Reunion FAQs

LOGISTICS/COMMUNICATIONS

What's the plan?

The reunion starts on Friday, August 9th at the Lake Place in Bigfork, MT. As folks arrive that day, we’ll gather informally starting after 4pm. Day 1 is Bring Your Own Dinner night, and there will be beer! 

From Saturday to Tuesday, we have one or two GROUP activities planned each day. (See the SCHEDULE page to sign up.) There are also DIY options (See the DIY ACTIVITIES page.) At the close of each action-packed day, we meet back at the Lake Place at 4pm for volleyball, and 530pm for catered dinner. Music will be provided by DJ Dan Justesen and fireworks by the Gould/Stewart boys.

How do I stay in touch and keep up with the latest when I am at the reunion?

We will be using WhatsApp for daily updates, alerts and to organize carpools. Download the app and join the Schultz Family Reunion ’25 group chat. Use the link below to join. https://chat.whatsapp.com/HZgu7tHseoXBzjVX5kg4qR

Is there parking at the Lake?

There is space for parking +/-30 cars at the Lake. You must have a minimum of 3-4 people in your car to park there. Please carpool with your family or use our WhatsApp Group Chat to join a ride. We will be marking the areas where you can park, so we don’t annoy the neighbors. And we'll send out a map as well.

How do we pick up our swag?

Our awesome Reunion T-shirts and beverage mugs, designed by Justine Stewart, will be distributed at the Lake Place. Pick them up from Joan Thullbery or Justine when you arrive. We want everyone to wear their T-shirts to dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights at a minimum.

Will there be name tags? I am worried about recognizing my relatives after all this time.

No need to worry! We will have name tags, and you will need to wear them to get dinner!

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

What's on the menu for food?

Opening night of the reunion (Friday, August 8th) is BRING YOUR OWN DINNER night. On the other nights, dinners will be catered by Savor and Graze Inc. out of Helena, MT. They are aware of all food preferences and allergies. As for other meals, you are on your own. (There will be some snack items at the Lake for the "littles.")

Here's the menu for the catered meals:

8/9  Taco Bar: Build your own taco bar. Seasoned ground beef and chicken with shredded cheese, fresh green leaf

lettuce, diced tomatoes, seasoned black beans, onions, black olives, salsa, and sour cream. Tortilla chips,hard and soft shells. Spanish rice and an assorted desserts tray included.

8/10 Pasta Bar: Cheese tortellini, Penne pasta, Vegetable Primavera, Meatballs and Marinara, fresh green salad, fresh baked garlic bread and an assorted dessert tray.

8/11 Build Your Gourmet Hamburger Bar: Handmade 5 oz Certified Black Angus choice hamburger patties grilled hot and fast to seal in those beefy juices. Served with sautéed onions and mushrooms, crisp bacon, assorted cheese tray, fresh condiments, assorted spreads on a delicious artisan hamburger bun. Served with gourmet macaroni and cheese, fresh green salad, elote salad and an assorted dessert tray.

8/12 Hot Baked Potato Bar: Steaming hot baked potatoes with fixings such as bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, butter, and green onions. Comes with a fresh green salad, Greek orzo salad, chili (bowl or for a delicious topping), fresh-baked sunflower bread and an assorted dessert tray.

What about beer?

Yes, there will be a variety of craft beer options throughout the reunion, courtesy of James Thulberry and our Beer Leadership Team. Beer will be FREE FOR ALL thanks to our generous donors.

What about other beverages, like spirits, wine, water and non-alcoholic?

No other beverages will be on hand at the Lake, so BYOB if you want something other than beer. Some families plan to bring/purchase coolers for their supplies.

What happens if it rains?

There will be tents to cover the banquet tables, in case of rain or blazing sun. But it's Montana, so be prepared for any kind of weather!

ACTIVITIES

What kind of GROUP activities have been organized?

See our SCHEDULE page for all the GROUP activities and to SIGN UP to join. There are details about each activity including time, price and, where relevant, degree of difficulty. PLEASE NOTE: it is recommended that you make advance reservations some activities including at Whitefish Resort and Big Sky Waterpark.

Can we just hang out and swim at the Lake if we want to?

Absolutely! Bring your own towels. We have designated the Cabin as the changing place for Women/Girls. The Bunkhouse is for Men/Boys. Also, we have rented plenty of porta-potties so please avoid using the bathroom in the Cabin.

Will there be volleyball and other games at the Lake?

There will be daily volleyball, horseshoes and corn hole. Teams are being organized for volleyball but everyone can join in. There are also outfitters in the area where you can rent everything from paddleboards to boats. See our DIY ACTIVITIES page.

Is the Swan River Float suitable for children?

The Swan River is 3-hour float, featuring easy water with some riffles, and no whitewater rapids. Children must be big enough to sit in the inner tube and reach the water to paddle. Children who cannot swim to save themselves if their inner tube tips over should NOT take part. Tubers will likely get spread out on the river so a parent (or designated parent-substitute) must be on the float as well. Tubers should wear shoes or sandals that won't come off their feet, as the riverbed is uncomfortable on bare feet. NO LIFE JACKETS are provided.

All adults and children taking part in the float need to sign a risk waiver form. You can find the waiver form on our DIY ACTIVITIES page. We will also have copies at the Lake Place to fill out. 

Are there activities for all ages and abilities at Whitefish Mountain Resort?

Yes, there are! Check their Summer Activities page for details on ziplines, alpine slides, hiking trails and aerial adventures, some of which require advance reservations. They also offer mountain trail biking (video here), but it's advisable to be an experienced single track or cross country rider and rent the proper gear to take part. 

Will there be an opportunity to play GOLF?

Yes, we have golf outings tentatively planned for Sunday and Monday, with clubs and carts available for rent. Contact Ric Schultz if you are interested. rschultz@consultibc.com 

What if I want to do an activity on a different day than the reunion GROUP is going?

That is totally doable! On the DIY ACTIVITIES page, you will see contact info for the Swan River Float, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Big Sky Waterpark & Mini Golf to make your own arrangements.

Are there other options for activities on my own?

There are many options for other activities in the Bigfork/Kalispell/Columbia Falls area on our DIY ACTIVITIES page.

MISCELLANEOUS

Whom do I contact for more information or suggestions for additional FAQs? 

You can contact any of the folks below:

Karen Sughrue (kmsughrue@gmail.com or directly through WhatsApp) 

Joan Thullbery (joan.thullbery@gmail.com or directly through WhatsApp)

Anne Justesen re: Activities (anne@justeseninc.com or directly through WhatsApp)