'71 Turns 70 - Reunion Weekend

September 29 - October 1, 2023

Friday - 9/29

Wilson Area High School Tour

When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: 424 Warrior Lane, Easton PA 18042

   

  

    

Locals and early-arriving distant '71ers can get the weekend started with a guided tour of the "new" high school.  If the address doesn't look familiar, think soccer and field hockey fields and the teachers' parking lot.  The school building we knew IS a parking lot!

After-Tour Picnic Eve Dinner/Drinks at Dubs

When: 4:00 p.m. to . . .
Where: Dub's on Fifth, 402 Fifth Street, West Easton 18042

 

 

You may remember it as the West Easton Athletic Association - or, ironically, "The AA." But since 2012 this stately edifice overlooking the former stomping grounds of the not-so-legendary Wevona Bears has operated as the popular sports bar and grill - Dubs on 5th.  Following the tour of the high school, join us to begin the reacquainting and reminiscing and grab a bite to eat and your favorite beverages.

 

Karaoke at Rip Van Winkle's Pub

When: 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 am
Where: Bar Don Lanes, 3700 Nicholas St., Easton 18045

 

 

Regret not auditioning for The Wilsonaires back in 1968?  Join us for karaoke night at Rip Van Winkle's Pub and prove to your classmates that you've always had the pipes to be a pop or rock star. (Rumor has it there are several Class of '71 soloists who are accomplished karaokers.)  Rip's is located in the Bar Don Bowling Lanes, where many a dream of a glamorous life on the Professional Bowler's Tour was shattered.

 

Saturday - 9/30

'71 Turns 70 Birthday Picnic

When: 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion at Flynn's On The Hill
              341 Pursel St., Phillipsburg NJ 08865

 

  

The main event of the weekend will be held Saturday afternoon at the "rain or shine" Pavilion at Flynn's On The Hill in Phillipsburg. Members of the Class of '71 are welcome to invite any number of guests.  

Menu:  A picnic buffet including snacks, cheese and relish trays, soup, a choice of four different meats, three different salads/sides, watermelon and, of course, birthday cake.  

Beverages:  Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee will be included in the ticket price..  Spirits will be available on a cash bar basis throughout the event.

Music: DJ Jimmyk Kelly . . . Start thinking of requests for your favorite oldies

Activities: Quoits, Cornhole, Dancing, Reminiscing, Sparkling Conversation, Hugs and Kisses, Feats of Strength (?), the Singing (in four part harmony) of Happy Birthday and other surprises.

Tickets:  We've been able to keep the price per person at $50.00, but we need a firm attendance count by September 14. Follow the Picnic Registration/Payment links on the left side menu to register and pay by credit card or check.

 

After-Picnic Gathering/Activity

Four hours not enough to fully catch up on the last 50+ years? 

There are plenty of interesting bars and restaurants in downtown Easton, including the Easton Public Market - recently voted Best Public Market in the USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.  If it's been a while since you've been "downtown" it's worth a stroll, with the Bank Street Creamery - owned and operated by WHS alumnus Brooks Minnick - a must stop. 

Further west, the ongoing renovation of the historic Simon Silk Mill features an urban winery, craft cocktail bar, craft brewery and a creamery of its own.  If al fresco dining is your thing, just up the hill on Sullivan Trail Road in Forks Township is the popular (and pet friendly!) Wanderlust Beer Garden, And in case you didn't know, the corner store at 23rd and Butler that we affectionately knew as "Mom's" is now (you guessed it) The Ice Cream Corner.  You could literally grab a double-dip cone and enjoy it on the WHS gym steps!

Finally, if you missed or didn't get enough of Friday's karaoke at Rip Van Winkle's, you can catch the Saturday reprise at 9:00 p.m.

 

Sunday - 10/1

Getaway Breakfast

When: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Where: Nazareth Diner - 581 S. Broad St. (Route 248), Nazareth 18064

One last chance to hang out and get a good breakfast for your trip home.

 

Hotel Recommendations

Coming in from out of town?  Here's a list of hotels in the Route 248 and Route 33 area.  Early booking is recommended, as Lafayette and Lehigh athletic events tend to impact room availability in the fall.  Lower rates are generally available for loyalty program members such as IHG Rewards and Hilton Honors and/or AAA and Senior rates..

Hampton Inn
3723 Easton Nazareth Rd, Easton   610-250-6500

TownPlace Suites Marriott
3800 Easton Nazareth Road, Easton    610-829-2000

Tru by Hilton
3882 Eastgate Blvd, Bldg 1, Easton     610-258-6100

Marriott Courtyard
2220 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem   610-625-9500

Holiday Inn Express
90 Kunkle Drive, Easton    610-923-9495