All roads lead home

Reunion Palooza III set for Saturday

File photo
COAL CITY HIGH School graduates from 80-plus classes will have the opportunity to reunite at the all-school reunion know as Reunion Palooza. The event was established in 2013 and is organized by Todd Cumming (right). Reunion Palooza III is set for Saturday, July 27 from noon to midnight at Carbon Hill Park.

By: 
Ann Gill
Editor

The time has come for Coalers to once again unite, and that’s what 80-plus graduating classes will do at this weekend’s Reunion Palooza.
Back by popular demand, the all-school reunion will bring together Coal City High School graduates from 1935 to 2016. The one-day get-together is set for Saturday, July 27, from noon to midnight, at Carbon Hill Park.
Todd Cumming, class of 1976, established the multi-class reunion in 2013. Based on its popularity he organized a second get together in 2016. And, he’s once again taking the lead for the third installment of Reunion Palooza.
Cumming’s idea for the mass reunion was to bring classes together, because as he knows first hand most alumni have friendships that span well beyond their graduating classes.
Seeing old friends reunite is what keeps Cumming dedicated to the reunion.
“Just seeing the older graduates together and the hugs and tears among classmates that haven’t seen each other in years makes it all worthwhile for me,” Cumming said.
The theme of this year’s reunion is All Roads Lead Home. Cumming notes no matter where a graduate currently resides their path always leads back to Coal City High School.
The reunion will feature a variety of entertainment, as well as local flavors from the area’s eateries, but the main event will be the reminiscing and fellowship that is bound to occur.
The reunion is open to all Coaler alumni through the class of 2016, as well as retired school staff. Cumming is expecting around 1,500 to attend throughout the day.
Alumni who have not already pre-registered will be assessed a $20 fee, as will their guest. There is no charge for graduates, or their guests, from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, and the same goes for retired staff members.
Funds collected from attendance fees and sponsorships will be used to cover reunion costs. The remaining dollars support scholarships for high school graduates.
Cumming and his Reunion Palooza Committee have lined up a full day of entertainment and many of the performers are Coaler graduates.
The day begins with music that will appeal to a more mature crowd. Marvin Minarich will get the entertainment started with a noon performance of favorites from Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and other Rat Pack stars.
River Road Trio featuring 2003 grad Kyle Ripsch will perform from 1 to 3 p.m., Greg’s Fender Benders will play hits from the 1950’s and 1960’s from 3 to 5 p.m. and Living Stones featuring 1996 graduate Michael Demetrakis will perform from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with AKA featuring 1979 grad Terry Davito will provide the tunes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by Acoustic Thing until 9 p.m.
Rounding out the bands is Retro Circus featuring Dave Greggain, a member of the class of 1990. The popular local group will play from 9 p.m. to midnight.
There will be a short band break around 10:20 p.m. and to keep the entertainment going Michael Be from the class of 2008 will perform, as will a troupe of fire spinners.
“There’s something that should appeal to everyone in attendance,” Cumming said, hinting there could be a few surprises throughout the event.
Additionally, plans are in place for a mini car show, a bean bag tournament and an opportunity for graduates to gather for class photos.
All registered attendees will receive a wristband and a memento of the day. Reunion Palooza T-shirts are available for purchase online at www.inkthisapparel.com/ccreunion. The online store will be accepting orders through Aug. 3.
Food vendors slated to be in the park include Babe’s Tap, Backwoods BBQ, Mustachio’s Bar & Grill and Rachetti’s Cafe & Pizzeria.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, it’s going to be a great time with a great group,” Cumming said.