BY KATHY WORRELL/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

mkworrell@manry-rawls.com

FRANKLIN—Members of Franklin and Hayden high schools renewed friendships and reminisced while attending the Mega ’70s reunion on Aug. 13 and 14.

Organizers were hoping for a “mega” event — extra-large, super, jumbo — and that is just what they got. It was the quintessential perfect summer weekend — beautiful weather, excellent music and the opportunity to renew old friendships.

The reunion committee worked tirelessly for the past year on the event for Franklin High School graduates from the classes of 1970 through 1980. Hayden’s last graduating class was in 1970.

The event kicked off with a classic car show in a downtown Franklin parking lot. Sponsored by Bobby’s Muffler and Blake Ford, the car show included participants competing for awards in four categories.

A meet-and-greet followed at Fred’s restaurant. Since 440 graduates had pre-registered, planners asked city officials to close off a portion of Main Street, which was granted.

More than 500 graduates and their guests packed Fred’s restaurant, the patio and the blocked-off street. An alumnus sponsored The HogBear Band, which consists of several Franklin graduates. HogBear was popular during the ’70s and continues its popularity today.

At midnight, several ventured to Franklin Bowling Center, which was reserved for midnight bowling.

On Aug. 14, most events were at Cypress Cove Country Club. The day started at 8 a.m. with the Class Challenge Golf Tournament. The winning team included 1975 graduates Tommy Riddick, Don Lupton, Dan Howe and Gregory Belcher.

A wine and cheese social was held at mid-day as was the buffet luncheon. Classmates could also use the pool, golf course, tennis courts and club facility.

The main event — a dinner and dance — was held Saturday evening at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Regional Workforce Development Center. Music was provided by disc jockey Wayne Cooke, who was assisted by DJ Tonee.

A photo display was prepared in memory of deceased classmates.

Many attendees traveled from across the nation, while graduate Candy Bemoan Moore came from England.

Teachers from the 1970s who attended were Ruth Petty, Becky Gillette, Herman Charity and Ed Barton. “Mr. B,” as he is nicknamed, wrote in a note to a committee member, “It was a most delightful event that was such fun every single minute we were there. I cannot begin to express what an overwhelmingly euphoric feeling it was to see and talk with so many of my former students. It was truly an event that Mrs. B and I will always treasure. Things cherished are never forgotten.”

Members of the reunion committee were Holland Ricks, Marbara Woods Morris, Kathy Worrell, Berry Brooke Payne, Lucy Minetree Wallace, Dorothy Harris, Debbie Battle March, Irma Turner Brown, Nancy Hedrick Cornwell, Beverly Myers, Jean Scott, Kim Scott, David Rabil, Cindy Moore and Becky Harris. Ricks was the chairman with Woods Morris serving as secretary and Worrell as treasurer.