We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Harlem High School (HHS) will be celebrating its 100th anniversary at the end of this month when graduates from the HHS classes of 1919-2019 will gather to reminisce and reconnect. A committee of spirited individuals have organized three full days of reunion activities from August 30-September 1.
For individuals who haven’t already registered, registration begins at 10:00 on Friday at the Little Rockies Senior Center located at 116 Main Street South in Harlem, and activities get underway at noon with a walk down memory lane when graduates will be invited to visit the Harlem Public Library, 37 First Avenue SE, to peruse all of the photographs, memorabilia, and other historical artifacts on display to commemorate the past one hundred years. Events will conclude on Sunday with a trap shoot, and in between, there will be ample opportunities for socialization, sporting/fitness events, eating, and otherwise engaging with alumni.
Sunday’s trap shoot, which will be held at the Shooting Range, is being sponsored by the Harlem FFA members who are raising funds to attend the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo from October 30 – November 2 in Indianapolis.
The reunion registration fee will include four catered meals: a barbecue dinner and dance Friday night, a breakfast Saturday morning, a banquet meal and entertainment dance with a live band at the VFW building on Saturday evening, and a brunch on Sunday morning; as well as a HHS lanyard with name tag and an electronic class photograph. A band from Billings called Alibi will be playing Saturday night, an event that will only be open to those 21 years of age or older.
Established in 1991, Alibi is comprised of Larry Lagge on vocals and lead guitar, Shorty Spang on bass guitar and vocals, and Bobby Swank on drums. This top 40 country/rock music band has been entertaining audiences throughout the northwest for over two decades. Having honed their musical talents with the Gairrett Brothers Band in the late 70s and early 80s, these country boys went on to refine their sound and become Alibi. They have opened for various country artists ranging from George Strait and Sawyer Brown to Hoyt Axton and Lee Greenwood. The band’s Facebook page promises that they have personalities to make any event pop.
When asked which event was “not to be missed,” committee member and 1992 graduate of HHS, Kellie Rasmussen replied that she really didn’t know since the schedule is filled with diverse activities but that Saturday would be a big day.
“Although Friday night we’re having a school dance in the gymnasium with a DJ, snacks, and pictures in front of the Harlem Wildcat, Saturday’s banquet will feature two comedians and a style show, so those will give people something to laugh and talk about,” Rasmussen explained.
One of the featured comics will be Charlie Mulluk, a 1990 graduate of HHS, who—according to Rasmussen—got his start at KRYK, Sunny 101 in Chinook. Mulluk was born in Nome, Alaska, and is enrolled as an Inupiaq on his father’s side. However, he grew up mostly in his mother’s home state of Montana, being raised on six different reservations with a steady diet of television featuring his heroes Carol Burnett, Andy Rooney, Tom Brokaw and Chuck Barris. These television personalities not only guided his trademark diction but influenced his brand of comedy. He employs his wit and flexibility to perform three radio shows each day across Montana. Mulluk currently works as a rock jock at KRZN 96.3 The Zone in Billings and is an on-air personality at The Eagle 104.7 and 105.7/KSKY Country 106.9 in Bozeman. In addition, he works the comedy circuit in the Billings area and beyond.
The second featured comedian will be Kasey Nicholson who delivers positive reinforcement messages in the schools with CRW Productions. In addition to these motivational speaking engagements, Nicholson is considered one of Indian Country’s funniest comedians. His promotional materials claim that he is “blazing a train of laughs all across the country performing at community events, casinos, and workshops from coast to coast.”
Last week, committee members were assembling the 100 Years of Alumni Celebration All-Class Reunion gear. According to Rasmussen, maroon and white shirts as well as hoodies in the school’s colors will be available, in addition to tumblers, which come in both 20 and 30 ounce sizes. These items will be on display for purchase at the Clothing Company at 201 Main Street South.
“We are very excited to be hosting the 2019 All-Class Reunion! It’s our school’s 100th anniversary! One hundred graduated classes of HHS! One hundred! Wow! How many schools can actually say that?” Rasmussen exclaimed. “We hope you make plans to join us.”
Our Committee has been working feverishly to ensure that there will not be a dull moment during our weekend celebration. There will be something for everyone, from a car show to a brew fest, so don’t hesitate to get your registration in!” Rasmussen said.
For more information on events or to register, people are encouraged to call Rasmussen at 406-353-4524 or to email the All-Class Reunion Committee at harlemalumniassociation@gmail.com. Interested individuals can also find information on Facebook at Harlem High School All Class Reunion 1919-2019 or on the reunion website: https://www.harlemallclassreunion2019.com/ where a registration form with a fee schedule appears.
Rasmussen reported on August 1 that 175 people from out of town had already registered. “Most events are open to anyone and everyone,” she said. “You don’t have to be a HHS alum. We want this to be a community event and celebration, so registration is not closed or exclusive to graduates. We have something for everyone of every age. I think people will have a good time if they choose to come.”
She added that the Reunion Committee is still looking for cars, trucks, hot rods, tractors and motorcycles to participate in the Car Show from noon until 4:00 on Saturday at the North end of Main Street.
