Friday/Sunday: 2nd annual 'Spirit of '45' celebration to include swing dance, military vehicle display, more

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – Now in its second year, the Travelers Rest "Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive" celebration – organized by the Travelers Rest Historical Society and part of a national commemoration of the ending of World War II – has grown to include a swing dance/costume contest as well as a military vehicle display. Additionally, the main event has been moved to a larger facility in order to accommodate people from the entire region. Last year, the crowd overflowed Council chambers at City Hall.

(Editor's note: For photos and narrative from the inaugural event, click here.)

This year, the Spirit of '45 celebration – which is free and open to the public – will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, at Reedy River Baptist Church, located on the Hwy 25 N. Bypass.

Michael Cogdill of WYFF-TV will be the featured speaker, patriotic music will be led by Patricia Hunt Fisher, and an American Legion Color Guard will present the Colors. Exhibits of World War II-era vehicles and other memorabilia will be on display beginning at 2 p.m.

A children’s activity area for kids ages 5 – 9 will be offered during the event, but parents must make reservations by calling 864-610-9043 by August 8.

New this year, a 40’s –era swing dance and costume contest will be held on Friday, August 10 from 8 – 10 p.m. at the gym on the campus of the former Travelers Rest High School. A brief swing dance lesson will take place at 7 p.m., and all participants are encouraged to dress in costumes from the period. Prizes will be awarded to the best military and the best civilian costumes.

The cost for the family-friendly dance is $3 per person and $5 per couple. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.

In addition to the dance and official celebration, “Recollections and Remembrances” of World War II’s ending will be recorded on DVD at Reedy River Baptist Church from 10 a.m. - noon on Tuesday, August 7. Any World War II veterans and other citizens who remember 1945 are encouraged to participate.

For more information on the main celebration and/or the “Recollections and Remembrances” recording, contact Lamar McCarrell at 864-610-9043. For more information on the dance, contact Joyce McCarrell at 864-834-7888 or Brandy Amidon at 864.380.4979.

Related on the Tribune:

Photos: T.R. 'Spirit of 45' celebration commemorates the end of WWII

Event Poster: Travelers Rest Spirit of '45 Celebration

Event Poster: Spirit of '45 Swing Dance and Costume Contest