Wow! What a weekend at the Cass Homecoming! Friends began greeting other friends at the Cake Walk on Friday evening. Luckily the weather held out for us. Several friends greeted each other for the first time in more than 50 years. That was a sight to see.

Hosting a gathering of friends on Saturday, June 18, at 131 Front Street were Jacqueline Cassell, of Chicago, Illinois, Don and Helen Ray Keegan, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Louise Barkley O'Siecki, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Helen's sister, Darlene Ray Cassell, prepared a variety of home-cooked food, and everyone walked away with a smiling face and a full tummy. You will not find better barbecue and coleslaw in the whole state of West Virginia. Several guests supplied the dessert table, and what a display of sinfully delicious homemade treats. Many dieters fell off the wagon that day.

Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters provided our musical entertainment, surprising Elmer and Gwennie Blackhurst Friel with their rendition of "Happy Anniversary" in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. After their serenade, a special card, signed by all guests, was presented to the couple. Their wedding day memories were shared, and others reminsced wedding and honeymoon adventures.

Others joining these friends were: Don and Connie Hamrick Waybright, John Davis, Pearl Clarkson, Edsel and Amy Hiner, Margie Barkley Sparks and daughter, Hillary, Jimmy Elza and cousins, Marty and Roger, Roy and AnnetteElza, Marilyn Whanger, Lowell and Christina Bradley Lambert, Ernestine Ray Hannah, Steve and Julie Royer and Pat Tillman Kelly and daughter, Tammy.

Later in the evening, friends scattered through town; some listening to the music of the Southern Rail at the community center while others gathered on the porch of the company store enjoying the guitar playing of Jimmy and Roy Elza and Jim Prater. Jimmy Elza's granddaughter, Emily Parker, and her friend, J.D. Smith, of Leavittsburg, Ohio, quickly became a favorite on the porch as they played and sang a couple of old tunes. It's wonderful to hear the younger generation carry on traditional country music. And they really did a great job.

John Davis was pleasantly surprised to see so many visitors at the United Methodist Church on Sunday morning. A nice turnout, one that reminded John of earlier days in Cass. Pastor David Fuller delivered a wonderful inspirational message.

Saying goodbye to friends included enjoying a double scoop ice cream cone at the company store. That special treat is hard to beat anywhere! Once again, the efforts of the Cass homecoming team is greatly appreciated by those who attend year after year.

P.S. Last year, Helen and Darlene were surprised by a skunk on the back porch eating party leftovers. While in the yard setting up for this year's party, they didn't see their old friend, but they certainly knew that he was nearby. His scent carried well on the summer breeze.