LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS: Fun fall events continue in Lexington!

Silhouettes of pointed black hats were seen strolling down Lexington’s Main Street at dusk on Thursday, Oct. 22. It was the annual Witches’ Walk, where sips and savings were offered in downtown shops.

A pre-party of porch potions and pub brews was held at O’Hara’s Public House. It is always well-attended, as ladies’ normal attire is transformed into long black costumed clothing. A wrist tote bag for all the treats might accompany the outfit. It seemed every which way, there were witches walking! What a fun night celebrating fall festivities.

The Crawl for a Cause Pub Crawl on Main Street is planned Friday, Nov. 13 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $25, and each ticket includes a signature cup and two complimentary sample libations at participating Main Street venues. All proceeds will directly support the Rotary Club’s fight against polio and provide funding for Alzheimer’s research.

Wingard’s Market Ladies Night will be Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4-8 p.m. Sip, shop and unwind. Gather your friends and come enjoy time together shopping. The produce market and giftique will be open.

Join us for “Magic on Church Street,” a Lexington United Methodist Church Christmas festival. It will be Nov. 21-22 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Entry is free, and it will be located at the Icehouse Amphitheater.

Lexington United Methodist Church, celebrating 175 years, is passionate about community outreach and missions near and far. These programs are numerous, and it’s the church’s  goal to not only continue these programs, but expand them. Local missions include Mission Lexington, which LUMC helped to found; the Blessings Box, which feeds the homeless; Snack Sack, which feeds about 900 hungry Lexington County school-age children each week; and the Shepherd’s Center, just to name a few.

The church is planning a fundraiser Nov. 21-22 at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Organizers expect this to be a true vintage Christmas festival dubbed “Magic on Church Street” with focus on the family (local vendors/artisans, food, musicians, carolers, children’s activities). The theme will honor Lexington as a community founded by people of diverse nationalities who had a common vision for a new type of town, one based on hard work, community and unconditional love powered by giving.

Many of us have pets who are considered family members. Well, Pat and Bill Crigler have a beautiful, fluffy Persian cat named Zsa Zsa. Last week, she was honored with a party for her first birthday! Not one, but several cakes and appetizers were served to guests who came to say happy birthday to the honoree! And she had presents to open, too! What a celebration for the very special Zsa Zsa.

Apple pickin’ is still in season, and Anne Bull reports:

“It’s apple picking time! There are so many great places here in South Carolina as well as the North Carolina mountain regions to go for delicious apples. Our daughter recently returned from a wonderful apple-picking experience with her young sons. They went to Grandad’s Apples in Hendersonville, N.C. She reported it was the perfect place for beautiful views, family activities and, of course, delicious apples. One apple featured there is the Arkansas black apple. It’s a historic heirloom apple known for its dark burgundy color. It turns black as it ripens. When picked in October, it is hard, sharp and tart, but after it ages for three to four months, it develops a sweet taste, which is perfect for making apple pies. There are at least 30 varieties of apples to choose from, and if you don’t want to pick them yourself, Grandad’s has pre-picked apples available as well.”

Scott Adams tells us about the annual Pine Press Oktoberfest that he attended:

“Fall officially arrived in Lexington on Friday night with the annual Oktoberfest sponsored by Pine Press Printing and The Caughman Group/EXP Realty. This event — featuring traditional German music, a scrumptious meal of German food and beer, soft pretzels and an inflatable play area, popcorn and candy for children — has become a Lexington tradition, and also included a silent auction of items from local businesses to benefit the Joy Day Program. It was good to see a number of old and new faces among the several hundred revelers, including Elizabeth Trenbeath, Lori Moroz, Linda Smith, Bunny and Don Hagenlocher, Edwin Gerace, David Karges, Alex Adams, Lilliana and Ken Johnson, Adam DeLoach, Sandra Crawford, JoDee Douda, Cheryl and Mike Stansfelt and Audrey Lorence.”

On Friday, Oct. 23, our town lost a most remarkable and outstanding lady who was loved, respected and such a vital part of our community. Maro Rogers was a leader and educator besides being the wife of former Mayor Hugh Rogers and the mother of four children.

Former Mayor Randy Halfacre says:

“After my election to Town Council in 1994, I was fortunate to be seated at council meetings next to Maro and blessed to have her become my mentor. She willingly shared her knowledge, experience and judgment, helping me to better understand the responsibilities of public service. She was independent-minded and never hesitated to stand firmly on her convictions. Her decisions were guided not by personal interest, but in the best interest of Lexington’s citizens. I will always be grateful for her taking personal interest in me, her encouragement and wisdom and our friendship. Her example continues to remind me daily that effective, impactful leadership requires courage, integrity and a servant’s heart. Maro was a ‘lady ahead of her time!’”

MacLeod Bellune shares:

“Maro Rogers was such a warm and kind human being. She and Hugh were among the first to welcome us to Lexington when Jerry and I moved here over 40 years ago. We’ve loved Maro ever since. And we especially enjoyed her baklava! We always marveled at the love she received from her former pupils at the Little Red Schoolhouse she ran. She was one of Lexington’s great leaders, serving on the Lexington Town Council and a mayor pro tempore for many years. She made Lexington a better place for everyone. All of us have lost a friend and great lady.”

Our daughters, Sally and Charlotte, say:

“Miss Maro was our first official teacher, and the Little Red Schoolhouse our first school. We loved it! It was such a fun place to learn. We remember songs and Christmas programs in a place that showed us the joy of learning. Like all the best teachers, Miss Maro was always interested in us, even long after we left her classroom. She, along with Miss Tina Mack, pioneered early childhood education in our town. We are so grateful for that leadership and love.”

Maro, thank you for the large footprint you made in our town.

Remember: This Sunday, Nov. 1, at 3 p.m. is the Lexington County Veterans Day Parade down Main Street. Wear your patriotic colors and wave the American flag!