We started planning 40th by creating a Northside High School Class of '70 page on FB. The event will be in two weeks!
We solicited feedback from classmates on the type of event they would like to have. Consensus was casual attire, music from our era played low so people could talk. We found a rec. center with a beautiful, large, rustic room, a stage, sound system and adjoining kitchen. There's also a gorgeous 2nd-story, tree-lined outdoor deck. A classmate's son-- who is very good-- is serving as DJ. One of our classmate's son volunteered as DJ, so no cost. We will have a small dance floor. The event is being catered and we will have an open bar. We were able to hold expenses to $30 per person ($60 for a couple).
We are also doing a classmates directory (printed and online). We used Socializr to create and send e-invitations. It is interactive, so classmates can post photos and comments. You can go to the e-invite page to see who is coming.
The online interaction has been great and has already brought people closer together. Out of 192 classmates, 92 are coming. With spouses, we'll have more than 130.
We reserved a discount block of rooms for out-of-towners. In addition to the Saturday night main event, we announced an informal get-together the night before at a popular local tavern, where food and drinks will be on your own. This did not take away from the main event at all, but gave travelers an extra reason to come.
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