It’s time for Whitmire’s annual Party in the Pines.

The strictly “evening event” celebration opens for its 23 year Thursday on Main Street.

With carnival rides, bands and booths aplenty each evening through Saturday, there is something for everyone, says event chairwoman Sue Hollingsworth.

“I love Party in the Pines,” says Holingsworth. “And we do consider it a family event. I guess that’s the best things about it. The young and the young at heart can enjoy it.”

The Schedule

Thursday night

Thursday is Gospel Night & Family Night with one price rides for the kids — ride all night till 11 p.m. for one price.

— Carnival opens at 6 p.m.

— Music at 7 p.m. from The WATCH Teen Group

Friday

7 p.m. The Weatherman Band, featuring Jack Roper

9 p.m. The Grand Illusion Band from Newberry, playing classic top 40, Motown, beach and dance music

The GI Band is promoting a reunion on stage of The Original Villagers. Whitmire members are Ken Sparks, Wayne Reed, Melvin Sinclair and Larry Williams. Williams plays saxophone with Grand Illusion. He is coordinating this reunion.

Saturday

4 p.m. parade

7 p.m. The Mattie Phifer Band from Whitmire, blues rooted

9 p.m. The Sugarbees: A high octane blues & boogie band, featuring frontman Caesar and his James Brown/Jackie Wilson-style dance act. The Sugarbees have performed and recorded with Maurice Williams, Chuck Berry, Joe Simon and The Original Drifters.

Party features

• Sponsored by the Whitmire Jaycees

• Carnival rides provided by PALMETTO AMUSEMENTS.

• Helicopter rides provided by HELIPLANE AVIATION, LLC on Friday and Saturday

• Street dances

• Lots of food

• Arts and Crafts

• Live entertainment each night