Events
Wine and Cheese Evening – Friday May 15th 7-11 pm in the Gymnasium
Registration for Friday and Saturday at a cost of $22 will give you access to our Wine and Cheese evening planned by Wayne and Barb (Nagel) Hampel. It’s the perfect place to catch up with old friends on the years since high school, be they many or few. Your first glass of wine will be included in the price, and will be served to you in a 100th Anniversary keepsake wine glass. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available, and cheese and crackers will be served throughout the evening.
School Open House – Friday May 15th 6pm-?
Our nostalgia committee, headed by current school librarian Trinette (Courier) Tomasello, is working hard gathering old pictures, yearbooks, uniforms, jackets, and other neat stuff from years gone by. These will be organized and set up in “decade rooms” along the main floor hallway beyond the office. As well, retired RCBHS teacher Gord Brown and others are lending pictures, costumes, and clips of drama performances.
We’re also going to have a display of memorabilia from the old Crystal Beach Amusement Park on the third floor of the school. Former students Paul Kassay and Cathy Herbert, and local history buff Rick Doan will all be displaying items guaranteed to remind you of those summers by the lake.
On Friday night or Saturday take a tour of the school and see the changes that have been made since you walked these hallowed halls. Organized by Cathy Green-Redekop who has taught at RCBHS for many years now, the tours will start on the half-hour.
Opening Ceremony – Saturday May 16th 11am at Stage on Pride Field (In Gymnasium if weather is poor)
This will be our official celebratory gathering with dignitaries, congratulatory remarks, and presentations. One highlight will be the dedication of a War Memorial Plaque bearing the names of former students who sacrificed their lives for our country in wars throughout the last century. Research on this project was done by current History Teacher Cal Nigh with the cooperation of the Ridgeway Legion, and the plaque will be mounted in the school after the reunion in a place of honour.
Outdoor Activites – Saturday May 16th Noon–3pm
After the opening ceremony enjoy music by two bands from the eighties who have reunited in honour of our school’s 100th Anniversary. They are “Split Second” with Brad Jones, Dave Falardeau, Joe Kenny, and Mike Kenny, and “Willoughby Clay” with Robin Pirson, Joe Rotundo, Keith Bestward, and Doug Gilmour. Also performing will be senior members of the RCBHS Music Club.
Buy a burger and a drink at the BBQ put on by current students. Watch pole vaulting demonstrations by several current and former students including Kyle Tomasello, and Jason Wurster, who almost made it to the Olympics last year but was sidelined by an injury. Stay for the soccer games later in the afternoon, with our boys and girls teams playing against FESS. There will probably also be some games and activities for kids.
Dinner – Saturday May 16th 6pm at Leisureplex Hall (cocktails at 5)
Join us for a semi-formal dinner, catered by “Feastivities” and served buffet style. The menu will include Italian Rolls and Butter, Foccacia Breads, Red Pepper Breads, Niagara Spring Mix Salad with Dressings, Classic Caesar Salad, Seafood Salad served in an Sculptured Ice bowl, Penne Pasta Primavera in Chardonnay Alfredo Sauce, Baked Chicken Italiano, Ponderosa Hip of Beef served at two carving stations, Parisienne Garlic Roasted Potatoes, and Steamed Fresh Vegetable Medley. For dessert enjoy four Varieties of Cakes including a Celebratory Cake with our school logo (be sure to see it before it’s cut), and towering Fruit Displays. Coffee and tea will be served at your table.
Make plans with old classmates to sit together at round tables for ten. Tables will not be reserved. Seating is limited at this event to 450 people, so book early. Cash bar.
Dance – Saturday May 16th 9pm-1am in the Leisureplex Kinsmen Arena
The DJ for this event will be Roy Courchaine, who is currently the Communications Technology Teacher at RCBHS. It will feature popular music from all ten decades.
The Ridgeway Lions Club has graciously agreed to run the bar at both the dinner and dance.
For the dance, it is suggested that you register ahead of time for $10, but tickets will also be sold at the door for a price of $15 if space is still available. Dress at the dance will be casual and no one under the age of 19 will be admitted.
The dance was originally booked at the Crystal Ridge Arena, but we were forced to change locations as the Town of Fort Erie is planning to resurface the arena in May.
Breakfast – Sunday May 17th 7-11am Crystal Ridge Lions Hall
Come out for this delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and tea. Please sign up in advance so that the Ridgeway Lions’ club will know how many to prepare for. Watch video clips of the last few days put together by current Technology students, and talk over the weekend as you prepare to say your goodbyes.
Events for students
Current students will join in the 100th Anniversary celebrations in the week before the reunion. Plans include a ceremonial tree planting on the grounds, and refreshments with a specially decorated cake.