BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
LAKE BUTLER—The City of Raiford held its annual Back to Raiford Day celebration last Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, a tradition born to celebrate the town and to encourage former residents to return for a visit.
The day was sunny but not too hot, and the field behind the community center was filled with activities for the children, as well as several tables from local causes, government organizations and businesspeople. The concession stand was serving hot dogs, chips, cotton candy, cold drinks and snow cones, free to all. There was also a cart full of free ice cream treats and the owners of the tables were giving out goodies as well. There was a prize drawing, an afternoon BINGO game and a community dinner inside the community center. All of the activities were carried out to the sounds of a profession DJ, who played tunes for those who danced and the many who wanted to, but instead walked in time with the music beat and “busted a move” or two when they thought no one was looking.
The tables included: County Commissioner Channing Dobbs and his family, Waste N Time Garbage Services, Lovely Homes Realty/Tasha Sharp, U.S. Forestry Service, United for a Cure and Opal & Company Salon. The salon is owned by Addie Kaye Yarbrough, the granddaughter of the late Geraldine Opal Griffis. It is the salon run by Griffis after her retirement from the Union County School District.
For the youngsters there was a cornhole game, four inflatable bounce houses, skee ball and other games and activities while the adults found entertainment in watching the kids and talking with friends and neighbors. About 350 people came out to enjoy the day and community spirit.
