Gathering Place

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: August 2023

Every community in Transylvania County has a Community Center but it’s no secret that one of the largest and most active is the Lake Toxaway Community Center at 81 Slick Fisher Road.

This Community Center serves as an anchor and gathering place for locals, seasonal residents, and visitors, and among the most popular events they host is Lake Toxaway Dinner & Music, held on Friday nights through October. This wildly popular event brings the community together for a home-cooked meal, live bluegrass or country music by local bands, usually from the area or upstate South Carolina, dancing, and a good time. Dinner is served from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. and your meal includes dinner, dessert, and drink, all for the bargain price of $13 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, and children under 3 eat free. Music is from 7:00 until 9:30 P.M.

If this writer might add a personal note, I often work at Highlands Historical Society, and on more than one occasion when chatting with visitors from the Cashiers or Lake Toxaway area I’ve had them mention these dinners. They wax poetic about how entertaining they are, how good the meal is, and how they foster a sense of community and belonging. It’s no wonder since it is the community that comes together and volunteers to make these Friday nights happen. They wouldn’t devote their time so willingly if it weren’t a labor of love.

You’ll also have a chance to buy a raffle ticket for a homemade quilt or make an additional donation to support the Community Center if you wish.

Volunteer Deb McConaghy says the Center hums with activity throughout the week, not just on Friday nights. Their walking track is their most used facility and they have a playground for children. Additionally, their buildings are available for rent for community events such as fundraisers, raffles, bingo, family gatherings, and reunions. A local quilting group meets here as does a home-schooling group. It is the heart of the community.

Another great way to support the Community Center is to shop at their Bargain Barn, which is open on Friday nights from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to noon. You’ll find all sorts of items for your home here including furniture lamps, rugs, mirrors, accessories, and more. They also welcome your donations.

The Lake Toxaway Community Center embodies community so join them for dinner on Friday nights. It’s good, wholesome fun for all ages. For more info and the current week’s menu check out their website toxawaycc.com, check their Facebook page or email them at [email protected].