Locations with a Theme for Military, Family and Class Reunions
Reunion Theme Locations – Location.
Selecting a great location is key to planning a memorable reunion. It will be enhanced by attaching it to a theme. A creative ambiance will generate greater interest and as reunion planners, we are always looking for ways to encourage attendance at reunions!
Finding the right location is typically based on it being easy to find, convenient and distinctive. Often, a location is based on its proximity to the school, college, military base or the group’s most central focal point.
Begin the search for your reunion location with these easy first steps:
- Invite everyone in your committee or group to join in the discussion.
- Come up with a theme
- Decide upon a ticket or venue price that will work for your group
- Start organizing your reunion a year in advance to allow plenty of time to research
Dude Ranches: Organize your reunion around a rodeo. Have a cowboy theme with the appropriate attire that could include: lariat ties, gingham checked table clothes, ropes for centerpieces. Ranches have golf, swimming, dining, horseback riding and fishing. Make it a 3-day holiday for the family with an option to extend your stay.
Lakes, rivers, parks and beaches: Always popular locations for active families who enjoy BBQ’s, camping, swimming, hiking, fishing. There is always something for everyone. Get aprons made with the family name, crest or logo. Use the time to create a family tree. Invite an expert to help you put it together.
Cultural Locations: Celebrate your heritage with your family’s cultural center. The Long Beach Scottish Rite Event Center is available for special events. It was built in 1926 and designated a Historical Landmark by the City of Long Beach, http://lbscottishrite.org/. FinnFest USA is an ethnic festival occuring this year from November 8-11 2012, Finland and Arizona will meet and engage in an educational, and festive celebration where visitors can share information and learn about contemporary Finland and Finnish American culture. The days are packed with activities and events for all guests. http://www.2012finnfestusa.org/cultural-heritage-history/. The Little Italy Festa is the largest Italian American festival on the West Coast. The Italian cultural festival has Italian cuisine and traditional and modern Italian music, arts and crafts as well as a tribute to San Diego’s rich Italian American heritage. Sunday October 14th, 2012 from 10 am-6 pm. http://www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-festa/.
Reunion Theme Locations – Themes.
Military Reunions: While it may be easier and more cost-effective to keep the same location for every reunion, by alternating venues, you provide new incentives for guests to attend. Look for military locations that host events such as themed restaurants. “The Alamo Steak House” in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee, http://www.alamosteakhouse.com/special_occasions.html. Military museums also offer opportunities for mingling in a creative atmosphere. “The War Eagles Air Museum” at the Doña Ana County Airport at Santa Teresa, New Mexico http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/facility_rental.php or the USS Constitution Museum in Boston, MA, located on Boston’s Freedom Trail in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, next to “Old Ironsides.” http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/support/host-an-event/ are some options.
Check www.military.com for a list of military museums throughout the Country. They also have a reunion database for finding reunions being planned for any U.S. military branch.
Class Reunions: Honor your veterans at your next class reunion. Hold the reunion at a military themed restaurant like the 94th Aero Squadron in Van Nuys, California next to Van Nuys Airport, contact Patrick at www.94thvannuys.com. There also is the Museum of Flying next to the Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, email:
jward@museumofflying.com to get information. With classic airplanes and air force memorabilia, you will have the perfect setting for honoring your alumni veterans.
If your school had an art focus, check out local art museums that have rental spaces. Country western is always a popular party theme. Attendees can dress up in country western gear or just go and enjoy the ambiance of the museum such as the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles (in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California). http://theautry.org/plan-your-visit/plan-an-event
The obvious theme for a class reunion is to have it at your former campus. Suggest that your alumni dress up in the fashion of your class year and have a DJ play related songs from your era. During the day of the reunion or at the following day picnic, tour the school grounds and invite former teachers.
Using a theme for your reunion will provide an added touch that will make it even more memorable.
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