Lorene Summey, a resident of Cherryville, North Carolina, had never celebrated her own birthday due to her responsibility as the oldest of six siblings. However, that changed in 2022 when she turned 105 years old. Lorene’s birthday wish was to have a grand celebration, and her dream came true with a Hoedown Barn Dance party on November 18, 2022.
The event included a BBQ, DJ, photographer, and a beautiful birthday cake, and her entire community joined in to make the day special. Burns High School Health Sciences students even volunteered to help make the party a success. Although the attention might have been overwhelming, Lorene’s party was a beautiful and epic celebration of her life.
“Lorene Summey Day” was declared by the Cherryville City Council to commemorate her landmark birthday. The county also announced a “Summey Holiday” to honor her special day. To add to the festivities, Lorene was escorted to her party by the Cherryville Police department.
During the party, the mayor delivered a special dedication speech and a pony made a surprise appearance. Everyone enjoyed a proper hoedown to celebrate the occasion.
Lorene Summey, who had never had a birthday party before, celebrated her 105th birthday with a Hoedown Barn Dance in November 2022. The oldest of six children, Lorene had often cared for her siblings and missed out on her own birthday festivities. Her party was a community event complete with a BBQ, DJ, photographer, and a birthday cake. The Cherryville City Council declared her birthday “Lorene Summey Day,” and the whole county celebrated a “Summey Holiday” in her honor.
Lorene received 1,200 birthday letters from all over the world as a birthday present. She was thrilled to celebrate with her close friends, and her family was excited to give her the party of her dreams. Her 82-year-old niece, Brenda Craine, said, “She’s just been precious all her life — she deserves every bit of this.”