If you were unable to attend the Oct. 14 Gateway to the Delta Festival, you missed out on a beautiful day in Charleston. And we are not just talking about the weather.
It was a lovely fall day for this 12th Gateway event, which is organized and hosted by an army of largely volunteers affiliated with the 20-year-old Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort.
The CARE organization has a dedicated Gateway committee that handles the nitty-gritty of the monthslong, behind-the-scenes planning, but the execution is a joint effort by the hands of many, including numerous subcommittees.
As is most often the case, this year’s festival was another outstanding family-friendly community event from start to finish.
Everyone who had a part in putting on and carrying out the festivities deserves a large round of applause from us all, and a listing of those names would be lengthy. We would not even want to try acknowledging individuals for fear of omissions.
That said, we do feel compelled to mention the dynamic duo of CARE Executive Director Dana Clolinger and her husband and right-hand man, volunteer Ray Clolinger. The Clolingers, as have other CARE leaders before them, carry the heavy burden of responsibility for ensuring that every “i” is dotted and every “t” crossed before, during and after the festival, and we do not mean simply as overseers or delegators. Their dedication, professionalism and hard work deserve a special attagirl, and attaboy, for a job well done.
All of the businesses and individuals who donated monetarily or through in-kind means must be remembered. Without their generosity and community spirit, the festival would not be possible.
Congratulations, everyone, on another great Gateway to the Delta Festival. You certainly did Charleston and Tallahatchie County proud.
