Re:Harbour Lights Family Reunion Questions

I know that one was held last year at Mackinac Island and unfortunately could not attend. Why wasn't there one this year? How often are they held?

The Reunions have been:

1997 San Diego

1998 Providence

2001 Baltimore

2005 Mackinac Island

Debbie, years ago Nancy Younger told me that it would be impossible for them to hold an annual reunion. I imagine that Don and company would feel the same. The amount of time and work that goes into each reunion is mindboggling. They are huge and wonderful events which means tons of work for the organizers - right, Dave?

I think it would be doable but not very practical. Since the Reunions have been as a "one price buys the whole deal" operation they are not inexpensive. And, starting with the last one they had to break even. It is a 2 to 3 year cycle to decide where you want to go, scouting the area, making arrangements and then getting the word out to allow people to register a year out from the event. (allowing participants to spread the cost over several payments over a number of months.) A three year cycle is probably best case scenario.

If you want future reunions you need to let Harbour Lights know that, and where you think you would like one. Not every place you think would be a "great" reunion location is a workable situation. Lots of things come into play, but that is a subject for a whole separate discussion.

This year we have done two regional lighthouse gatherings at the request of CF members. I might be a little prejuidiced, but I think the first one turned out pretty decent and am looking forward to the second one in just a few weeks.

The Regionals this year are being run very much like the Reunion but w/o the thumbnails, giveways and the other bells and whistles. They are a Reunion in the gathering of the core of Wackos, and the sharing of lighthousing (if you add on the options). Not like the past regionals where you spent a few hours, and planned your own add ons.) So thanks to Dave and HL for upgrading these events.
Bob

Thanks guys that clears it up alot! I guess I should have pushed my husband a little harder to attend the 2005!!!!

Debbie, you are close enough to Mackinac that you could have 'raced' up ............

You're too funny, Dave!!!
But now that you mention it....that probably would've worked!!!! ( Wish I'd have thought of that.)
Guess I should have joined the forums sooner!