Party hardy, PHS — the 101st annual Powell High School Alumni Reunion Weekend kicks off Friday.

Everyone has fun and old friends get together during alumni weekends after being apart for years, said Del Cannon, Class of 1957.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Events like the alumni weekend keep friends near and far connected — the Powell community sticks together, said Colleen Cush, Class of 1970, Alumni Committee and American Legion Auxiliary member.

“I think it is kind of cool that our community comes together like that,” she said.

PAC laps

Start the party right with a big splash at the Alumni Swim Meet at the Powell Aquatic Center, or known by those in the know as PAC.

Anyone of any age can register and participate in the 10 a.m. to noon meet. “You don’t have to be a Powell High School alumni to swim in this,” said Tanya Bonner, PAC co-director.

Jerry Rodriguez, who happens to be a swim coach and alumni, organized the event in partnership with PAC, Bonner said.

With the exception of a 100 freestyle and 100 individual medley, each participant will swim no more than 50 yards per event, including relays, Bonner said.

Participants can register in advance or at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Bonner said.

Swimmers can get a fin up on the competition with a warm-up swim from 8:45-9:30 a.m.

The alumni swim meet is set to become an annual event, Bonner said. 

Golf bout

Alumni can dive into a different type of competition also on Friday at the Alumni Golf Tournament at the Powell Golf Club.

It is an 18-hole, four person scramble. Men play brick (red) tees and women and men 65 and older play gold tees. For handicaps, send current indexes and/or latest scores.

Tee times will be determined at the start.

For those who have not yet signed up, register today (Thursday) by emailing lanetk1@cloud.com or takytrky1@hotmails.com, said Terry Lane, Class of 1967.

For more information, call Lane at 209-564-8363.

Fire brewing

The forecast is calling for hot weather, but alumni can cool off with a cold one at the Beer and Bonfire event at the Park County Fairgrounds Pavilion from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday.

There will be food vendors, and, of course, beer and hurricanes (mixed drinks) served by WYOldWest Brewing Company.

Saturday stroll or scoot

Alumni might not want to stay out too late Friday night, because Saturday’s colorful festivities hit the streets bright and early.

The second annual Powell Rec/Plaza Diane Color Run launches at 8 a.m., Saturday. The start and finish is at Plaza Diane.

Participants can make it a 2.7K walk or a 5K run, said Joe Cates, Powell Recreation District recreation supervisor.

Money raised is earmarked for Plaza Diane art education classes and gallery shows and to help raise funds for planning and construction of a new Powell Recreation Center, Cates said.

Event organizers prefer runners/walkers register by Friday, but registrations will be accepted up to race time, Cates said. 

To sign up, call the Powell Recreation District at 754-5711.

Saturday sustenance

Alumni can fuel up for the final day of the reunion with a biscuits and gravy breakfast hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Park County Fairgrounds Bicentennial Hall. Fruit, juice, coffee and water will also be served.

The breakfast is a great setting for classmates to eat and visit, Cush said.

Breakfast is free, but donations will be accepted to support the Powell Alumni Committee and American Legion Auxiliary, Cush said.

Melodious close

The weekend’s nightcap is live music beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Park County Fairgrounds Outdoor Pavilion for the PHS Alumni Live Music event.

Del Cannon will kick off the tunes, solo, featuring classic country western with a helping of rockabilly.

Terry and the Pirates will play 1960s rock ‘n’ roll and then Live Wire will play 1980s tunes. Lastly, Bones in the Road will play a wide variety of rock, said Terry Faxon, Class of 1969.

Each set is approximately 90 minutes long with a 30-minute break between bands, Faxon said.

“I think it (music) does draw all the classes together,” Faxon said.

There will be food vendors and WYOldWest Brewing Company will again serve drinks from 4 p.m. to midnight.