Broad Street UMC to Celebrate 40 Years of Fun, Food, Fashion & Tea at “FOUR-TEA” Birthday Bash

A beloved community tradition turns 40 this spring, and Broad Street United Methodist Church is inviting everyone to the party. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and join the celebration at the church’s Cunningham Center for this year’s themed event, the “FOUR-TEA” Birthday.

The event promises the signature Fun, Food, Fashion & Tea that has delighted guests for decades. Spring fashions from Tapestry will be featured on the runway, and tables will be beautifully decorated to reflect the festive spirit of the occasion. Tickets are just $10 and can be reserved by calling 864-833-0177.

The tradition dates back to the mid-1980s, when the United Methodist Women of Broad Street UMC were searching for a fresh fundraiser idea. Dianne Reddeck, inspired by a Virginia event showcasing 12 themed tables representing each month of the year, collaborated with Maria Reid to bring the concept to Clinton. The very first Fun, Food & Fashion Show was held in 1985 with clothing provided by local shops including Belk, Cato, and a children’s boutique.

The show opened with flair, as participants kicked off each year’s event with a chorus line performance to “We Are the Broad Street Cooks,” penned by Maria Reid. But it was the unexpected star of the show who left audiences grinning year after year—“Michelle,” a crowd favorite known for her dramatic entrance in an apricot dress. The character “Michelle”  worked at Carolina Automotive, and originally made a one-time appearance but became a staple character until her “retirement” in 2011.

That same year, the Broad Street Walkers were introduced, a nod to a past table themed around retired Playboy Bunnies that drew laughs and applause as the ladies tossed aside their walkers to dance. In 2018, organizers introduced a new format—a themed tea party—offering a more relaxed way for participants to enjoy the event and for church circles to lighten the workload.

Each year since, the tea party has carried a unique theme:

• A Tea for All Seasons (2018)
• Tea Time at the Masters (2019)
• Mad Hatter Tea Party (2022)
• St. Patrick’s Tea Party (2023)
• Universi-Tea (2024)

This year’s “FOUR-TEA” Birthday celebration not only commemorates the 40th anniversary of the original event but also honors the legacy of creativity, humor, and hospitality that has defined it for four decades.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a newcomer, this is a party you won’t want to miss. Come for the tea, stay for the laughter, and celebrate a Clinton tradition that continues to bring joy year after year.

For tickets or more information, call Broad Street UMC at 864-833-0177.