In a summer tradition that dates back at least six decades and routinely attracts 150-plus people, the Philomath High School All-Class Reunion arrives Saturday.
The reunion will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 30 at the Randy Kugler Community Hall in Philomath City Park. It will be a potluck event with lunch at noon. Table service and beverages (water, coffee, iced tea) will be provided and those attending are encouraged to bring at least one dish to share as well as lawn chairs to be able to spread out with classmates.
Todd Tunison, one of the event’s organizers and a Class of 1974 graduate, invites anyone with a past association with Philomath High to the reunion.
“I’ve been telling people if you attended Philomath schools or taught at Philomath schools or worked for the school district, you’re welcome,” Tunison said. “It’s not just for graduates — it’s for people that have a close connection to it.”
Last year, the event attracted at least 160 people with both classmates and spouses figuring into the total and it was a sight to see for many folks after the reunion had not been held at all in 2020 because of the pandemic.
The reunion is going through a slight change when it comes to the name.
Said Tunison, “This year, we’re trying to rebrand it a little bit. It’s forever been called the Old-Timers’ Reunion … but we’re trying to promote it as a PHS all-class reunion.”
The event will likely serve as a stop for other reunion efforts happening.
“I’ve got a cousin who’s in the Class of ’67 and they are actually having their reunion over at Shelter 2 in the park that day, so there will probably be a lot of back and forth,” Tunison said. “I also spoke with Ruth Moser the other day and her class, she’s trying to get her group together for their 70-year reunion. … The Class of ’72 is also having their 50-year reunion and they’re going to have a presence there, I guess — they’re including the all-class or old-timers’ reunion with their weekend activities.”
In fact, two members of Class of ’72 will be performing in the gazebo as part of a little band, Tunison said.