at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

With all that's going on, you might want to start the day with a hearty breakfast, and the Paradise Valley Fire District just happens to be hosting its third-annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at their Main Station at 2942 Paradise Valley Road.

Pancakes, bacon, coffee, juice, tea and more, all for just $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5 to 11 or $15 for the family. Kids five and under eat free.

The Pizza Factory and Coach Cube BBQ will have food kiosks on Main Street, or you can choose among a variety of local restaurants offering All School Specials; The Rusty Moose (formerly Jill's Cafe), The Panhandle, Mugsy's, Marios, which will also be serving up specials at the American Legion's Club 55, the Springs Restaurant at the Kootenai River Inn, Chic n' Chop, Kootenai River Brewing, Under the Sun, Far North Deli, the Pizza Factory, Subway, Feist Creek, Badger Den and Zip's Drive Inn.

Not to be left out, The Bonners Ferry Eagles are having a ‘Burger Burn’ lunch from 1-5 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 7159 Second Street. Hamburgers, potato salad, beans and a soda or beer for a $6 donation, with proceeds going to local charities.

Downtown Main Street will be filled with music pretty much all day long; with a DJ spinning wax and making timely announcements, and live performances by alumni of the future at 1 and 3 p.m.

All alumni are asked to be in the Veteran's Memorial Park at the Boundary County Library at 3:30 p.m. for the 2013 All School Class Picture, taken by photographer Max Richards, who will stay set up until 6 p.m. for those wanting class or family photos.

At 4 p.m., emcee Dan Meddock will take the podium at Georgia Mae Plaza for the opening ceremony and official welcome. Every teacher who ever taught in a Boundary County classroom is invited to gather around behind him.

The American Legion will host an old-time sock hop in the Legion Hall above Club 55 from 5 to 8 p.m., and the fun will continue with a Main Street street dance when "The Hit Men" take the stage from 8 to 11 p.m.

A big tip of the hat goes out to Jeanne Diel, who headed the organizing committee for the 2013 All School Reunion and all who have been working together for months to plan and organize and invite everyone back to Bonners Ferry.

It's going to be an event we can all be proud of!