The 4th of July is a big deal in Tega Cay.  Like the rest of the nation, Tega Cay residents celebrate the nation's independence by attending cookouts, firework displays, and gathering with friends and family while trying to escape the summer heat.  In Tega Cay, residents take things a step further because it is also the celebrated birthday of the city. While the majority of this newsletter is dedicated to listing the events that celebrate our city's birth, a look back at the city's history and growth puts some perspective on how much the city has developed into a premiere recreational community.
 
A Look Back
The "birth" of Tega Cay really stemmed from the fact that Lake Wylie was created in order to produce electricity.  The man-made lake was first formed when the Catawba Power Company built the Catawba Dam and Power Plant in 1904.  Later Catawba Power Company became part of the Southern Power Company and eventually merged with Duke Power.  Essentially, the construction of the dam and creation of Lake Wylie led to the birth of Tega Cay as a peninsula community that rests on the east side of the lake.
 
As reported on tegacayliving.com, Tega Cay began with The Ervin Company purchasing the peninsula from Crescent Land Development Corp. in 1970. After a mayhem camping trip to the beach with his family, an officer of the company had a vision of a recreational community where one could live as though on vacation all year. The name "Tega Cay" means "beautiful peninsula" in an obscure Polynesian language. Many streets were named for islands such as Molokai, Palmyra, Mai Kai and Marquesas. The original homes were built with mostly Polynesian-style rooflines.
 
Original homeowners in Tega Cay were provided with many services such as lawn care and daycare for a minimal HOA fee. Prospective homeowners were driven by jeep to view the home sites available. A riverboat, the Conticki, was constructed to tour prospects and business groups around the peninsula by water. Unfortunately, the $15- $35 fee was not enough to support the services promised and the developer was forced into bankruptcy. At that time a purchase was negotiated between the bank and the new owner, Tega Cay Associates. Tega Cay residents rallied with the new owners and in 1982, Tega Cay became a city with its own tax base. This occasion is celebrated every year on the 4th of July.
 
In 1999 the Newland Corporation purchased the undeveloped property in Tega Cay. Newland began developing the remaining 550 acres. 
 
Tega Cay Today
Today Tega Cay thrives as a vital recreational community. The 1600-acre peninsula, surrounded by 16 miles of shoreline, offers golf, swimming, boating, tennis, hiking and numerous walking trails. The current population of Tega Cay is approximately 6,000  people and growing. There has been a growth of 34% since the 1990 census. The current growth averages 3 to 4 % per year due to new development and annexations.
 
Obviously, Tega Cay's history is as unique as its topography.  The Community Relations Committee organizes the 4th of July Celebrations each year and the details of these celebrations are designed to reflect the City's history, natural resources, amenities, and citizens.

 

On Sunday, July 5, golfers are invited to take part in the annual "Red, White, & Blue Golf Tournament" to be held at the Tega Cay Golf Course.

 

The tournament begins at 1:30 p.m. with a shotgun start.  The format is Captain's Choice (four person teams).  You can put your own team together or register with the golf shop and they will pair you with a team.

 

The rate for annual members is $35 and for non-annual members, the rate is $45.  This includes golf fees, prizes and lunch prior to tee off.  Lunch will begin at 12:15. 

 

For more information or to register, call 803.548.3500.

 

By Donna Britsch

 

In June over forty residents came out for a Sunday afternoon game to "try it out".  On Friday, June 19th the Club set up two temporary courts at the Tega Cay Golf Club and had up to four games going all day long----and 57 went to lunch at the clubhouse!  Six residents enjoyed it so much, that they became members.

 

The club has membership available or EVERYONE is welcome to come and pay a small fee to try out the game.  The Club plays the 3rd Monday of the month at Lookout Park (on the soccer field under the big power lines).  If you would like to play, contact Tom at (803) 802-5549 or at twa646@yahoo.com. 

 

Photo by Donna Britsch

Photos By Donna Britsch

 

In coach pitch All-Star action, the 7 year old team and 8 year old team fell short in reaching the championship.  The 7 year old team, coached by J.P. Ippolitto, Marc Mullis and Jim Persyn was lead by performances from Dillon Evans and Brogan Moore.  The 8 year old team, coached by Rick Maier, Evan Helms and Joe Kelly was anchored by the play of Alex Bogert and Alan Stevens.

In minors All-Star action, the 10 year old team won the District Championship by outscoring opponents 59-15.  The 10 year old team was coached by Evan Helms and Dwane Burkhart.  Logan Miller and Tyler Griffin led the charge in pitching while Austin Burkhart, Hunter Helms and Nick Hoffman's bats led the offense.
 
The 9 year old team coached by Ed Davis, Nick Thomas, Mike Weisinger and Jay Kerosetz finished 1-2 in this weekend's tournament.  They received stellar performances from Zander Sheldon and Ryan Reyes on the mound along with great hitting performances from Daniel Oates, Justin Kerosetz and Thomas Welch.
 
The 11 year old team is currently 2-1 in the district tournament with the championship game taking place late June.  The 11 year old team is coached by Chris Quinn, Dan Holmes and Doug Cooley and are lead by Jack Corkery, Clay Quinn and Cameron Holmes on the mound. 

 

 

"I think we accomplished our overall goal . . . to provide Tega Cayans with a program that encouraged young and old, individuals and families to get active, while enjoying our many beautiful walking trails.  The feedback that we got from participants was wonderful. We had over 120 participants who registered and we estimate that approximately 80% made it to the finale.  Considering the finale was optional and it fell at the height of vacation season, we are extremely pleased with the turnout," said event organizer, Jackie Miller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On behalf of our pet owner's and their pets - "Thank You!"