September 6^th, 2010 by Anderson Lodge

As I look back over the summer, I have so many happy memories at the Lodge.  We had some very special events. Not all were weddings either.  It was a exciting season!

The outdoor lighting we installed was absolutely a magical addition.  We now have these cute little pathway lights at the Main Lodge leading to the campfire amphitheatre and some on other paths on the grounds. The second project was new post-lanterns lighting the path to the wedding site.  They are tall and give a glow over the winding path.  The third lighting project illuminates the patios both at the Main Lodge and Hilltop House.  They are white pole lamps, each with 3 globes.  Guests have raved about them saying they added just the right amount of lighting for their night time festivities.

We had some wonderful reunions this summer.  The Higgins Reunion was back for their 25th year!  We have many reunions that return year after year.  It is exciting for them to see all the changes and enhancements at the Lodge.  We hear great stories of yummy BBQ's, fabulous trips to the Ape Caves, Family Olympics, slide shows, Talent Contests, Bunco games and even one that had a Mexican Fiesta! 

We again welcomed the Yale Valley Arts Festival.  There were dance workshops and painting workshops at the Hilltop.  The concert was amazing with a delicious Northwest dinner on the patios.  The weather was amazing and the participants were very engaged.  We are glad it was so successful.  Check it out for next July if you are interested in participating in this special opportunity.

We had a very special BBQ at the Main Lodge in July.  It was a reunion of the students that Arvid taught in Yale Elementary School in the 1970's.  They have had 2 reunions since their school days.  It is 40 years later now, and they all returned with their families for the event.  What fun it was to reconnect with them. 

Arvid and I got married at the Main Lodge 25 years ago.  We celebrated our 25th anniversary at the Hilltop House with over 100 family and friends.  We had our BBQ caterer provide the buffet and we had a bluegrass/folk band provide the music.  It was a magical evening in July and we danced under the stars.  We didn't end it there!  Some of our family and friends spent the night and we enjoyed breakfast on the patios the next morning.  Now that's my idea of a celebration! 

We had over 30 weddings held at Anderson Lodge this summer.  They have all been so successful.  Every year we look at the weddings and try to assess what we can offer the following year to make them even better!  I wonder what we will add for the 2011 summer season?  Oh, one more thing... We have a wedding coming up in November that has such a unique story behind it.  Two people met in Iraq last Veteran's Day, while they were serving in the military.  Not only did they meet, but their relationship developed so that now, they are getting married!  And they chose the Hilltop House for their wedding and reception, this Veteran's Day!  Ah, sweet love.

Well, we have many more events planned for the fall.  I'd best stop writing and get to work making signs for them.  Our custom made signs do their job.  With 2 facilities, it would be a real mix-up without them!

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