The sunny Saturday of September 5 provided perhaps a perfect backdrop for a boat parade at Lake Secession in support of President Donald Trump and other Republican candidates.
The lake is no stranger to boat parades, as it typically is the scene of a Fourth of July boat procession.
The boat parade Saturday was something a little different. Similar to other pro-Trump boat parades in other parts of the state and nation, Saturday’s event was held on a day when the temperatures cooled down to “just pleasant,” perhaps befitting the unofficial end of summer, and boats in the parade were alive with color, adorned as they were with American flags and Trump banners.
Bryan Ferguson, one of the organizers of the parade, recalled the day with satisfaction.
“We had over 100 boats participating in the parade,” he said.” Jeff Simpson of Abbeville and Frankie at Carolina Drone provided all our aerial photos. I was able to talk with Jeff by cell phone to plan to help with capturing great photos and videos.”
Participants gathered at 2 pm at the dam and were able “to display Great American support for USA, law enforcement, President Trump, State and local candidates on the Republican ticket.”
At 3:15, the horns blew and the participating boats organized and paraded down the lake, Ferguson continued.
“Lots of spirit was displayed by all,” he said. “When arriving at Jets Landing we were welcomed with lots of spirit from patrons on hand. John Nemeth with SongwritersLive had a stage set. The program started with prayer, then the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. Republican candidate SC State Senate District 10 candidate Billy Garrett led everyone with the Pledge of Allegiance.”
Garrett spoke to those on hand for about 10 minutes, and then stayed for pictures and to be a part of the activities, said Ferguson.
Local musician Tommy Mitchum was among the musicians that played for the event, he added.
Similar pro-Trump boat parades, according to reports, have been held places from Clarks Hill/J. Strom Thurmond Lake, to the outskirts of Columbia, at Lake Murray, to San Diego.
Photos Courtesy of Bryan Ferguson
Comments