Thank You for a Great Weekend

The good thing about Summer and all that goes with it is the return of friends, family and loved ones for that one weekend a year that says “I just gotta go home”. Well, in my opinion it was a great weekend to be in Walnut for that “I gotta go home “weekend. Super Reunion, Class Reunions, Walnut Days celebrations, and lastly our TREMENDOUS FIREWORKS DISPLAY. When people would ask me how the weekend was, I would just reply it was perfect. Now I can say perfect, because I was not in town for the parade and Mother Natures gift for that, but overall, I think the weekend was perfect in oh so many ways, and there are many to thank for that experience.

First I would like to thank all that worked so hard on the Super reunion, and our class reunion. Yes, it is hard to believe, but the GREAT class of 69 has celebrated our 50th class reunion gathering. We had our best turn out ever, and people from coast to coast. May I say, we looked fabulous, had a great time getting reacquainted and just enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Green River Golf Course. Thank you’s go to Sandy Kruse and Patty Atherton for doing the work and providing a great time.

Saturday night was the Super Reunion in Princeton at the fairgrounds. A great time was had by all. I do not have a final number, but I believe there were close to 300 people. It was a warm night, but the doors opened on the building, the fans had a faint whir in the back ground, and the night began. It was an evening of people, classes’ and impromptu groups. There were pictures being taken, spirited conversation, music and dancing, and lots of slaps on the back of “How are you”? The reunion is a labor of love for Walnut and our past classes at Walnut High School. Steve Gerdes and many other very dedicated people provided us all a night to remember. Thank you all.

So, if Friday and Saturday were not enough, with 5K race for cure of ALS, 3 on 3 Basketball event, the Parade, and great Beer Garden, Sunday rolled around bright and early. There was the Rotary breakfast, community church service, Chamber fish and chicken fry, and kids’ events. I was very impressed with the kids Bounce House’s that Verna Rollo had put together. This was a big deal people. It took lots of work and volunteers, but the line of kids was long, loud and happy. If you missed seeing this great thing for the kids, lets hope it is here again next year.

I have to get out of here, but I want to mention and thank the Village crew for the help they provided all weekend long, as well as the preparations they did before the event. Thanks to Carl and his crew. I want to thank all of the Volunteers for the weekend. If it was the Beer Garden, Parade, Fireworks, Money collectors, Fire departments, etc, these all take people. Good dedicated people that want to see our town not Survive, but thrive, and I believe we will.

Lastly, we have a new police chief in town. Officer Cox is our new Chief of police. I met officer Cox last Sunday, shook his hand and told him thank you for being here. He seemed pleasant and glad to be in Walnut. A few hours later I witnessed a very kind gesture on his part. It was warming to see him help someone to make sure they too could enjoy Walnut days. Thanks Officer Cox. Welcome to Walnut. It’s a great place to be. Thanks again to everyone that made the weekend so very special.