All-Class Reunion: Activities abound for All-Class Reunion weekend

What started out with a chance to play in the band led by local legend Harry McNees, is now an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reminisce while enjoying something for everyone.

Event organizer Kim Baliman has a head start when it comes to reconnecting and reminiscing.

"It has been really fun talking to people as they call," Baliman said.

Beginning Friday night with "Cruise Night," the Kimball All-Class Reunion will last throughout the Fourth of July weekend.

If cruising is no longer your thing, take the time to gather with classmates on your own at one of the many downtown spots.

The Friends of the Library have organized a 5K run for 7 a.m. Saturday, followed by the All School Foundation Golf Tournament at the renowned Kimball Four Winds Golf course.

Official registration for the reunion will be at the Kimball High School from 9-11 a.m. and again from 3-5 p.m. Saturday with a group photo scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

According to Baliman, registrations have come in from as far as Florida and California, though she is unsure which is further.

Those who wish to perform in the pep band can practice at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Harry E. McNees Auditorium at the high school.

This event, the reason it all began, brought 80 band members to the 2009 reunion, and organizers this year hope to surpass 100.

The banquet will be served at the Kimball High School with the program to follow beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, after which attendees can enjoy the Stahla-Ford band at the Kimball Event Center and dance the night away.

The public is welcome to the dance without a registration, to listen to the Stahla-Ford Band with tickets sold at the door, according Baliman.

Do not forget the town fireworks show, now displayed south of Kimball High School at 9 p.m.

As things wind down on Sunday, there will be a picnic lunch at Gotte Park followed by the band concert. Those who wish to attend are asked to bring your own picnic lunch, drinks and a lawn chair.

Recently some have begun to question whether the reunion would be better attended at a different time of the year, or at least not during a holiday.

"There is no perfect time," Baliman said. "I think it would be fun to try to do it in September in conjunction with a home football game and recognize the alumni there. I think that would be a lot of fun. Would Farmer's Day be the ideal time?"

That being said, Baliman still expects in excess of 500 in attendance.

"We didn't anticipate as huge a crowd as in the past due to the fact that a lot of people don't have Kimball ties anymore," Baliman said. "And with Facebook people are able to connect a lot more than in the past. It's not person-to-person, but it is the next best thing."

Though she would like to see more variety in the activities for future reunions, she also knows that a lack of volunteers dictates how much can be accomplished.

"I am pleased. The motels are full, that is a good problem," she said.

All-Class Reunion Schedule

Friday, July 3

5-7 p.m. Cruising Night on Main Street

5 p.m.-?? Informal individual class gatherings

Saturday, July 4

7 a.m. Friends of the Library 5K ($20 entry fee)

8 a.m. All School Foundation Golf Tournament

9-11 a.m. Registration at Kimball High School

2:30 p.m. Pep band practice at Kimball High School

3-5 p.m. Registration at Kimball High School

3:30 p.m. Choir practice at Kimball High School

5:30 p.m. Group photograph at Kimball High School

6 p.m. Banquet and program at Kimball High School

9 p.m. Dance at Kimball Event Center

9:15 p.m. Fireworks at Kimball High School

Sunday, July 5

Noon Picnic at Gotte Park

1 p.m. Band concert at Gotte Park