Courtesy of the Mountain Times Archives
Photo One: Connor McGrath looks on as his parents, uncle and grandmother share in a toast.
Photo Two: Scott Giguere stands with Miss Guinness.
Local ‘old-timers’ organize Killington Reunion Weekend, set for June 26-28
By Polly Lynn
A local group of self-proclaimed Killington “old-timers” are organizing a reunion weekend, June 26-28.
“It’s an idea we’ve been tossing around for years,” said Bill Bauer, owner of the Summit Lodge. “After much encouragement we decided to get it off the ground this summer… we hope it will turn into an annual event.”
The idea for a reunion came about after locals saw many friends become reunited at memorial services over the years.
“Look at the turnout we had for funerals last year,” said Oke O’Brien, who works at the Inn at Long Trail. “I like to call it the ‘we ain’t dead yet weekend’… let’s see if we can’t get folks together while we’re still alive,” he added.
Over the past 56 years since Killington Resort opened, thousands have once called Killington their home. It is, for the most part, a transient community — like most resort towns. Folks come to live and work for a couple of seasons, maybe spending an average of 3-5 years here, Bauer guessed.
“This will be like a reunion, similar to school reunions, where old friends will get together to share stories with folks who were here and remember,” Bauer explained.
The common bond of memories unites the otherwise diverse group, O’Brien said. “Some are now doctors, lawyers, business people running large corporations, teachers… they could be doing anything now, but they were here then and they remember,” he said.
O’Brien hopes to include a game night with darts, poker and the like, during the celebration weekend. “We are a competitive group even at our age, we just can’t do all we used to,” he said.
There will be a welcome party at Summit Lodge Friday evening, tentatively scheduled for 5-8 p.m. but “this is not a sanctioned weekend,” Bauer emphasized. “It is not Summit Lodge event, but a community event… we hope many more businesses choose to get involved by hosting throwback bands, discounts on food or lodging, other events, or absolutely anything anyone wants to do.”
The group of local “old-timers” have started a Facebook page for the event, called Killington Reunion Weekend, and they welcome everyone to post promotions or events for the weekend.
“All activity and energy around that weekend is good,” said Bauer.
The group is also collecting and posting photos from past decades on the Facebook page in the hopes that folks will say “I remember that” and choose to come up for the reunion weekend.
For more information visit facebook.com/killingtonreunionweekend.
