For as long as Deborah Gray can remember, Copper Cliff has been a welcoming sort of place — one where residents can feel comfortable living, where friendly people offer a wave and a sense of community is strongly evident.

“I don't really find it has changed,” she said.

To celebrate the community she calls home, her and fellow longtime Copper Cliff resident Jane Pascoe decided to throw a party the whole town would remember.

From July 20 to 22, everyone is invited Back to the Cliff for the 2012 Reunion.

“Anyone who has ever been here, lived here, drove by, went to school here — that's who we want here,” Gray said.

So far, nearly 200 people have already confirmed their attendance for the weekend celebration, many returning home from other provinces.

“As we get closer to the date to get back there, I am finding myself getting quite excited,” Mike Van Exan said.

“I don't really know how all this got started ... but I just want you to know how much it means to me that you are getting it together.”

Considering the aging population, and the desire to connect with the young families in town, now seemed like the perfect time to get the party started, Gray said.

Aside from taking in the events, Gray said she is looking forward to working registration so she can catch up with people she hasn't seen in years.

“I'll get to see people right away,” she said, her voice full of excitement.

Friday night festivities include a social banquet at the McClelland Arena, a meet and greet at the Copper Cliff Curling Club and a slag tour at Vale.

On Saturday, there are a number of family friendly events, including a barbecue, classic car show and tours of Copper Cliff Public School — later, the 19-plus crowd is invited to take in Tommy Fyfe and the Whiskey River Blues Band at the beer tent.

On Sunday, the community is invited to a pancake breakfast at Bruno's and a brunch presentation of Vera Wulff. The play is about three local women and their experiences during the Second World War.

Their stories are told through a series of letters using their own words. The character Vera Wulff is based on a real woman from Copper Cliff, created using information gathered from the Copper Cliff Museum.

Registration for the reunion is now being accepted online. For more information, a full list of events or to sign up, visit backtothecliff.com.

Posted by Arron Pickard