Ernie Broadbent (middle) talks with Vearis Ligenbee and her son Glenn Orgill Saturday at the 124th Grantsville Old Folks Sociable.

by Sarah Miley

STAFF WRITER

Attendees of the 124th Grantsville Old Folks Sociable were taken back to the past through photos, memorabilia and a program that brought old-time favorites from previous sociables back to the stage.

According to co-chairs Denise Fawson and Dave Jefferies, the sociable did what it was meant to do: honor those age 75 and over and give them an opportunity to rekindle old friendships and reminisce about the past.

"I think everything just went better than I had ever hoped," Fawson said. "You always want it to turn out nice, but it was like a dream come true."

Although both co-chairs wish more people would have attended, an estimated 1,200 people were fed. Jefferies added the number of attendees is likely a little higher than those fed, as usually more people come than eat.

"We probably didn't have as many as we thought -- I don't know if weather was a factor -- but I think some came to just watch the program," Fawson said. "It wasn't a record number year, but I think we still had a pretty good turnout."

Fawson and Jefferies said the sociable couldn't have been put on without the help of hundreds of volunteers and everyone who worked on various committees did such an outstanding job.

"They worked hard and went above and beyond the call of duty," Jefferies said.

And just as soon as the sociable got underway, two new co-chairs -- Jeri Butler and JoeRay Peterson -- were named for next year's Old Folks Sociable.

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