The 12th annual Big Thursday celebration is scheduled to take place Oct. 27.

This year the event — which commemorates the longstanding rivalry between the University of South Carolina and Clemson, played the Thursday the week of the S.C. State Fair through 1959 — will take place at the Icehouse Amphitheater and Pavilion in Lexington.

A total of eight former Big Thursday players will receive special recognition

In addition, four former Gamecock and Tiger players will speak about their football experiences:

- Michael Dean Perry – Clemson defensive lineman in the mid-to-late-1980s

- Chris Morocco – Clemson quarterback in the late-1980s

- Matthew Campbell – South Carolina tight end in the early-1990s

- Bobby Fuller – South Carolina quarterback in the early-1990-s

“The Lexington Sertoma Club believes it is time to honor these players, including the great octogenarians, who, perhaps unknowingly, contributed to the popularity and excitement of rivalry college football in South Carolina,” said Tommy Harman, chair emeritus of Lexington Sertoma Club. “Held in cooperation with the Town of Lexington, this event is part of our continued commitment to promote and sustain volunteer service, charitable support and community leadership in the greater Lexington area.”

The first Lexington Sertoma Club Big Thursday celebration was held Oct. 22, 2009. At the event, eight players from the South Carolina and Clemson players in the 1950s were the main speakers. Only two are still living.

Funds from this year’s event will be donated to help children attend Camp Sertoma as well as numerous other community-need and sponsorship opportunities.

General admission is $45. The event starts with a 5:30 p.m. social followed by a steak dinner.

To purchase tickets or secure table sponsorships, call event chair Tommy Harman at 803-315-6932. To learn more about Lexington Sertoma Club, call 803-529-9712 or visit https:// www.facebook.com/SertomaClubLexingtonSc . For more information about Sertoma, visit https://www.sertoma. org .