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By Heather Nyberg-Schlotzhauer

Beacon Correspondent

Four days of festivities surrounding the Fortuna Rodeo provided a casual and busy setting for the reunion of two Fortuna Union High School classes. FUHS Class of 1990 had their 20 year reunion and joined forces with the FUHS Class of 1991 to add some extra spice to an already exciting weekend with a mixer at Eel River Brewery, Fortuna Rodeo Family Fun Night, tents during the Fortuna Rodeo Parade, Rodeo competition, Riverlodge banquet, and finally more Fortuna Rodeo.

Classmates came from all over the United States to share in a weekend of fond, funny, and sealed memories of high school. Some classmates were fortunate enough to known each other since birth as their parents grew up together. No matter what the mix there was lots of laughter and renewed friendship for this gathering of two FUHS graduating classes whose lives had taken them to careers in law, medicine, finance, real estate, teaching, and hardworking housewives.

As the initial gathering was at the Eel River Brewery in the outside seating area the walk from the building to the reunions gathering site was appropriately labeled as the “walk of shame.” Ironically not for the person walking down the path, but for all of us watching classmates walk in and desperately trying to identify who they were before the dreaded nameless hello. Generous laughter ensued as many classmates realized they still lived her in town while sharing memories and current life information. As the mixer came to an end many moved on to visit at old and new haunts around town, which included hotel rooms, The Playroom, and the Bear River Casino.

A slower moving reunion crowd could be found in the center median outside Sport & Cycle during the Fortuna Rodeo Parade under two tents labeled FUHS Class of 1990 and 1991 reunion. Families could be seen stretching the length of the median enjoying the parade. Many went on to enjoy the Fortuna Rodeo at Rohner Park before they gathered at the River Lodge for drinks, dinner, and dancing. Imagination Studios Photography was at the event to take pictures of couples, childhood friends, Classes, and even grammar school classmates.

The evening fun was sealed by the energetic performance of Boomsauii and rounded off by their DJ production of 80's music as many hit the dance floor singing and dancing. A large screen production of pictures from the past played throughout the evening and often struck laughter.

Several classmates from 1990 relived their youth with a classic tail gate party. The weekend of heartwarming reunions came to an end with promises of closer contact, more visits, and another Reunion. Rekindled friendships provided a glimpse and warmth of the past to be carried on to the futures of the FUHS classes of 1990 and 1991.

photo by Heather Nyberg-Schlotzhauer

1. Former Fortuna High classmates gather for their 20-year anniversary reunion.