Thursday, November 10, 2011

Monday, October 10, 2011

WHAT MAKES A RAATZ REUNION SO AWESOME?



These great people have brought us all together to celebrate a special family bond.

In the next few months we will demonstrate through photos some of the many reasons Raatz Reunions are awesome. Enjoy the memories.

Just a reminder: To view all the new and old posts click on the 2011 to the right of this post.

GREAT LOCATIONS







THEME NIGHTS PROVIDE LAUGHS







WE'VE GOT TALENT!!







TUNE IN NEXT MONTH FOR MORE GREAT REASONS RAATZ REUNIONS ARE AWESOME!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

RAATZ REUNION - DID YOU KNOW?

(Excerpts taken from a summary written by Joan S.)

There is debate about which is the first Raatz Reunion. What do you think?
*Mary & Charlie's 50th wedding anniversary in Verona, ND?
*At the Boe's in Missoula, MT, 1963?
*Or the 1976 reunion at Loon Lake in Vergas, MN?

We've had around 60 people attend in 1980 Baker, OR; 1992 in Spokane, WA; 2000 in Lake Tahoe, CA and 2008 in Silver Falls State Park, OR.

Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota tend to have fewer numbers, often in the 30's. Let's break that trend! It is looking like odds are good for a large group. The responses have quite a few saying they are probably coming.

Did you know that the reunion that was the furthest West (Port Townsend, WA) was hosted by the family that is the furthest East (Cruit).

Some of the firsts for Raatz Reunions:
*Awards night and work crew traditions began at Loon Lake, MN.
*Signing up for scheduled bathroom times was instituted at Baker, OR.
*Horseback riding was introduced at Eagan, MN.
*Having to head for shelter from a tornado was exciting at Hoot Owl, MN.
*Singing Happy Birthday with helium voices was a hit at Spokane, WA.
*A "tasteless party" brought out the silly in everyone at Port Townsend, WA.
*Opening night was a "black tie" event at Lake Tahoe, CA.
*Old fashion clothing had everyone step back in time for wild west photos at Palmer Gulch, SD.
*Assigned crews for cooking and cleaning got a break at Silver Falls, OR.

Whatever is in store for us at Shalom Hill Farm, we know it will be fun. How can it not be when you get a bunch of Raatz' together! DON"T MISS OUT!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

THINGS TO DO AT THE REUNION

During your stay at Shalom Hill Farm there are many things to do while enjoying Raatz Reunion Activities. For example,

RIGHT ON THE FARM
* Prairie Trails: Three maintained walking trails through the rolling prairie. From easy stroll to more adventurous hikes. These trails will provide many beautiful views.

*Playground, barns, and many open areas will provide great opportunities for croquet, badminton, volleyball, horseshoe, etc.

*Inside the retreat center you will find books, puzzles, and games in the many gathering rooms provided.

JUST TEN MILES AWAY IS WINDOM WHICH IS HOME TO;
*Many beautiful parks and playgrounds including the huge Kastle Kingdom Park.
*Antique stores and shopping.
*Swimming pool, tennis courts, skate parks, gun club, and horse arena.

ALSO IN THE AREA:
*State park
*County parks
*Lakes
*Canoe access to the DesMoine River

AND YES...OF COURSE...
*Golf Courses
*Rolling Hills, Westbrook, MN 15 miles
*Windom Country Club, 10 miles
*Mountain Lake, MN 25 miles
*Sanborn, MN 20 miles

SOME SPECIAL SIGHTS YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE IN:
*Jeffers Petroglyphs, 15 miles
*Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Walnut Grove, MN, 25 miles
*Sod House on the Prairie, 20 miles

On your way you may want to check out all the fabulous places in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

All mileages above are approximate. There are other opportunities that we may have missed. Feel free to Google!