By Evelyn Nocella
GCDP Cookout Committee co-chair

Saturday, September 7 was a warm, sunny day with fall in the air. The weather was a perfect backdrop at Conestee County Park for the Greenville County Democratic Party’s 4th annual Fall Cookout. 

The event was organized to benefit local Democratic candidates: Octavia Ameachi (SC Senate 12); Bryon Best (Congressional District 3);  Taylor Culliver (SC Senate 8); Karine Debaty (Greenville County Council 22); Chandra Dillard, (SC House 23); Stephen Dreyfus, ( SC House 20); Brann Fowler, (SC House 22); Kathryn Harvey, (Congressional District 4); Shauna Johnson, (SC House 24); Wendell Jones, (SC House 25); and John MacCarthy, (SC House 27). 

Hamburgers and hot dogs headlined the menu, grilled by our own volunteer grill masters Phil Beckwith, Hugh Owen, and Brian Thomas. Desserts, cold drinks, and a variety of picnic fixins’ were provided by the candidates to round out the menu.

More than 180 guests mingled and chatted, including many new-to-Greenville folks who were pleasantly surprised to meet a large, enthusiastic group of Democrats. With 11 candidates present, there were lots of opportunity for everyone to hear about candidates campaign platforms, and the candidates also competed to earn the best cookout fixins’ distinction. Guests had the chance to sample those side dishes and vote for their favorite. Taylor Culliver was the winner with his mac n’ cheese. Bryon Best’s dee-licious fresh corn salad gave Taylor some stiff competition. 

Folks were eager to continue the momentum generated by the Democratic National Convention, and they welcomed remarks by County Democratic Chair Amanda MacDougald Scott. They were convinced that hope and promise are here in Greenville County. 

Thank you to all our sponsors!

Platinum Pit Boss
Edith Chou
Group 1.6 Architects

Bronze Brisket Sponsors
Sharon and Maurice Cherry
Alan and Roxanne Cordonier
Alvina and Harry Chapman
Democratic Women of Greenville County
Eastside Dems
John MacCarthy
Karine Debaty
Kinard and Carol Johnson
North Greenville County Democrats

Through the generous contributions of time and treasure, many, many others made this event successful. It truly does take a (Green) Village to launch leaders who will ensure that everyone in our community and state have the opportunity to flourish.