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Chitlin' Strut History
Click here to see every Chitlin Strut Program
Cover
In the fall of 1966, former Salley Mayor Jack Able examined the Town’s
existing Christmas decorations and found them in disrepair. He knew the
Town needed to purchase new decorations before the Christmas season began.
Unfortunately, the Town did not have the financial resources to purchase
new decorations. Mayor Jack Able decided that some sort of local fundraiser
would be the best way to raise the necessary money for the decorations.
But what kind of fundraiser would the Town hold? Mayor Jack Able, Councilman
Maxie Adams and Councilman P. G. Sharpe decided to visit a local radio
personality to see if he could provide a few ideas. The threesome traveled
to the small community of Cayce, South Carolina, to discuss the matter
with “Friendly” Ben Dekle of Radio Station WCAY. Mr. Dekle
told the group that he had always dreamed of a chitlin’ strut, but
had never found anyone with the “guts” to host one. Mayor
Jack Able and the others took Mr. Dekle’s idea and ran with it.
The Mayor and Councilmen returned to Salley and made plans for Salley’s
first Chitlin’ Strut.
The first Salley Chitlin’ Strut was scheduled for the Saturday
after Thanksgiving, November 26, 1966. The festival featured over a dozen
country music acts with names such as Greasy Medlin, Dixie Four, Snuffy
Jenkins and the Strange Sisters. Of course, “Friendly” Ben
from WCAY Radio was also in attendance, serving as the Master of Ceremonies
for the country music show. The first Chitlin’ Strut was attended
by more than a thousand people. People came from many parts of South Carolina
and surrounding states. The attendees consumed more than 600 pounds of
chitlin’s, along with barbeque pork, chicken and other food items.
The Town raised enough money during the festival to purchase new decorations
in time for Christmas. The Chitlin’ Strut proved such a success,
the Mayor and Town Council decided to make the festival an annual event,
to be held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
During its second year, the second Chitlin’ Strut drew more than
2,500 people. Attendance grew steadily as the Chitlin’ Strut became
more widely known. Today, the Chitlin’ Strut draws tens of thousands
each year. Some estimate the attendance has been as high as 50,000.
The first Chitlin’ Strut served as the model for each successive
event. The combination of country music and chitlin’s proved very
popular with festival attendees. Even so, different types of food and
entertainment were added over the years to improve the festival. The Town
incorporated a Christmas Parade into the festival in the early 1970s.
This has grown to be one of the most popular events during the festivals.
We have had a beauty pageant held on the Friday night before the festival.
This event has drawn approximately two to three hundred persons. The festival
plays host to approximately 65 arts and crafts vendors. People come from
near and far to browse through the offerings of handmade furniture and
other wares. Many different types of food are now offered during the festival.
Nearly fifty food vendors were present at the 1999 festival. Even with
the wide selection of food, chitlin’s are still at the top of the list for most
festival attendees. Evidence supporting that assertion is easy to find.
The first Chitlin’ Strut saw approximately 600 pounds of chitlin’s
consumed. That figure increased to approximately 10,000 pounds during the
2004 festival. It is estimated that approximately 187,000 pounds of chitlin’s
have been consumed in the festival’s 43-year history.
There is no doubt that the Chitlin’ Strut is a vital part of the
Salley community. The Chitlin’ Strut has been shaped by the character
and customs of the people. However, the festival has also shaped the community
in many positive ways. The Town hopes that the Chitlin’ Strut continues
to play an active role in this small community for years to come. It will
be up to the next generation to make that hope a reality.
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