The Charleston Day reunion is coming to Charleston, Aug. 30 through Sept. 2.
An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people will visit Charleston over the three-day weekend.
Patronizing a business, the purchase of goods or services from a business or person, will generate revenue and tax dollars and that is the lifeblood of any town or community.
Hopefully, those of us coming home to see and spend time with our friends and family from all over the nation will, whenever possible, spend our tourist dollars with individuals or businesses in Charleston — even when it might be more convenient or a little bit cheaper to buy somewhere else.
There are a number of businesses in Charleston that can provide the goods and services we might need, especially food and drinks, hair and other products for women. If we find a way to patronize a business or individual in Charleston, we will be blessing our hometown.
For those of us coming to Charleston who might not be driving and will need transportation between Charleston and the hotels in Batesville and Grenada, there will be bus service available, arranged by Bell’s Transportation (662-647-7287).
After 4 p.m. Friday at the Charleston Day Building, you will be able to pick up orders and buy T-shirts, caps, towels, souvenir books, and dance and banquet tickets.
There will be a parade Saturday morning, and on the shut-down court square, there will be vendors with lots of merchandise and food for sale, and entertainment for the kids.
On the stage there will be a DJ playing a variety of music, The Gospel Five singing group, professional gospel singer Glenda Brock Woods (who will debut a new CD), and the world-class voice of Vertrace Sanders of Jackson. There will be other surprise acts, too.
A dance or social will take place at the Charleston Middle School from 7-12 Saturday night, with a raffle of cash prizes.
There will be a church service Sunday morning at the Charleston High School and a banquet at the Charleston Middle School with a guest speaker and other entertainment at 6 Sunday evening.
We hope to see you there enjoying the weekend.
Charleston native Alvin Johnson, a resident of Chicago, is president of the National Charleston Day Organization, which is casually referred to as the Charleston Day Club. The group conducts an annual Labor Day weekend reunion, bringing it here every five years to keep in touch with home.
