It seems like only yesterday ...
This is what the All Class Reunion is about — finding old friends and enjoying good times and memories in downtown Bonners Ferry. Photo by Mandi Bateman
Photo by Mandi Bateman From left to right: Kim Jelinek, Sarah Jenkins, and Stacy Frederickson
Photo by Mandi Bateman Friends from the class of 1981: Denise Winey on left and Jamie Weisleder on right.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Showing “class” at the All Class Reunion.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Future Bonners Ferry High School alumni, Kenzleigh Stippich, is already rocking the street dance.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Friends reunite during the All Class Reunion.
Photo by Mandi Bateman The friends drew a larger and larger crowd as the night wore on.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Old friends met new friends at the All Class Reunion.
Courtesy photo Early in the day, the street begins to fill at the 2017 All Class Reunion.
BONNERS FERRY — Every four years, Bonners Ferry High School alumni are drawn from around the country to return home, swarm the streets, searching out or accidentally finding their former classmates. The results were a recurring theme of sounds of excited greetings, hugs, handshakes, back slaps, all taking place, over and over, the length of the packed street.
The All Class Reunion took place on Main Street, Saturday, July 29, but mini reunions dotted the weekend all around town, in restaurants, meeting rooms, and private homes.
There is no one story for an event like this. Instead, it is hundreds of stories, all happening simultaneously. Old friends reminisced, sharing memories of joy, sports, family, loss, or mischief caused in the days gone by. They introduced their former classmates to their families, husbands, wives, boyfriends or girlfriends.
With Main Street closed down, the local restaurants were open, many offering beer specials such as Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill with an outdoor booth offering beer on tap, or Jack’s Club speedy beer window. Crosstime Saloon had a prime spot, parked down by the band. The alumni and any attending the event, were free to wander the streets, drinks in hand. A band kept the festivities going, playing old favorites, triggering more memories.
Three friends who found each other, used to be neighbors. Class of 1966 Marva Mendenhall is a Bonners Ferry native.
“I have lived on the Oak Street corner for right around 50 years. So I have had neighbors come and go. And now my neighbors are here,” Mendenhall said, indicating the two ladies on either side of her. “My girls — really wonderful people.”
Linda Stockwell, class of 1972, was Mendenhall’s neighbor and Mendenhall’s children were even in her wedding. Charlotte Kothe did not graduate from Bonners Ferry High School, her two sisters and brother did, along with all four of her children.
Different versions of the same story echoed through the night, fueled by music, drinks, and memories.