Organizer Trevor McDonald isn't surprised that the reunion for all Chilliwack secondary school (CSS) graduates has proven to be amazingly popular.

Still, response to the CSS Hello, Goodbye... has been incredible with nearly all planned events sold out.

Businesses downtown might want to brace themselves as close to 5,000 people have registered for the March 1 and 2 event.

Many of those coming still live in Chilliwack but McDonald said the broad response has been remarkable. He estimates 70 per cent of registrants are from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. But other alumni landing in Chilliwack to relive their high school days are coming from Denver, El Paso, Mexico, Sweden and as far away as Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The event, which thanks to sponsorship is now called the Tim Hortons CSS Hello, Goodbye..., includes socials at the Coast, Echo Room and Corky's on Friday evening, all of which are sold out.

McDonald has emphasized that those hoping to attend Friday night events must have a ticket in advance to get in. However, there is already a waiting list of 80-plus and if enough people sign on, a fourth venue may be found.

The lunch on Saturday is also sold out as 1,200 people plan to attend.

There will be tours of the school on Saturday as well as bus tours guided by Ron Denman, who will talk about eight landmarks and how they have changed over the years.

The school's gym will host decade displays and live music all day.

But the culmination of the weekend is the Hello, Goodbye Wind Up Dance at the Landing Sports Centre (formerly the Ag-Rec Centre) from 7: 30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday.

Bands set to perform Saturday include Ved-der Crossing, Bertha Cool Reunion, The Smiley Band, Midnight Flyer Reunion, a CSS-Reunion Jam Band featuring McDonald, and The Blendurz.

Very special guests include jazz sensation Bria Skon-berg and Brett Wade of local 1960s bands.

? Visit www.hellogoodbye. ca for full details on the reunion.

phenderson@chilliwacktimes.com