Princeton Reunion

There is nothing like a Princeton Reunion. 

A few years ago I took Ashley to see the P-rade, mostly because there is nothing quite like it in the world. Sure, other places have reunions. The larger the school, the larger the reunion. I'm sure they wear school colors and sing the alma mater.

But does each class have at least two matching jackets? Do they have an alumni parade that lasts for hours and hours and hours because every alumnus and their families participate? They call it the P-rade. The first jackets are given to seniors just before graduation and are called "beer jackets." The tradition dates back over a century. The second one you purchase for your 25th reunion. There are also matching pants, skirts, children's attire, etc. Each class's jacket is unique. Most are in the trademark school color scheme or black, orange, and white or cream. I say most because I recently read an article where the class of 1951 opted to have their jackets in red, white, and blue in honor of the nation's bicentennial taking place during their 25th reunion. 

I'm surprised I didn't blog about us seeing the P-rade. So far we've only gone once. We do enjoy visiting Princeton during reunion weekend to see just how many different combinations of black, orange, and white jackets exist.

This year Don and I went to see the fireworks. The plan was to watch them from the bridge at Harrison Street. They really are quite spectacular. They also serve as the town's annual fireworks display. 

We went in early to hear Darla and Rich play next to Halo Pub in town. As their set was planned to end at 9:00, and fireworks were being set off on the other side of town at 9:15, we left them early to get a good spot.

As we were walking towards the bridge, we noticed the stadium was open. Last year our exchange son saw the fireworks with friend's parents (who are Princeton alumni) and said it was nice. I assumed incorrectly it was a ticketed event, only open to alumni and their guests. I didn't see anyone collecting tickets so we went inside an found a seat.

Pre-fireworks entertainment included a performance by the Princeton Symphony. It seemed alumni also performed. It was a great way to pass the time.

I felt as if I was in the middle of a cult, though, when the orchestra played the alma mater, "Old Nassau," and everyone stood up, and with their right hand did some sort of salute to the music. This was repeated during the fireworks when that song was played. Ashley was sitting outside with Anna and was also a little creeped out by the hand motions and obvious crowd reverence.

In the stadium we were behind a group of alumni ranging from their 23rd to 25th reunion, at least based on their jackets. The alumna from the class of 1998 was excited about her new jacket (a sedate cream jacket with orange and black pinstripes), but was disappointed it came two sizes two small. The woman next to me, who came from Phoenixville, PA was with her husband celebrating his 61st reunion commiserated. When his 25th reunion attire was unveiled the wives (Princeton was all-male in his day) bought matching skirts that were way too tight and short to be worn in public. Not long afterwards they got new reunion attire, which he is still wearing to reunions 36 years later. Next year the class of 62 will be celebrating their 62nd reunion. I'm sure they will come back.

I love fireworks and am not easily impressed by them, but these fireworks were amazing! They were perfectly in sync with the music. The couple in front of us (with the wife celebrating her 25th reunion) said the music corresponded to the different reunion themes the class of 1998 have had over the years. They played "Eye of the Tiger" and other songs important to that class. 

I've seen hearts and smiley faces in other displays. This was the first time I ever saw dollar signs. They were a pleasant addition. Unfortunately, I don't remember what song they corresponded with.

The perfect spring weather added to the enjoyment. People are happy to be able to get out and celebrate together again.

I read over 25,000 people came to the reunion. As the stadium holds 27,773 people and it was pretty full, plus there were a lot of people watching the fireworks outside the stadium, once you factor in the townies, the number is much higher.

It was fun. Don and I vow to return to watch in the stadium next year -- maybe from the other side so we don't have to crane our necks as much. Then again, with the way the wind was blowing this year, we were better off on our side of the stadium.