SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Opening Ceremony “Ringing through time” 12:00pm Bemidji High School by Arch
The Central School Bell has seen a lot of changes over the years. Central School was where it all began for Bemidji Area Schools. Central School opened in 1899. In 1900, the Bemidji Public School District was formed. With the first high school students graduating in 1903. This bell watched as the district expanded with the building of the new Bemidji High School in 1910 which burned down in 1921. It would continue to see Bemidji Area Schools expand with the building of a new High School in 1922, and would ring proudly until that fateful day on June 24, 1958, when Central School burned down. This bell was then displayed in 1960 with the opening of the new Central Elementary School where it remained throughout the course of the school’s service from 1960-2021. It seems fitting that a bell that has been with Bemidji Area Schools from the very beginning should now be placed on the grounds of Bemidji High School near the historic arch from the 1922 Bemidji High School. From this spot, this bell will continue to witness the changes and growth of Bemidji Area Schools.
Registration & Visit with Friends: 1:00-6:00 pm Bemidji High School Cafeteria
All Show Choir (Vocalmotive and La Voce Ballo Alumni): Bemidji High School Auditorium
NEW this reunion! 3:00 pm-5:00 pm Choreography Review. 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Rehearsal. It’s time to come together to celebrate the rich history of show choir in Bemidji. We plan to perform an opener ballad medley, a closer in the show, and anyone who doesn’t want to dance, can still sing with us!
Friday, July 25, 2025
Registration & Visit with Friends: 8:00 am-4:00 pm Bemidji High School Cafeteria
Craft Show: 9:00 am-3:00 pm Bemidji High School Cafeteria
NEW this reunion! The craft show aims to bring together alumni and other community members to showcase and sell their handmade crafts and goods.
Meet & Greet with Former Teachers: 10:00 am-Noon Bemidji High School Cafeteria
Former teachers in the area will be available in the Commons. Take this opportunity to say “hi” and catch up!
All Show Choir (Vocalmotive and La Voce Ballo Alumni): Bemidji High School Auditorium
3:00 pm-5:00 pm Choreography Review. 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Rehearsal.
Bemidji Historic Downtown Tours: 10:00 am-12:00 pm Bemidji High School
Join Linda Lemmer Class of 1965 as she shares her knowledge of Bemidji’s history on a guided bus tour of Bemidji including but not limited to the History Center and Paul Bunyan Park. The tour bus has 50 seats available so reserve your seat online or at registration. Freewill donation accepted.
Class photos: 10:00am – 12:00pm Bemidji High School by Arch
Class representatives sign your class up on www.BemidjiAllSchoolReunion.org
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Registration & Visit with Friends: 8:00 am-12:00 pm Bemidji High School Cafeteria
All Show Choir (Vocalmotive and La Voce Ballo Alumni): 8:00am to 12:00 pm Bemidji High School Auditorium
Full Group Rehearsal
Kickball Tournaments: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Mark Evenson Memorial Fields
NEW this reunion! Join in the fun for a kickball tournament to support Bemidji Youth Baseball and Softball! Each class is encouraged to put together a team to participate in the tournament. There will be two brackets: one for participants aged 35 and over, and another for those under 35. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy some friendly competition and contribute to our community! Contact Marty Cobenais at 218-308-1184 or email martycobenais@gmail.com
Bemidji All School Reunion 5k/10k Walk-Run: 9:00 am-10:00 am 1500 Birchmont Dr NE, Bemidji
NEW this reunion! Join us for the first all school reunion 5k/10k. What better way to start your day with some friendly competition with your fellow classmates! Visit Bemidjiallscholreunion.org to register
All Cheerleader Reunion: 10:00 am-12:00 pm(“Jacks” doors) of Bemidji High School
NEW this reunion. Dust off your cheer shoes and shake out your pom Poms! BHS cheerleading is holding a first ever All-Cheer reunion Come reconnect and remember what it was like to be a BHS cheerleader. Feel free to bring photos, memorabilia and your memories to share.
BHS Sports Letter Winners Gathering: 10:00 am-12:00pm (“Jacks” doors) of Bemidji High School
Whether you are a past sports letter winner or a sports enthusiast, we welcome you to join us for a morning of reminiscing. Contact: Jerry Phillips at jpmrktg@paulbunyan.net.
St. Philip’s School Brunch – Outstanding Alumni and Supporter Recognition: 10:30 am St. Philip’s Social Hall
NEW this reunion! Free Will Offering. All St. Philip’s School alumni, supporters, current and past church members, and those interested are invited to our inaugural recognition brunch. At the brunch, five Outstanding Alumni and Supporters of St. Philip’s will be recognized and honored. To nominate Outstanding Alumni and Supporters, please contact St. Philip’s at 218-444-4262 or 218-556-3031. Tours of St. Philip’s School will be offered at the conclusion of the brunch. Registration is not required, but to ensure we have enough food, we request you call or text 218-556-3031 if you plan to attend. Tours of St. Philip’s School will be offered at the conclusion of the brunch.
All School Cornhole Tournament: 12:00pm – 5:00pm Garden Grill and Pub
Join us for an exciting all-school reunion cornhole tournament at the Garden Grill and Pub in Nymore! Teams can pre-register by calling ahead or sign up on the day of the event. To register, please contact 218-751-9656.
All Show Choir (Vocalmotive and La Voce Ballo Alumni): 1:00 pm Bemidji High School Auditorium
Family and friends are welcome to come watch the performance and support. Free will donations are appreciated.
All School Reunion Parade: 6:00 pm Downtown Bemidji
Lineup at 5:00 pm in the Community Services Building Parking Lot (701 Minnesota Avenue). The parade starts at 6:00 pm. Get your class float ready and participate in the parade! Registration is free for all class units prior to the July 6 Pre-Registration Deadline. Parade Route: east on 7th Street, south on Beltrami Avenue, west on 3rd Street, and ends at the intersection of 3rd Street and Irvine Avenue. Registration forms are available on the reunion website. Contact info@bemidjiallschoolreunion.org for more information.
All School Reunion Street Dance: 7:00 pm-12:00 am Downtown Bemidji
Two stages are planned for the All School Reunion Street Dance, and fun will be had by all attendees! Catch up with friends while local bands entertain you! As part of your registration, you will receive a commemorative reunion mug which will be your ticket for the event. If you are not registered, you can purchase your event mug at the Street Dance from one of the bars located on the street.
INDIVIDUAL CLASS RECEPTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Class of 1957 July 24 and July 25 at 3:00 pm at Tavern on the South Shore, 929 Lake Shore Dr. NE, Bemidji. Hors d’oeuvres will be furnished both days due to generous contributions from our classmates. Dinner and beverages will be ordered off the menu.
Class of 1958 July 25 at 4:00pm to close at Tavern on the South Shore 929 Lake Shore Dr. NE, Bemidji.
Class of 1959 July 25 at 4:00pm to close at Tavern on the South Shore 929 Lake Shore Dr. NE, Bemidji.
Class of 1960 July 26 in the side room of Giovanni’s Pizza from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Time to share memories, renew old friendships, and catch up with classmates! Pizza, appetizers, and a “Graduation” cake will be provided at no charge. Beer, soda, coffee, and water will be available .Please spread the word to all class members! Questions? Contact Ron Johnson or LeRoy Stenstrom.
Class of 1962 July 25, 2025, at the Bemidji Eagles Club from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Appetizers will be provided. Please spread the word to all class members. Please RSVP to Cheryl Hiltz at chiltz@paulbunyan.net or Sandy Stenstrom at 218-751-0787. Hope to see you there to share stories and memories.
Class of 1965 60th REUNION! July 25Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad Street SW, Bemidji from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. “60” years have passed since we graduated from Bemidji High School. We are planning a get-together on Friday, July 25, 2025, during the all school reunion. It will be held at the Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad Street SW, Bemidji. (Across the big bridge, turn left, straight to the big brick building where all the cars will be parked. This is the same place as last year.) Fun time from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. We are planning on some music, videos from previous reunions, food, bar, and reacquainting with each other. Bring anything you would like to share (pictures, fond memories, talents, or anything else) on stage. Let’s make this the best-attended reunion ever. Questions: Carole Peterson Holmes 218-333-0921.
Class of 1966 July 25, 2025, at Lazy Jacks, 6735 Fairgrounds Rd NW at 6:30 pm. The Class of 1966 will have their party during the All School Reunion on Friday. The informal gathering will include a taco bar for $20.00 per person. Please RSVP to Becky Norland Haskell, 218-556-4159 or 2001 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601.
Class of 1967July 26, at the Diamond Building at Diamond Point Park at 10:00am. Please join our class for a walk down Memory Lane! The BHS Class of 1967 will gather Saturday. We will open the building at 10:00 am and will be serving coffee and rolls. A fish fry with sides and desserts will be served around 2:00 pm. Beverages will be available throughout the day. A free will donation will be gratefully accepted. If you plan to attend, please notify Mary Noren Settle at maryset1949@outlook.com so we are better able to plan food needs.
Class of 1968 July 25 Bar 209 5:00pm to close
Class of 1969 July 25 at Ron and Terri Otterstad’s cabin on Lake Bemidji The class of ’69 will be having a get-together at Ron and Terri Otterstad’s cabin on Lake Bemidji. It will be the evening of Friday. We will post more info as we figure out all the details. You can contact us at Bemidjiclass1969@yahoo.com or join our Facebook page for further details. Search Groups for: Bemidji High School Class of 1969 and request to join. Thank you, Cindy Noren.
Class of 1970 July 25 at Ruttger’s event room from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Class of 1970 will be gathering Friday. This will be an informal gathering with appetizers, a cash bar, and a free will offering.
Contact: Marta Sjostrom, sjostrom@paulbunyan.net, 218-444-6331. RSVP appreciated to help with planning!
Class of 1972 July 25 at The Country Inn Suites Meeting Room & patio by Lake Bemidji at 3:00 pm
BHS Class of ‘72 get-together at The Country Inn Suites Meeting Room & patio by Lake Bemidji. We’ll be rockin’ to 70’s music and appetizers will be provided as well as some beverages or feel free to bring your own. 6:00 pm Dave’s pizzas will be delivered. If you prefer, you may order food from the Tavern on South Shore (right next door).Saturday, July 26, 2025, 3:00 pm meet at the Beltrami County Adm Parking lot to decorate our float. Bring a chair or you can walk alongside the float. If you want to come ride on the float & aren’t able to help decorate, join us at 5:00 pm as we line up at 5:15 pm. Parade is at 6:00 pm. Undecorate the float after the parade.
Class of 1974 July 25 at Barb (Torfin) Treat’s home from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 3309 Jackson Avenue SW, Bemidji. The Class of 1974 will be gathering Friday. This will be an informal picnic gathering. Please bring a beverage for yourself and a side to share. Sloppy joes will be provided. Contact: Barb Treat at 218-556-0393 with questions. Parking is available at Farmers Beach, across the street from Barb’s house and along the edge of the road on Jackson Avenue SW. (Please make sure that all vehicles can pass by!) We hope to see you there! Barb Treat, Barb.Treat@yahoo.com
Class of 1975 50th REUNION! July 25 The Eagles Club (back room) 1270 Neilson Ave SE at 6:00 pm
Class motto: Jacks will Jive in ’75! We have carved out some special events for our class! Please encourage other classmates that haven’t been to a reunion to make it to this one! There is a $10 fee to cover the cost of the room and light hors d’oeuvres which will be collected that evening. Welcome led by Jeff Lauber and Dave Calder. Please pre-order your Class T-Shirts before June 15 from Sue Wynne on our BHS Class 1975 Facebook page or via email wynne.susan@gmail.com. Cost: S-XL $15, XXL $17 or XXXL $19. Cash or check payable to Thunderbird Graphics. Shirts will be available Friday evening to pick up. Saturday, July 26 3:00 pm @ BHS Arch located at 2700 Division St W. Group picture taken by Image Photography. PARADE! First ever parade float by our Class! Show up at 5:00 pm to decorate, ride, or walk with our float. Meet at County parking lot #9 located at the corner of Irvine and 7th and wear your class t-shirt or any BHS wear you have. Stay for the All School Street dance downtown! Sunday, July 27, 2025: 11:00 am-2:00 pm Potluck Picnic at Cameron Park. Bring a dish to share and your own beverages. Arrangements for pontoon rides are being made! Contacts: Jim Aakhus at 218-214-1681 or Kay Murphy 218-368-2761
Class of 1978 July 25 at 4:00pm at 4305 Cherry Lane NE, Bemidji. Sue and Dale Thompson have again stepped up to graciously host the Class of 1978 at their home on Friday. A huge thank you to these two for doing this every time there is a reunion. We’re grateful!
Class 1980-1989 July 25, at the Corner Bar, 602 2nd St SE in Nymore starting at 6:00pm. THE 80’s DECADE PARTY.
Class of 1990 July 25 from 5:30 – 10pm at Keg N’ Cork. The event cost is $10/person to cover room rental and light appetizers. Dress is casual. Wearing your favorite BHS spirit attire is encouraged. Please wear your All School Reunion nametag. Please RVSP through evite at https://evite.me/Kxd6e7pAmJ and pay in advance via Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BHSClass90) or Venmo (BHSClass90).
Class of 2000 July 26, Red Stu at 5:00pm-10:00pm Buffet Style. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm Class motto: “Some people look to the past and wonder why, we look to the future and wonder, why not?”- Bobby Kennedy. Follow “Bemidji Class of 2000” on Facebook. Contact: Mandy Faldet mandyfaldet@gmail.com
Class of 2005 Follow “BHS Class of 2005” on Facebook. It is private so admins will approve requests. All updates for our 20-year reunion will be in that group for now. Cheers, Lacey Schuler
Class of 2009 July 25 Grant Haven RV Campground at 5:00pm.
Class of 2012 July 25 Ruzy’s Bar at 5:00pm. Join our Facebook group “Bemidji High Class of 2012” to stay up to date on all upcoming events.