AIKEN, SC. () – The City of Aiken honors Memorial Day with a dance concert. I was able to talk to them about what the concert meant.

The City of Aiken continues its Hopelands Gardens Concert Series with a performance from the Aiken City Ballet this Memorial Day.

“We want to offer this on Memorial Day because It is a family-friendly event,” said Rebekah Mayfield, Tourism Coordinator, City of Aiken. “It’s free to the Aiken community. We want to offer everyone an opportunity to do something really fun.”

The event was moved to the O’Dell Weeks Center due to rain, but this did not prevent the dancers from performing.

“We want to also take a moment to honor those who have given their courage and sacrifice in service to this county. Tonight’s performance is in remembrance and a tribute in their memory,” said Maria Rhinehart, President of Aiken Civic Ballet Company.

I was told the Aiken Civic Ballet has been doing the concert series with the Hopland Gardens for over 40 years.
 
“It’s more about the freedom that we get to dance on this day and that dancing today is a gift,” said Rhinehart.

One parent was glad the dancers could share a dance with community members who came out.

“It’s just nice for the community,” said Ashley Ewing, a parent. “It’s a great outreach for the dancers to reach out to the community members and to support the veterans but also to remember those that sacrificed everything for us.”