Orrville High School Alumni Association: It's More Than A Reunion. It's A PARTY!

“It’s more than a reunion, it’s a party and all of Orrville is invited,” stated Travis Wilson, OHS Class of 1990 and OHS Alumni Association treasurer.

Wilson and wife Michele (Gonter), a 1992 graduate of Orrville High School, are serving as the co-chairs for the Growing Up So Strong and True downtown Street Party, 11am – 5pm on Sat, June 26.

The Wilson’s moved back to Orrville in 2006 with their first child after a 15-year hiatus.

“We realized what we were missing in a community to raise a family” shared Michele. “(Orrville) people treated us like we had never left even when we hadn’t seen them in years. Orrville just has this higher sense of support than the other areas we’ve lived.”

Sports were the focus of Travis and Michele’s extra-curricular activities during high school. In college they got involved and took on leadership roles in various organizations including executive board roles in their respective fraternity and sorority at Kent State University.

Prior to moving back to Orrville, the Wilson’s became members of Patti’s Pals, raised funds, and participated in Orrville’s Relay for Life. The same year they attended the 2005 OHS Alumni Reunion and were impressed by another example of Orrville’s community spirit.

“We jumped at the chance to get involved with the 2010 OHS Alumni Reunion,” commented Travis. “since I work out of town, it’s an opportunity to be actively involved with the community.”

The downtown Street Party will be held on W Market Street between N Vine and Sterling. There will be a variety of food vendors on site including Jerry’s Café, Senor Panchos, Bob’s Sausage, Fire House Hogs BBQ, Robeks Smoothies and more.

Live musical entertainment provided by Special Request, featuring OHS '74 alum Chris Conway, will kick off the party with a range of big band era classics to modern hits.

Downforce, featuring OHS '91 alum Will Armentrout, will anchor the backend of the event. Downforce describes their music as “a busy intersection of sound from the last four decades.” Classic Rock, Early Metal, Pop, and Punk all converge to form the nucleus of the band’s sound.

Taking the stage between bands, will be the one-of-a-kind Fashion Fads Contest hosted by local radio personality and OHS '92 alum, “Keith Kennedy.” Alumni from each decade are needed to participate in this nostalgic trip back in time. Pull together a smashing outfit reminiscent of your high school days and model for the chance to win great prizes. Team up with classmates for group entries. The show promises to be very entertaining!

For more information about the Fashion Fads Contest send an email to michelemwilson@gmail.com.

There will be plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the afternoon. A corn hole tournament will be held on the lawn of Smith Orr Homestead, mascot Rowdy the Rough Rider will pump up your spirit and OHS cheerleaders will be offering face painting.

Pull your friends into the photo booth for a fun souvenir or add graffiti to a model of “The Bridge.”

The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society museum and the Orrville Historical Society museum, both located amidst the activities in City Lot A, will be open as well as the newly restored home of Orrville’s founder, Judge Smith Orr.

For more information about the Orrville High School Alumni Association and the 2010 Old OHS Forever Alumni Reunion Weekend visit orrvillealumni.com