Welcome Alumni to the 2024 CHS All Class Reunion!
It is with great honor that we welcome you to Chinook for this fun event! It will be an exciting time as Alumni gather together to celebrate the remarkable memories that were made at Chinook High School from years gone by. We commemorate all graduates, former students, family, friends and teachers from near and far and hope that the exciting options we have provided, for young and old alike, will be a great time for everyone who attends.
The Chinook High School All-Class Reunion happens every 5 years and, like many organizations, the All-Class Reunion Committee has been struggling to find volunteers to host the event. Thankfully, a local group in Chinook decided to take on the labor-intensive task of organizing and operating the reunion. The Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation, a nonprofit group working towards the fundraising efforts of rehabilitating the Pool and Park in Chinook, have planned an exciting time! All proceeds from the event will go towards the Chinook Pool and Park Rehabilitation Project, with the exception of the local groups that are hosting specific events, which funds will go towards their own nonprofit entity.
You will notice several things in your registration packets, and we want to explain how things work this year. Since you were able to select specific events to attend when you registered, you will need to wear your lanyard to enter those that you have registered for. The people taking tickets will scan your lanyard’s QR code to grant you entry so be sure to keep it on throughout the event. Your lanyard also shows your name and the year that you graduated, which will help fellow classmates identify you. In your packet that you will receive at Registration, you will find a Full Schedule of what is happening, your lanyard, fun trivia about Chinook, and more. Be sure to wear your lanyards to help others recognize you.
Also, you will notice there is Beeter gear available to purchase at the Epic Sportswear trailer outside of Registration at the High School. If you have pre-registered for a Reunion T-shirt or a Fun Run T-Shirt, you can pickup your shirt at the trailer anytime throughout the weekend. Several local businesses also have Beeter gear available to purchase, so be sure to go check them out around town. Several businesses have provided promotional items for you to enjoy as well.
Below you will find some pertinent information that we believe you will find helpful:
On Thursday, July 4th, registration begins at 9 am and goes until 12 pm at the Chinook High School Auditorium. Registration fees are $35 per Person, which helps cover the cost to run the event. This fee covers essential aspects such as Insurance, Mailers, Band, etc. If you can’t make it to registration during the allotted time, or you need to register late, call (406) 531-2332. During registration, the High School will be open for folks to tour and reminisce of old times. At 10 am, there will be a dedication to the Science Wing in memory of former science teacher Gail Swant, who passed away in 2022.
One of the most cherished moments from reunions of years’ past are the photographs. At 11 a.m., group photos will commence for the classes of 1940 to 1989 at Chinook High School on the lawn in front of the CHS sign. Like previous reunions, the organization has hired a professional photographer and will provide the photographs online for free on their Facebook Page. If you would like a print, you can order when you register online or at the time of the event. Photographs will be printed and mailed out after the reunion. They are $20 each for an 8×10 photo. Included in your registration fee, is an electronic version of the Group Photographs. We will email you your photograph after the reunion is over.
11:00 a.m. (1940-1959 Classes)
11:30 a.m. (1960-1969 Classes)
12:00 p.m. (1970-1979 Classes)
12:30 p.m. (1980-1989 Classes)
3:00 p.m. (1990-1999 Classes)
3:30 p.m. (2000-2009 Classes)
4:00 p.m. (2010-2024 Classes)
At 11 am on Thursday, the 4th of July Kids’ Races will be held at the Meadowlark School. This event is very popular with local kids and provides a fun time for them to get together and enjoy lawn games and even affords the kiddos the opportunity to win some fun prizes! Chinook’s Local VFW is hosting this event. Vendors will also line main street from 11am to 4pm, showcasing their wares and food-items for sale.
At 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, the famed Sugarbeet Factory Smokestack will be lit, be sure to keep an eye out for the smokestack as it billows Red, White and Blue Smoke for Independence Day! Also, from 12 to 3 pm, there will be a Volleyball Tournament at Chinook High School.
Back by popular demand, the Sweet Park Brewfest will be held on Thursday, July 4th starting at 4pm at Sweet Memorial Park. As part of the Friends of the Pool’s fundraising efforts, they are challenging the CHS Alumni to help fundraise for this event. The Friends of Pool and Park agreed to give FREE beer to the class that raises the most money! Be watching our social media pages as the leader of the classes have been posted regularly. The Brewfest was extremely well attended last Reunion, and the group is planning a great time with many different craft beers, seltzers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be several kids giveaways compliments of Jean Kokkeler, as well. You won’t want to miss it!
At dark, the Chinook Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Fireworks Display at the Blaine County Airport. Be sure to watch the wonderful display to celebrate our nation’s independence.
FRIDAY, JULY 5TH
Chinook Lion’s Club will be hosting the Friday morning Breakfast, and it will be held at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Chinook. Breakfast starts at 7:30 am and ends at 10 am. The menu is sausage, eggs and pancakes with coffee, water, and juice. This is a fundraiser for the Chinook Lion’s Club, and it will help bring a Skatepark to the community of Chinook.
There will be a Golf Tournament Fundraiser for the Chinook Lion’s Swim Team starting at 9 am on Friday, July 5th at the Chinook Golf Course. Registration is $80 per person (4 persons per team). Pre-registration is required and there is a limited number of clubs available to rent as well, for questions contact Thomas Tilleman at (406) 899-2663. Continuing Friday, vendors will again line the streets from 11am to 5pm.
Starting at 12pm, the Blaine County Library is hosting a Yearbook Display, showcasing many yearbooks from Chinook High School through the years. Be sure to go check out your old school annual and reminisce through the photographs of years gone by. Carrying on into the afternoon, the Pastime Lounge in Chinook is hosting a Cornhole Tournament at 1pm on Main Street. Entree fees are $10 per person and proceeds will go towards prize money. Cornhole is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by anyone of all ages.
From 1pm to 5pm, the City of Chinook is sponsoring a Free Swim Day at the Chinook Pool. Head on down to the Pool and enjoy an afternoon in the sun, compliments of the City as a way of saying thank you to all the donors to the Pool and Park project. For those looking for an indoor activity, the Chinook Senior Center will be hosting Bingo at 2pm. This sure-to-please event is a crowd favorite and the crew at the Senior Center will make it a fun and enjoyable experience.
There will be two professionally catered dinners at the reunion – one Friday and one Saturday. On Friday, July 5th at 5pm, dinner will be in the alley behind the Chinook Eagles Club. On the menu is: Pulled Pork, Western Baked Beans, Old Fashioned Potato Salad, Fresh Fruit Medley, a Topping Bar, and Fresh Baked Buns. An Ice Cream Sundae Bar dessert and a beverage station with Ice Water, Iced Tea, Lemonade.
At 7pm., the Blaine County High School Rodeo Club is hosting a Ranch Rodeo Event at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. There will be Ranch Broncs, Saddle Broncs, Mutton Bustin’, Steer Dressin’, Iron Woman, Jr. Ironman and a Mad Dash for Cash! Go check out one of Montana’s favorite pastimes; Cowboys and Cowgirls in their element!
There will be a Street Dance on Friday, July 5th starting at 9pm on Main Street. Break out those dancing shoes and come enjoy some live music in Chinook. The Band “Three Eyed Jack” will be performing live on Main Street; their music is a mix of many different genres and styles and they are coming to us from Helena, Montana.
Beginning Saturday, July 6th, there will be a professionally catered breakfast from 7:30 am to 10am in the alley behind the Chinook Eagles Club. On the menu is Texas Size French Toast with Strawberries and Whipped Cream, Grilled Ham Steak, Cheesy Egg Scramble, Breakfast Potatoes, Fresh Fruit Medley, and a beverage station of Hot Brewed Coffee and Orange Juice.
Covered seating will be available at all these events.
If cars are your pastime, you are in luck! The Blaine County Cruisers will be hosting a Carshow on Main Street at 9am. and will showcase a myriad of different vintage automobiles from every generation! Be sure to check them all out!
The Jesse James Memorial Color Run will be held on Saturday, July 6th at 10am on Main Street. This event is organized by the Jesse James Memorial Foundation. Jesse was tragically killed in a car accident and his family is continuing his legacy through their foundation. Join in all the fun at this Color Run; you can walk or run your way through the course getting colored chalk on your race shirt. Bring your friends and family for the fun run! Registration includes a T-shirt, sunglasses and a water bottle. Plans are to meet at the corner of Indiana and 4th Street to begin the run. Vendors will again line the streets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Pie and Ice Cream Social will be held at the Chinook Senior Center from 11am to 4 pm also on Saturday! Come check out various pies and ice cream and enjoy the cool air inside the Senior Center. This will be a free will donation fundraiser for the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation.
The CHS All Class Reunion Parade will be held on Saturday, July 6th. Lineup will be at 2 pm at Meadowlark Elementary School and the Parade commences at 3pm. Should you wish to participate in the Parade, please fill out a form from our website and bring it with you at Lineup; we will have forms available there as well. There will also be a Marching Band during the Parade. Instruments will be available to use compliments of Chinook High School. You will be required to check out the instruments and return them back to the band room upon commencement of the parade. Simply show up at the High School at 2 pm, and an instrument will be checked out to you.
At 4pm there will be a Jam Session on Main Street. If you would like to join in on the music, be there before 4 p.m. and jam out to some fun music!
Saturday, July 6th there will be another professionally catered evening meal at 5pm in the alley behind the Chinook Eagles Club. On the menu is a Charbroiled New York Strip Steak, Chicken Strips, Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions, Baked Potato Bar, Fresh Garden Salad with Dressings, Penne Pasta Salad, Corn Dogs, Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls, Cheesecake Squares with Cherry Topping and Coffee, Iced Tea and Lemonade.
The Blaine County Fair Foundation is hosting a concert on Saturday night as well. Copper Mountain will be performing, in concert, at the Blaine County Fairgrounds (Grandstands) and doors open at 7pm on Saturday, July 6th. This up and coming group is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
SUNDAY, JULY 7TH
Sunday, July 7th, the Chinook Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 7:30am to 10am at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building. This is a fundraiser for the Fire Department, and we encourage everyone to attend and support the organization.
A full class list of all the graduates from Chinook High School from 1950 and on is located on our website here: https://chsallclassreunion.com/graduates/
The Chinook High School All-Class Reunion Committee is not affiliated with Chinook High School. It is a separate organization of volunteers that plan the All-Class Reunion event.
We truly hope that you will enjoy your time here and participate in all the fun events we have planned. Welcome back to Chinook, and as always, Go Beeters!
Sincerely,
CHS All Class Reunion Committee/Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation Board
Heather DePriest, Jill Paulsen, Julianne Snedigar, Jessica Aberg, Shelby Nemetz, Kelsey Harry, Heather Huravitch, Katie Unruh and Laura Feltz.
Individual Class Gatherings
As of June 26th, 2024
1960, 1961, 1962 – Meet and Greet at Chinook High School at 10 a.m. on July 4th in room 101
1969 – Meet and Greet on July 4th at 3 p.m. at Dave Taylor’s Shop in Chinook.
1974 – The Class of 1974 will be having a Meet and Greet on Friday, July 5th at 7 p.m. at the Pastime Lounge Steakhouse Room. They will be doing a float for the parade as well that weekend.
1975 – All classmates please come to the CHS lawn at 11:00 am on Thursday July 4th we need your opinion on plans for our 50th in 2025.
1982 – There will be a gathering for the Class of 1982 at Wade Anderson’s home on Friday, July 5th.
1985 – Will have a class BBQ on Friday, July 5th at 5 pm at Sue Reid’s Home
2003 – 20 Year Class Reunion will be held at Josh & Amanda Frank’s house at 2330 Paradise Valley Road on Friday, July 5th from 4-6 p.m. This will be a potluck BBQ with hamburgers and hot dogs provided.
2008 – There will be a class BBQ at 733 Minnesota Street on Friday, July 5th at 1:30 p.m.