Hey everyone! Just wanted to post an update on the Schmitz Family Reunion being held this summer at Janet and Allen’s in Bondurant, Iowa. We will be gathering around noon on Friday, July 6 and the party will continue until around noon on Sunday, July 8. We will be providing a breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday morning. All day Saturday will be a picnic at the park about a mile from Janet’s. She has reserved the entire park for us – three shelter houses, volleyball court, baseball field, playground and a lake. Those wanting to fish can get a three day license at the local Walmart. We’ll bring extra fishing poles. We’re thinking we will have Hy-Vee or Kentucky Fried cater lunch. Games and fun all day. Then back to Janet’s for supper. We’re thinking about supper for Friday and Saturday nights as steak fry one night and hamburgers and hot dogs the other night. Allen just got a new grill! Lunches will be on your own, or something casual. Cost for food will be figured out closer to the actual reunion, and promises to be minimal.

There is room at Janet’s for lots of RV’s, tents, etc. Also, there are beds available in Janet’s house, with first consideration going to those over 70 years of age. There is a place in Des Moines that rents and will deliver RV’s to the site. They run from $130 to $140 per night with a three night minimum. A to Z RV Rental, 611 S.E. 14^th Street, Des Moines, IA. (515) 229-4949. If you mention the Schmitz Family Reunion, the owner will work with you on the price and delivery. Also available through various family members are tents if you prefer tenting. Also, the Holiday Inn Express is fairly close by, as well as Prairie Meadows Gambling Casino with several hotels. Let us know what you need, we’ll hook you up.

I would encourage anyone coming for a longer stay to think about coming up to Mason City the week or so before the reunion to celebrate the Fourth of July. These two links, www.clearlakeia.com and www.masoncity.net, are very helpful to look into things to do, places to stay (campgrounds), parades and fireworks going on. The Clear Lake link shows lots of things under “where to stay” and “events”. The Mason City link has good stuff under the “visitor” link.

As far as cost, the food will be figured out later, but should be reasonable. There is no cost for the park (except for a goodwill donation to the local baseball team) and no cost for staying at Janet and Allen’s (except a goodwill donation to help cover the cost of water and electricity.) So if you sleep in a tent, the cost will be minimal. Hotel or RV costs are up to each individual.

Let us know when you get your plans in order, with June 15 as our preferred “last date” to let us know, although that is flexible, as always. If you need picked up at an airport, let us know.

We’re excited and hope you are too! If you have a family member not on Facebook, please forward this information to them. Also, JoDee Johnson Bryant and her daughter Jessica, have set up another family page at “schmitzfamilycorner.blogspot.com”. Some cool pictures and information on family.