They had their fun and games in Charleston last month with all the festivities incident to opening the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, or as it is sometimes known: The Awendaw Connector. (For pictures see http://www.PLApix.com/) The new bridge in Charleston, the longest cable stayed bridge in North America, connects Charleston to Mt. Pleasant.
Not to be outdone, Hanahan last night had its pre-bridge opening gala celebrating the longest bridge on Murray Avenue which connects two parts of the city. Although slightly smaller than the 50,000 or so who participated in all the goings on in downtown Charleston and the Ravenel Bridge, the alcohol free crowd of about 1,200 in Hanahan had a grand time. There was a band, including Mike Davis, owner of the music supply house in Yeamans Hall Plaza, local public officials, including the Mayor and some members of council, the High School cheerleaders and high school band boosters who were selling hot dogs, chips, drinks, etc. None of that haughty stuff like Charleston with its $200 a person dinner on top of the Ravenel where the wind blew small people over.
The oldest person on hand was Doris Segrest, our neighbor, who will be 99 (that's right 99 years old) in December. We, Mary and yours truly, parked at the high school and walked the two blocks to the concrete bridge and walked across it. (Traffic barricades were still in place on the west side.) Just as the Ravenel has sidewalks so pedestrians and bicyclists can cross it and view the wide expanse of the Cooper River and the giant ocean-going ships, the new bridge on Murray Avenue has its sidewalk for use by pedestrians and cyclists to view the narrow expanse of Turkey Creek (best viewed at high tide) and the occasional kayak. In fact, there were several people on bikes there last night as well as roller skates and skate boards. One of the skateboarders, a young boy, made a loud noise with his board and a policeman urged him to pick up his board and go home. (What a downer).
Many people bought their dogs, including (our daughter) Martha Archibald, manager of the McAlister-Smith funeral home in Goose Creek, who had Charlie on a leash. McAlister-Smith gave away free water in the sweltering, humid, evening atmosphere and when they learned the band boosters were selling water they put a donation bucket on their table to help the band and minimize the competition. Some of the party-goers came in formal dress. One member of City Council had his tux shirt, tie and jacket on, along with his walking shorts. All in all it was a good time and we saw so many old friends that I am glad when I cleaned up after dinner I trimmed my nose hairs.
#277 (05-38)
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