Port Arthur Class of 1976 alumni is planning a bonfire and dance Saturday to kick-off a weeklong schedule of activities culminating with the Extravaganza Ball.

All events are sponsored by Abraham Lincoln High School Alumni, but on Saturday the bonfire/dance is opened up to other Port Arthur Bicentennial Year graduates.

Organizer Dianne Alexis said the Lincoln grads have invited 1976 graduates from Thomas Jefferson High School, Stephen F. Austin High School and Bishop Byrne Catholic High School.

The bonfire is reminiscent of old school days when students piled wood sky high and set it ablaze at dusk to illuminate school spirit.

“We used to have them at schools. We used to do a lot of things, the girls played against the boys in football and the boys had to dress up like cheerleaders.

They likely won’t be doing that Saturday, but they will have a bonfire and there will be a school spirit stick awarded to the school that displays the most school spirit.

“We will present the cheer stick to the school with the most spirit. That way they can have their bragging rights,” Alexis said.

Directly after the bonfire, the groups plan to have a dance, with a deejay.

“Almost like a record hop,” Alexis said.

Each school has been encouraged to wear t-shirts representing their schools.

Food will be available.

The event is BYOB, though set ups are available for purchase.

“I am excited to see my friends from all the different classes,” Antionette Joseph, Lincoln 1976 class president, said. “We are going to have a good time. A lot of my old classmates I don’t even know if they are still living here.”

Those attending the bonfire should go to the rear of Lincoln High School, now Lincoln Middle School, at the track area.

Lincoln 1976 Alumni will continue the fun throughout the week beginning Sunday with a church service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and an immediate following bus trip to Coushatta. Those riding the bus to the casino should arrive at the Robert E. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center by 2:30 p.m.

The Lincoln class will go bowling at 7 p.m. in Port Arthur Monday; eat barbecue at the class president’s house on Tuesday, go to Divine Winery in Beaumont on Wednesday, a memorial service at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, and class night at St. John’s Parish Hall, 620 53^rd St. in El Vista Community on Friday.

On Saturday, March 12, the group will celebrate their annual Extravaganza Ball at the Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Drive in Port Arthur.

Sunday, March 13, is a picnic at the El Vista Community Center.

For more information call Alexis at 409-543-3010.

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