GRAVENHURST BAG LUNCH REUNION JULY 17 OLD-TIME FUN

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Living in the past is a lot of fun — and it’s also about keeping up with the present.

That’s the story tomorrow as old friends in Gravenhurst gather at Gull Lake Rotary Park for their annual bag lunch.

It’s the brainchild of Betty Allen, who will be on hand at noon to host dozens of former students still living in town and a few who make the trek back to see who’s still in town — dead or alive.

They’ll talk about old school days and when Muskoka Road and Phillip Street had a car dealership on every corner.

And they’ll discuss new businesses in town and lament the loss of old ones still.

Some will remember Peter Pratt and Steve Bailey, who recently died.

Others will mention Muriel McNabb, a lovely lady from Bay Street who passed away many years ago, but was the topic of considerable comment on the popular If You Grew Up in Gravenhurst website many follow.

Last year’s reunion was a large affair enjoyed by all.

Wednesday’s gathering is always a mixed bag of people — mostly an older crowd.

But all generations are welcome to meet and share memories of their time in town.

Be the first from your class to join in. I hear there’s a GHS 1977 class reunion planned in September. Ask.

There’s always somebody you know in the small town — thanks to the six degrees of separation theory.

Friends, cousins, fellow workers.

Many people in town even catch up, having fewer opportunities to bump into each other any more on the streets or at at other times and to take advantage of these few minutes to re-connect.

Of course talk will inevitably turn to another reunion.

Tim Montgomery will make sure of that. He’s done an excellent job in the past.

Rain or shine, the enlargened gazebo is the place to be.

It’s kind of a picnic, but really it’s about the good times — and a little gossip goes a long way.

I’ll be sorry to miss it, having to be down south again.

But next year for sure.

Don’t talk too much about me, I’m fine.

My brother and sister, Paul and Mary will be there, though.

And Paul Sprunt should be there to take lots of photos, so you’ll see him.

But do send me some photos to post.