In 1971, when Greyhound bus employee Chuck Myers and his wife Ruby opened their antique shop in Pelham, they didn’t envision how their store would grow within the community.

When Chuck retired in 1977, the Myers expanded the business to include pottery and plants. Eventually sons Cliff and Stewart became a part of the workforce and now Stewart and his wife Nancy run the business.

The Myers began partnering with the Pelham High School dance team, the Pantherettes, three years ago when approached by sponsor Laura Cochran.

The team captured the All-Star State Dance Championship title for the fifth consecutive time last year and also reigns as the National champ in the Prop Novelty division. Financing these competitions is a huge undertaking.

So, Cochran proposed that each fall, the Pantherettes take orders for pansies with one Saturday designated as Pansy Pick-up Day.

“Without generous folks like the Myers, these girls wouldn’t have the opportunity to be champions,” Cochran said. “I can’t thank them enough.”

On that day, the Pantherettes join the Myers and other employees to earn their money by working at the shop. Customers come by to pick up pansies and the dancers are there to load cars and thank customers. Pansy Pick-up Day has become a tradition in the Pelham area.

The Myers quaint, vine-covered building and surrounding gardens welcome customers year round. Pantherette Pansy Pick-up Day is Saturday, Oct. 25 this year. Happy Feet Ministries will be cooking barbeque on site and a clown will be at Myer’s-along with eleven beautiful Pelham Pantherettes and one grateful sponsor.

Pansy orders can be placed through Thursday, Oct. 23rd by emailing Laura Cochran for details at lcochran@shelbyed.k12.al.us.