By Dave Ongie, News Editor
The steady rain that fell on Rotary Park Saturday afternoon couldn’t put a damper on the festivities taking place under a large pavilion at the entrance of the park.
Music played in the background as old friends reunited during a reunion of Chris’ Twirlettes, a group that twirled its way through 40 years worth of classes, parades and competitions. Former Twirlettes and their families were brought together for the reunion by Chris Woods, the founder of the group and a beloved influence in the lives of those she reached through baton twirling.
All told, nearly 200 former Twirlettes and family members of Twirlettes attended the reunion on Saturday. Carol Garrison, who started twirling classes with Woods when she was 6 years old, was among the attendees.
“I always remember Chris and her sweet voice and her kindness. She always built you up,” Garrison recalled. “She was always positive, and she’ll always be one of my favorite people.”
Indeed, Woods was the center of attention on Saturday as her former students waited patiently to steal a moment with her. Many of the women shared a memory or two and thanked Woods for the positive influence she had on their lives.
Woods said she stuck around until 8 p.m. reminiscing on 40 wonderful years.
“It was a fun day,” she said. “I was so thrilled that so many came.”
