I used to live in Fernie and moved away in 1978 after I graduated. We all had such a great time growing up in beautiful Fernie, and we also lived through some unreal events. I remember standing out in front of the King Eddy Hotel and watching it burn down. I believe it was after we got back from one of the infamous Elko Stomps. We had a sober driver, but some of my friends were not so lucky the year before who were killed in a car accident after a grad party. It was unreal times back then compared to today, but there were many good times as well!
We used to hang out in front of the Diamond Grill downtown. This was done usually during my Physics classes for which I marked on my time table “SPARE.” Going downstairs to the pool hall and playing foosball was a good pastime. The apartments we had above the stores on main street were incredible.
I moved away in 1978, never to return until a few summers ago. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the downtown area looked. While doing a TC (Town Check), I wished that I could see all my friends from back in the day once again.
Then came social networks. I created a Facebook page a long time ago, and ran across Brenda McPeek Wagner. I had not seen her since 1978, which was 32 years ago at the time. She had been in touch with Nora Calahaisen (Jung) on Facebook whom I used to chum with as well and sent me a “Friend Suggestion.” Nora used to be the metre maid! After the three of us got together on Facebook, which was so awesome to talk to them again, we started thinking about having a reunion. Why wouldn’t others want to reunite with their friends from back in the day? While using the Facebook Chat, we discussed and decided to have a Reunion. But not just any reunion. One where it would include a decade of graduates and friends. I didn’t want to go and only see my grad class, because I knew many people of different ages, and I wanted to see them all. Also, I wanted to see the people that didn’t necessarily graduate as well. So it was decided. I created a group on Facebook called Fernie 70’s Reunion. All the members are excited to come to the reunion that we have planned for July 30th and 31st of this year.
We had a planning party last year in Jaffray. Was that ever fun. It was so awesome to see many of my old buddies from back in the day. We did more reminiscing than planning, but we got the plans in place for this reunion. It’s hard to describe how you feel when you see someone that you haven’t seen in 32 years. Many tears were shed and a good time was had by all. Like Nora just told me, “the few of us that got together last year had the most incredible time, and how awesome it is for old friends like us to be able to see each other after so many years! I know for me it has been the most awesome experience that I could ever hope for! How fulfilling! Just warms the heart to see everyone again after all these years.”
So, everything is in place. We can thank the City of Fernie for sponsoring this event. We are looking for local businesses to sponsor with door prizes of any kind. Please email me denimpine@shaw.ca
Event Details:
July 30th, Dinner and Dance
Fernie Memorial Arena, 6 p.m. until late.
July 31st, Breakfast, Fun and Games
James White Park, Breakfast at 10 a.m.
Tickets can be purchased at: http://fernie70sreunion.sayvee.com/buy-tickets for $50 each Dinner and Dance, or Dance only tickets for $20. Very well worth it.
Browse the other pages on the site, there are pictures, accommodations etc.
I can’t wait for this event. I look so forward to seeing my old friends from back then. If you are reading this, please spread the word, take down the website and make sure that YOUR friends attend as well.
Cheers,
Lynn Dion Pont