This week, I am writing an article about the Independence Day celebrations going on in the area.

I started my celebrating early when I attended a dance in Saluda Saturday night.
The dance had a patriotic theme and most attendees wore red, white and blue. We were given a flag pin and a small flag as souvenirs at the door. Admission is $5.

You can't beat that. And the food was something else. In a separate room, they had makings for sub sandwiches, chicken wings, chips, a red, white and blue cake - the works!

Everything was decorated in keeping with the July 4th holiday just days away.

This wasn't the first time I had been to this dance.

It is held the fourth Saturday of every month at Trinity Community Center on Highway 178 (Greenwood Highway) about seven miles out of Saluda. There is a different theme each month, and Joyce Rude (who, by the way, is from Saluda) and the Rude Dudes play. You can't find a better band anywhere.

Monty Bledsoe and Melanie Hutto have worked hard to make this dance a success. Ricky Riddle and Birdie Eastman have also played a big role. New ceiling fans, air conditioners and other repairs to the building have made it a presentable place to hold parties and events. The building is an old school which now serves as a community center.

It has a huge main room that makes it capable of seating a lot of people.

Melanie reports that between 100 and 120 people have been showing up each time. This was the third dance they've had. Last month, the theme was Hawaiian and we had a ball with grass skirts, flowered shirts and such. Melanie gives out little favors pertaining to each theme. By the way, they give away great door prizes.

So, come on over on July 25 and enjoy the festivities. The band pays from 8 to 12.

For the remainder of this article, please see this week's edition of The Citizen News.