The innovative woodworking program begun by James Krenov in 1981 recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Scores of alumni from across the U.S. and around the world returned to Fort Bragg, Calif., for a weekend reunion.

The celebration began with an Elephant Stomp–the Friday night potluck that has been a school tradition practically from the first week. On the following afternoon, they gathered in the bench room at the school to share remembrances. Many then traveled to the nearby town of Mendocino, for the opening of a show of student and alumni work at the Highlight Gallery; more than 70 people contributed pieces to the exhibition.

In this exclusive video, program director Michael Burns, major domo David Welter, and graduates talk about the weekend and what the program has meant to them.