Chapin Labor Day Parade
A small town on the shores of Lake Murray will play host to a family-friendly series of events this weekend, which is expected to attract throngs of people from around the Midlands
sweets, music and more
The Town of Chapin will host its 36th annual Labor Day Festival and Parade Monday, along with other events throughout the weekend to celebrate the holiday.
Karen Owens said the parade has been a fixture in the town of about 26,000 people for those who grew up in the community, although it also attracts residents from Columbia, Blythewood and other areas.
“We have that small town feel and sense of community,” Owens said. “I think that’s the thing that kind of sets us apart.”
Owens, Chapin director of communications, said this year’s parade boasts the theme “Chapin Proud,” noting the camaraderie and feeling of fellowship in the town.
She said an example of that includes the town’s support of parade grand marshals, Chapin teens Brett and Jacob Rhoads. Owens said they were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 4 years old and have worked to raise awareness and funds for the disease, with the help of Chapin residents.
“They have been great ambassadors for our community,” she said. “The community has really rallied.”
The Rhoadses will lead the parade, which typically features more than 100 parade entries. Owens said Chapin’s event is the only Labor Day parade she is aware of in the Midlands. She also said it also is one of the few parades allowed to throw candy.
The weekend’s festivities mark the end of summer for the town, but it also summons the beginning of the presidential election season push.
Owens said the parade will feature six presidential candidates or their representatives, including Rick Santorum, Carly Fiorina, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Ted Cruz and Donald Trump.
“It’s a great time to get out and do some grassroots campaigning,” she said.
Other events include Walk or Run a Crooked 5K Saturday, a free blues concert Sunday, a model train exhibit and a Cupcake Eating Contest.
Bailey’s Sweet Shop will provide the cupcakes for the contest, which will be regular sized with icing. Two years ago the winner inhaled 22 cupcakes, Owens said.
“I’m going to be real interested to see how this goes,” she said. “We’ll have public safety and EMS on the scene.”
The Chapin Public Library will also host a book sale in the Town Hall’s community room, with all proceeds benefiting the library’s children’s programs.
“If you are a book lover, you better get there early to get the best selection,” Owens said.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/ChapinLaborDay or check out @ChapinLaborDay on Twitter.
If you go:
Saturday: Walk or Run a Crooked 5K, registration begins at 7 a.m., race begins at 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Park
Sunday: Blues on Beaufort Street featuring Anthony Charles and the Blues Dolphins and Logan Baldwin, 6:30 p.m. on Beaufort Street next to Tipsy Toad Tavern
Monday- 36th Annual Chapin Labor Day Parade and Festival, 9:30 a.m. on Chapin Road, concerts featuring Shelby Raye and The Keith Dominick Band, Cupcake Eating Contest, children’s activities and games on Clark Street, classic car show in the Mt. Horeb parking lot, street vendors, model train show at American Legion Post 1934 and Chapin Branch Library annual book sale in Chapin Town Hall
This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Chapin Labor Day Parade."