By Michelle Cardenas
The South Carolina legislature sure knows how to wrap up a successful conference. On the final day of the SLC, the Council of State Governments–South and the Palmetto State’s Legislature put on a wonderful “State Dinner”–a first for most of the LEAP Ambassadors in attendance.
It was a night of class, elegance, and most importantly, celebration. We gathered at The Gaillard Center, which is home to a beautiful ballroom and a tremendous theater. In our minds, we pretended the theatre was named for our Vice-Provost, Dr. Anne Gaillard, making us feel more at home.
Entering in style, we made our way through the crowds to be seated for dinner.
The dinner began with an opening speech from Senator Thomas Alexander, President of the South Carolina Senate. He thanked everyone in attendance, welcomed us to the beautiful venue, and discussed the plans for the evening, which included an invocation by Senator Jackson and the presentation of colors by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
One of the louder traditions of the event is the annual Flag Parade, which involves recognition of each state in the southern delegation (15 states), a fun fact or two about each state, and members of that state’s delegation walking (or parading) around the dinner event, often to cheers.
In Texas’s case, there were also some boos, initiated by some unruly Oklahomans (I know, that’s redundant).
The states were introduced in order of their entrance to the Union, which put Oklahoma last. In fact, Oklahoma isn’t really a southern state, but the Midwestern Legislative Council didn’t want them, and the Southern delegation, being hospitable, begrudgingly accepted them as long as they promised to pay their dues on time.
About the time we received our dinner–a wonderful mix of steak, hashed potatoes, broccolini, and a crab salad–we were also introduced to “Kingdom Come,” an A Capella musical group who performed a delightful and interesting mix of music: “Seven Bridges Road,” “The Longest Time,” “Danny Boy,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and “Grand Old Flag.”
We also had a chance to converse with those at our tables, which incoluded lobbyists, lawyers, and elected officials. Since we all wish to do some combination of politics and law, this was fortuitous seating.
The SLC also uses this occasion to award those who have excelled in some way, and it was inspiring to see who was awarded during the 77th conference gathering.
Our dinner came to an end after the last award was presented, but the entertainment was just getting started.
The last surprise prepared for the evening was a concert performed by the band NEEDTOBREATHE. The band opened their performance with the song “The Outsiders,” a country rock tune that got everyone on their feet.
The band performed some of their most famous hits, including one of my personal favorites, “West Texas Wind.”
To bring the evening full circle, they performed their last two songs A Capella, which added a very personal touch to the evening.
The state dinner was a beautiful way to spend our last night in the City of Charleston, an unforgettable city full of southern hospitality, great food, and entertainment.
After dancing and singing our hearts out, we successfully completed the 77th Southern Legislative Conference!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 