Dancing shoes = flip flops at Wings for Kids benefit

The forecast looked bleak for Saturday night’s Flip Flop Ball on Goldbug Island. Driving out to the tiny stretch of land just before Sullivan’s Island, the sky was dark and the rain was persistent. But just as we arrived, the rain tapered off and the sun started shining. (Cue angelic music).

But it wasn’t smooth sailing from there. The early crowd gathered inside Goldbug’s building, which, though nicely decorated with flip-flop-related paraphernalia and Wings for Kids brochures, brought back intense memories of childhood rec center events. And the barbecue, though delicious, was served out of the pig’s carcass, and his head was displayed prominently nearby, eyeing hungry guests. But no one seemed too put off by it.

As the crowd finished their dinner and grabbed some drinks, the party moved outside. With a view of the marsh and the old Ben Sawyer Bridge, it was the perfect setting for one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen. And the Lowcountry has some incredible sunsets. As the night continued, Two Three Ways (featuring Music Editor T. Ballard Lesemann on drums) drew a crowd of enthusiastic dancers with hours of unflagging, beloved cover tunes. (“Billie Jean” drew a mob, of course.)

After the party, many folks headed over to the bars on Sullivan’s to finish off the night of island-flavored, flip-flop festivities.