Gateway is here! The vendor spots have filled. The bands are in their final rehearsals. The Square is decorated for fall. The kids zone is primed and ready for set up ... and so much more.
With our annual Gateway to the Delta Festival only hours away now, I try to remain laser focused on my to-do list for all those final touches. But, in the quiet of my home as I write this at 5 one morning, I also remember that our festival is not just a day in October, but it has become the catalyst for a year that is filled with events and activities for the community.
Proceeds from Gateway allow CARE to provide a summer that is filled with arts education classes for children and teens, Friday night paint classes for ladies, art exhibits, book signings and so much more. All funding remains local to support local programs for Charleston and all of Tallahatchie County.
I have always said that CARE is very blessed to have amazing sponsors, foundational donors, and grant organizations that keep the entity moving forward, yet I am also very thankful for every member of the community who supports CARE during Gateway.
I know that you feel that sting at the gas pump and in the grocery line each week. We do, too! However, you still find a way to buy that T-shirt, vote for a pig-kisser, and buy that armband for kids zone. While there is no way to thank each of you individually, I want to use the power of the printed page to do that here today. Thank you for supporting CARE, not only during Gateway, but for the other 364 days of the year.
We can’t wait to see you on Saturday at our Gateway to the Delta Festival, and to see you the other 364 days of the year at CARE!
