Meet Gail Moss Carson: Spartanburg's Spring Fling volunteer extraordinaire since 2005

Joanna Johnson, Spartanburg Herald-Journal
·2 min read

Gail Moss, of Spartanburg, finds joy and satisfaction in helping her community.

For the last 19 years, she has used her talent and connections to volunteer at Spring Fling, the city's annual street festival happening downtown April 26-28, and expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors.

The former radio host said a friend suggested she volunteer in 2005 when the festival was growing and organizers needed someone to find setup equipment and musicians.

Gail Moss Carson is one of the many volunteers that will be working at the Spring Fling festival April 26-28, 2024 in downtown Spartanburg. Here, she talks about working at the main stage area at Morgan Square for the event.
Gail Moss Carson is one of the many volunteers that will be working at the Spring Fling festival April 26-28, 2024 in downtown Spartanburg. Here, she talks about working at the main stage area at Morgan Square for the event.

"It was right down my alley, especially since I worked in radio," Moss said. "I had met a lot of artists, so I knew how to get the acts. It makes you feel good when you can be out there, seeing the faces of the people enjoying the event. They needed someone, so I just stepped in."

Moss, 68, will be among the 150-200 volunteers it takes to put on the festival that began in 1978 and will take place for the first time on Church Street and run to Daniel Morgan Avenue.

"The construction and everything else happening downtown," said Aundreana Hunter, special events manager for the city. "We wanted to be of little disruption to citizens as possible."

Hunter said Moss, a member of the city's events and festival committee, is a "gem" for the dedication and time she shares to make special Spartanburg events including Juneteenth and the International Festival.

"I would like to give a huge thank you to Gail for her continuous commitment to Spring Fling and all of our special events," Hunter said. "Gail is such a gem that we are so thankful for!"

Moss's work is typically displayed on the Morgan Square Stage, where she works with the setup and live music act.

"I just love to share," Moss said. "It's being able to talk to people, share and make sure people are okay."

People fill the streets of downtown Spartanburg during the Spring Fling festival on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
People fill the streets of downtown Spartanburg during the Spring Fling festival on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

What to know about Spring Fling

The same, family fun is still expected with the family fun zones, vendor marketplace, non-profit booths, a food court, and the bike race, Spring Fling's signature event.

A Jeep Show on Sunday is new to the festival. Jeep owners will show off their vehicles and compete for prizes.

"It's a competition alright," Hunter said. "Carolina Classic is the one who puts it on, but there's a voting and a big award show after."

Joanna Johnson covers community news and education for the Herald-Journal. Reach her via email at jjohnson@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spring Fling is near; meet 19-year volunteer Gail Moss Carson