Former Sundre students recently gathered at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds to reminisce and reconnect for a journey down memory lane.
Tommy Mennear, who was among the organizers, said just shy of 300 people attended the weekend event that was held Aug. 3-4. Mennear estimated that roughly three-quarters returned from out of town, including some from as far away as Québec, California and the West Coast.
“We all had a good time,” he said, adding there was “lots of good fellowship.”
The gathering of classic antiques, as local Lourelle Vooys affectionately refers to those with a lengthy history in the community, was organized as a get-together for former Sundre students who went to school in town throughout the 1950s to the 1970s.
“Life is so short as it is,” said Mennear, when asked what motivated making arrangements for the event.
“It’s nice to reunite with old-time friends…it was sure great to see all of their smiling faces again.”
The last reunion, he said, was held almost 20 years ago in 2000. The effort to organize the recent gathering was spearheaded by Mennear as well as Marilyn Millard, Brenda Hoffner, Joyce Jewel, and brothers Leo and Al Dumont, the former also performing several hours of live music alongside Billy Joseph.
“We just about played our fingers off!” said Leo.
Billy Joseph, left, and Leo Dumont performed live music. Submitted photo
Saturday featured a big meal followed later that night by a dance, with a pancake breakfast on Sunday.
“It was marvellous, I thought,” said Leo.
“We had enough food for about 400 people, and a lot of good sharing of conversations and history,” he said.
Reconnecting with some people he had not seen in decades since they had gone to school together was a great opportunity, and Leo said he most enjoyed the chance to “congregate with people and reminisce about old times — that was the best part…couldn’t have asked for better.”
Throughout the weekend, a lot of stories were told and people fondly recollected the memories of their childhood camaraderie, he said.
Some people who drove out with RVs stayed at the rodeo grounds, while others who flew in largely stayed at the Mountainview Inn and Suites, said Mennear.
“It was a good chance to catch up and share some stories,” he said.
Although pleased to see so many familiar faces making the commitment to return from substantial distances away, Mennear said he had hoped to see a larger local turnout, and encourages more people from the area to consider coming out next time.
“We’re planning one in another two years,” said Mennear.
“We’ll announce that at a later date.”
Dumont shared a similar sentiment, and also extended an invitation to those who were this time unable to attend.
“They missed a real good gathering!” he said.
