Local reunion offers slice ofAmericana

An all-community reunion gives both residents and visitors a taste of Americana and the small-town way of remembering those who were part of everyday life.

The third annual community wide reunion, which is held at Oats Park, grew out of the events planned in 2014 for Nevada’s sesquicentennial. Fallon, which took a lead as one of the most progressive communities to honor the state’s 150th birthday, planned an All-Class Reunion to honor past students, their parents, friends of the county’s education system and residents who may had some type of involvement with the schools.

The reunion became such a hit another one was organized for 2015, and now the third reunion is scheduled for this weekend at Oats Park and other venues.

When the first all-community reunion took place three years ago, Fallon’s sesquicentennial committee honored the Greenwave Class of 2014, which celebrated its 50th graduation anniversary. This was also the same class that drew recognition when students graduated in 1964, the centennial of Nevada’s statehood when the Silver State entered the union as the 36th state.

The reunion has its own Facebook group, whose page can be found at www.facebook.com/communityreunionfallon. Each year, the committee improves its activities. On Friday from 5-7 p.m., an opening social is slated at the Fallon Theatre.

Saturday attractions include a $6 breakfast at the Churchill County Senior Center as well as a purse sale to benefit the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Afterward, there will be a free “show-n-shine” car show in the center’s parking lot. There will also be a free swim day at the city’s swimming pool.

During the day, groups may tour the Old High School, the Oats Park School and Churchill Arts Center, Fallon Theatres, Churchill County Library, Churchill County Museum, the Douglass House and old post office and the Frey Ranch Estate Distillery.

Prior to the evening concert that wraps up the day’s activities, various classes and vendors will set up tables and tents.

The newest group to this year’s reunion is the Greenwave Hall of Fame committee, which will be selling T-shirts for its first fundraiser.

For the past year, the HOF committee has been making plans to select athletes, coaches and contributors of the athletic program and then induct its first class of inductees in 2017. Greenwave athletes have made a huge impact in Churchill County, and many have gone on to play at the next level and some have even played in professional sports.

This year’s reunion is about life in a small town, and it’s is also a good way to rekindle friendships and relive memories of days gone by in Churchill County.

LVN Editorials appear on Wednesdays.