PINCH, W.Va. — The oldest community reunion in America gets started Friday evening in Kanawha County. This year marks the 117th consecutive get together for the Pinch Reunion.
The festivities start on Friday, but board member Melissa Starcher says sadly, a key player in the annual event won’t be there.
“Normally the ‘Earl of Elkview’ George Daugherty would open for us, but George had a heart attack earlier this week and he won’t be there,” Starcher noted on MetroNews Talkline. “He won’t be there, but we are praying for his recovery.”
Daugherty has been a longtime key fixture not only in the entertainment at the event, but also it’s planning. The reunion revolves around good food, music, and visits with old friends.
“People come from all over,” Starcher said. “There’s a couple that comes in every few years from California because they grew up there. I found that to be just a wonderful testament to not only how long it’s been going on, but also they really enjoy it.”
You can find out more about the reunion online at pinchreunion.webs.com or on Twitter @PinchReunionWV
Always held the second weekend in August the celebration dates back to 1902 when Judge William Wertz, a former Charleston Mayor, decided the reunion was a necessary celebration. Folks there haven’t stopped celebrating his tradition.
The celebration starts Friday evening and runs through Sunday in the northern Kanawha County community.