We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. Our Gateway to the Delta Festival 2025 blew into Charleston early Saturday morning … literally blew into town.
As the day progressed, so did the heat, the wind gusts and, by 8:10 p.m,. we were watching the sky light up with streaks of lightning, and then the rain began to fall. As a safety precaution for everyone involved, our stage crew asked to end the festival soon after.
Although we cannot control the weather, we can control our focus on the highlights of Gateway this year.
Our vendor spots were filled, our food vendors served up options of delicious meals and the car show displayed vehicles that had been shined to perfection as usual.
Our Tiny Miss, Little Miss and Little Mr. Gateway Pageant participants showed their personality as they smiled and twirled on the Gateway stage, while we watched reunion groups and families greet each other with laughs and hugs all around the square.
Our musical lineup kicked off around noon with the New Town MB Church Choir, and continued with Shameless All-Star Country Band, Sir Kindred and hometown favorite SLASH. The Krackerjacks took the stage and the crowd danced and danced for over an hour. And then there was an action-packed Kids Zone that included a new “Touch a Truck” feature and even a choo-choo train provided by Mayor Smith and driven by local engineers Nick Sherman and Clay McFerrin. It is no surprise that the expansion of Kids Zone was led by CARE Volunteer of the Year Connie Greer, who continues to be a kid at heart.
The community awards portion of the day again saw surprise and even a few tears on the faces of our 2025 recipients. Pastor Joe May and Eula Johnson thanked CARE and our community in their very brief acceptance comments, while photography contest winner Kelly Paris beamed with pride as she accepted her prize and framed photo.
Our Kiss a Pig Contest ladies did not disappoint, as they campaigned all day giving out little piglets and even dressing in an inflatable pig costume to gather donations and votes. In the end, it was Glenna Callender who had to pucker up to kiss Little Tilly as this year’s winner.
As I continue to say after every Gateway Festival, there is never enough room in the Sun-Sentinel for me to thank everyone who made this festival possible. Thank you to our vendors, kidszone workers, reunion groups, bands and stage crew. Thank you to our CARE Board, Gateway Planning Committee, Charleston High School volunteers, and the Ed & Becky Meek Foundation Scholars.
Thank you to all our sponsors, because without your support, we could not hold this event. Thank you to the ladies who kept the Hospitality Room humming, and to every volunteer who worked Saturday and gave of their time. Again, because of your hard work and dedication, our Gateway Festival is possible.
And now … on to our numerous events leading in the holiday season! Information regarding Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas activities is coming soon.
We cannot wait to see you again at CARE in 2025!
