The festivities began Friday night with a Reunion Kickoff Pig-Pickin’ at Willard’s Way Farms in Murrells Inlet. Host Harris Willard (’72) donated and prepared (with help from his main-squeeze, Anne) a barbecue feast, complemented by an oyster roast.

Charlotte Eason Jones (’72) provided desserts, including a cool “SHS Braves” sheet cake. And even though Bud Wall (’73) couldn’t attend, he donated an awesome banner that welcomed alumni throughout the weekend.

FYI, Willard’s Way Farms is a large wooded spread on the south end of Murrells Inlet where Harris operates A Dog’s Way Inn (a boarding, grooming and training facility) and a delightfully rustic Picnic Pavilion, where he hosts and caters events year-round.

Saturday night’s All Aboard Main Event also had a rustic setting: the historic Myrtle Beach Train Depot, which first opened in 1937 and was in operation about 30 years. In 2004 the little brick building was restored and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As alumni entered the depot lobby, they were greeted by Joanne Nelms Beaudoin (’73), who distributed name tags she created using student photos from the Socastee yearbook. Inside, tables were adorned with black and gold pompoms, balloons and other decorations, thanks to Vickie West (’72).

Sherry Strait Graham (’73) and her catering staff prepared a delicious spread of hors d’oeuvres (including shrimp and grits!), and DJ Brett Bishop of Sumter delivered a steady stream of music for dancing and celebrating.

Holley Caughman Aufdemorte (’73) welcomed everyone, said thank-you’s, acknowledged classmates who had passed away, and offered a toast to all present.

Several people were singled out for traveling the farthest: Mike Manus, ’73 (Oregon), Cherrie Taylor Corcoran, ’74 (California), Brenda Rogers Campbell, ’72 (Arizona) and Helen Halsey Lampert, ’73 (Minnesota). Each was awarded a DVD (compliments of Bob Moore, ’72) of the SCETV specials “Myrtle Beach Memories” and “The Last Ride: Memories of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion.”

Charlotte Eason Jones presented the prizes, but she wouldn’t turn loose of Helen’s until she obliged us with a performance of “Edith Ann,” which earned big laughs. Bravo, Helen!

While many people said their goodbyes Saturday night, a small but resilient group gathered Sunday for the Reunion Finale at the Beach, hosted by Renee’ Harrison Muller (’73) at her Garden City Beach condo. As it had been all weekend, the weather was sunny and warm. More importantly, the company was outstanding.

Click picture to see a few more photos.