PINCH, W.Va. — They’re coming home. The Pinch Reunion, the longest running community reunion in the United States, will continue through the weekend in Kanawha County.
The event is now in its 112th year.
“It was initially started as a school reunion for the Lower Pinch schoolhouse which is still on the grounds,” said Melissa Starcher, co-chair of the 2013 Pinch Reunion.
Judge William W. Wertz, a former Charleston mayor, founded the Pinch Reunion in 1902 as a way to bring together his classmates. The yearly reunion continued as a way to raise the religious, educational and civic standards of the community.
Since then, “It’s just been a very fun time,” said Starcher on Friday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Events started Friday night and will continue through Sunday. A parade and 5K are planned for Saturday in Pinch.
As is tradition, the Sunday Service will open with “The West Virginia Hills” and close with “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again.”
Pinch is located along the Elk River about ten miles north of Charleston.