One of the most enjoyable and long-standing events of our year round social calendar is a gala gathering of family and friends for the celebration of a reunion, anniversary, or very special event that honours generations of cherished memories of both yesterday and today! Down through the years we have all had the pleasure of joining in on some of these gala occasions that share the joys of marriage milestones, the school grad class of years gone by, ongoing family reunions, or simply fun get-togethers of the old sports teams, the volunteer Fire Department, your work gang, your church, club, or organizations, and on and on from the past and into the future!
It is such a thrill to arrive at one of these grand functions and rekindle old friendships, wondering what your first high school sweetheart looks like now or if the class jock is still a snob, and then having to read the name tags just to recognize them after so many cherished years! After lunch and a few drinks and everyone has settled in, we can now look forward to a casual but fabulous weekend of swapping pictures, memories, and memorabilia, and trying to shake it up and perform just like you did so many years ago. Perhaps at these fun-functions participants may take part in on a pick-up game of the sport or game that they used to excel, inviting the kids and spouses to join in, but hoping that they will not show them up along the way! One should never be afraid to ask those old mates what happened to their long blond locks or greasy side-burns, if they married someone much younger than them, is that your original hair color, if they have any grandchildren, or if they finally became the CEO of some big company, a teacher, or a fitness instructor??
Each get-together is unique from others, being hosted in big back yards, churches, schools, community halls, campgrounds, or just about any place where jolly bunches of any numbers can plan their fun together, share way to much food, and have absolutely no problem getting everyone to join in. On most occasions everyone will try to stay up with the rest of the crowd, while others will get the children settled, then really dig in their heels into the wee small hours, hoping that no one will suffer to much or not roll out to early the next morning! Amongst the hugs, the handshakes, and the exaggerated stories, your function will certainly turn out to be one that you and I will never forget, ending with a frantic exchange of phone numbers and email addresses, as well as planning the next big bash, for just a few years from now!
We love to share your stories!
The Ponoka News have been so pleased to be involved in many of these special events, either by advance publicity for the exciting function, as well as sharing the photos and great memories after your Anniversary, reunion, or gathering is over. Many of these stories have been featured on our Reflections and Remember When? page, which has been published for over five years and which we would love to keep going into the future for the interest of our thousands of town and district readers, as well as those who join us each week on Internet and other communication venues!
If you would like us to assist you both before and after your historical community event please give the Ponoka News a call at 403-783-3311 or contact yours truly, Mike Rainone at 403-341-5750 or email: jrainone@telus.net. Casual interviews will be arranged at your convenience and your photos will be scanned and safely returned immediately. Thank you for all your wonderful support in the past, and hopefully we can continue to carry on and remember those memorable years through these ongoing colorful stories and pictures!