Local Parade a ‘Must-Stop’ for South Carolina Politicians

CHAPIN, S.C. (WOLO)  —  It may be about bands, floats, candy and fun at the annual Chapin Labor Day parade; however, the event’s real claim to fame is that it’s a ‘Who’s Who’ of South Carolina politicians.

Patriotic music, American flags dancing in the wind, real dancers cutting a rug during the parade, kids competing for who can grab the most candy thrown to them, waving at the camera and all things parade are all par for the course at the annual Chapin Labor Day parade and festival.

“if you’re an elected official, this is definitely the parade to be in if you wanna be re-elected,” said parade-goer Carol Teal.

Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Joe Wilson should know.

“I’ve been to over 30,” said Wilson.  “The people here are always uplifting and positive, the most positive in all of South Carolina.”

“It’s a great parade, but the only way we’re able to enjoy ourselves is because our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are stationed throughout the world on Labor Day,” said Graham.  “This is a time to remember freedom is not free.”

It’s a sobering reminder displayed by war veterans int he parade, who received applause from the crowd as they were driven by.  But, while it’s always fitting to remember those fighting for freedom, Labor Day was originally organized to celebrate various labor associations’ strengths and contributions to the United States economy, an acknowledgement of the labor movement dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

Whether you see it as a day off from work, the unofficial end of the summer or the kickoff to football season. Chapin knows how to party with a Labor Day purpose.