By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
The News & Journal began receiving phone calls LAST year with folks asking when it would be time for the Shinnston High School Homecoming Reunion. Well, 2016 is THE YEAR!
This celebration occurs every four years and gives former SHS graduates the opportunity to return to their hometown for a special occasion that offers a full weekend to meet and greet old friends. As in past years, the Shinnston High School Alumni Association has been working hard to make plans for activities during this special weekend, which is set for July 15th and 16th.If you were once a student at Shinnston High School – regardless of the years attended – you are encouraged to make plans for this summer’s celebration.
Activities will begin on Friday, July 15th at 7:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies at Lincoln High School. A free, catered parking lot party will follow at LHS from 8 p.m. until midnight. Food will be served from 8 to 10 p.m. Take advantage of Friday’s get-together to reacquaint yourselves with former classmates, many of whom travel great distances to “meet and greet” their old friends.
On Saturday, July 16th, a parade will be featured at noon in the downtown area, and walking or mobile units from various classes are encouraged to participate. The Alumni Band will also be marching in the parade. Here is your chance to hear the old fight song from your alma mater once again!
Other optional activities continue throughout the afternoon including visiting the Bice-Ferguson Memorial Museum on Pike Street. An ‘open house’ is scheduled from noon until 4 p.m. and the Alumni Room will be open for public viewing of SHS memorabilia. You can also visit the Alumni Room at the museum on Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. at your leisure. There is no admission charge.
In addition, at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., free 45-minute trolley tours will visit various points of historical interest in Shinnston – led by local historian Bobby Bice. Registration is required for these tours.
A dinner and dance will be held on Saturday evening from 5:30 p.m. until midnight at the Best Western Plus Bridgeport Inn on Lodgeville Road in Bridgeport. Tickets are $45 per person. A downloadable registration form is available at shinnstonalumni.com and on facebook.com/ ShinnstonAlumni for your convenience.
Throughout the weekend, the Levi Shinn House will be open for those wishing to tour this historic Shinnston landmark. Admission will be free here as well.
Sunday has been reserved for individual classes to plan their own activities if they so desire.
Letters containing information regarding the homecoming celebration has been sent to those on the active mailing list. If you did not receive one due to a change of address, etc., please visit the Alumni Association’s website or facebook page, both listed previously.
Whatever direction you may have taken in life or where you now reside, LOTS of SHS alumni look forward to returning to their hometown of Shinnston to reminisce with old friends of days gone by as Shinnston Spartans. Plan to join this enthusiastic crowd! Make your reservations early.
