The Jubilee host is the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel, which is just blocks from family fun at the beach and other attractions the city has to offer. Source: iStock

I’m looking forward to the upcoming 2014 “Grass Roots” South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee from July 26-28 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

In 2013, I had my doubts about the Jubilee after many friends told me they preferred Myrtle Beach to Virginia Beach. I suspect those drilling friends will welcome the return to Myrtle Beach.

That being said, I think we can all look forward to the SAWDJ being back in its historic home. After a few years, I think the new managers and directors now know what the attendees expect.

The exposition managers have a big job. So let’s give them our support by attending the 2014 Grass Roots expo.

Our family has attended almost all of the SAWDJ expos since they started in Myrtle Beach. Our sons were small, and now they are adults with their own families. We are on the “Well Drillers Wall of Fame,” which we didn’t see at the Virginia Beach expo last year and hope to see again.

In 1967, my wife made all of our family red jumpsuits for the expo. That year, we were recognized as the drillers in red.

I have had both knee joints replaced and, after many years of attending the show, this will be the first year in the last 10 years that I won’t be riding a scooter or handicap vehicle. Be sure to find me. I’ll probably be one of the few people wearing the National Ground Water Association’s “Master Certified” green jacket. When you see me, please stop me and say “hi” and, if we haven’t met before, please introduce yourself.

In the past, we loved and always looked forward to the outside Worth Pickard barbecue. The younger people may enjoy this again. However, our sons and grandsons being adults and Bess and myself being in our 70s, we prefer the inside with air conditioning. Besides, over the years it has usually managed to rain during the barbecue.

Several years ago, we didn’t like the change from the barbecue to catering and being inside, but now Bess and I prefer it.

Pickard started the picnic many years ago and old timers will always remember it being a favorite part of the expo. However, as time passes, our preferences change. Most old timers today enjoy the comfort of a cool place to eat. However, that’s just my opinion. I’m sure many folks will attend the “Sunday Family Picnic.” Sunday is the day we usually go to our favorite restaurant in the evening.

I believe that the South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee and the National Ground Water Exposition are the best water well shows in the United States.

Bess, Piglet, Myself, Randy and Randy’s wife are making plans to be at the upcoming South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee, and we hope we’ll see you there.

 Please, let’s all support our South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee, the managers, the directors and everyone assisting with the expo by attending and enjoying the show. I’m sure that they would also appreciate you telling them that you appreciate all their efforts.  

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