To the Editor:

By now we all know that Thompsons store, long time Saluda staple, is closing. Unfortunately, all the stories in print and on television news have focused on the economy and the weather.

One would think Saluda is depressed and dying a slow death, like so many small towns, due to tragic circumstances beyond control.

As with any story, there is more to it, and those of us who live and do business here know that Saluda is alive and well and will continue to thrive long after our grocery store has changed hands.

Certainly Charlie Ward and his love for all was a hard act to follow. When one thing ends, another begins and opportunity waits.

In the meantime we are busy cleaning up after the ice storm and planning our many spring and summer events. The cherry trees in the park will bloom, shopkeepers will get back to regular hours, and the benches along our picturesque street will entice locals and visitors to sit and chat or simply watch the time pass.

Saluda is fortunate to have a beautiful historic district, a community of small independent retail businesses, great restaurants, live music venues and lovely inns. Our tailgate market will begin on May 7th (Fridays 4:30-6:30) offering Polk and Henderson county growers a chance to sell to their community, and neighbors a festive place to meet and celebrate all our diverse region has to offer.

Mark your calendars now for the 7th annual Saluda Arts Festival, Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. We have a juried show this year with wonderful artists and crafts people, demonstrations, and entertainment by local favorites, Phil and Gaye Johnson, with a live taping of the King Pup Radio Show.

And dont forget Coon Dog Day, our claim to fame, on Saturday, July 10th. Runners get in shape. The 5K run is back. Visit for a week, a day or an afternoon. Shop, dine, hike, listen to music, taste wine, go rafting, canoeing or kayaking. Or just sit. In the great tradition of the late Charlie Ward, were always happy to see you.

Shelley Dekay