Upcoming Anderson festivals, food trucks, fundraisers to celebrate spring. What to know.
The spring season is officially here, and the City of Anderson has planned various events.
"We love giving back to the community we serve. These events help bring the community together," said Anderson Community Events Manager Caroline Gaddis. "These events serve as an opportunity for residents to explore new local shops and see what the downtown neighborhood has to offer."
Downtown Anderson is thriving with new restaurants and businesses.
"The city of Anderson has done a great job revamping the downtown area with all the new local businesses," said Lori Graham, VP of Fund Development for the Junior League of Anderson County. "The downtown area has changed a lot since I was young. It's more convenient to shop at local stores now instead of driving to Greenville, and I love it."
Downtown Soiree Festival
There will be a Soiree Festival downtown from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 26 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 27. The festival will feature live music, food trucks, and local vendors.
Residents will be able to enjoy live performances across multiple stages, explore and purchase original handcrafted works from talented artists, and savor delicious dishes crafted by some of Anderson’s finest chefs, Gaddis said.
South Carolina country music star Josh Turner will headline a concert at 7 p.m. on April 26.
Turner is best known for his deep voice and soulful sounds. Some of his most popular hits include “Long Black Train,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” and “Would You Go With Me?"
Four stages will feature musical performances by local and regional artists, Gaddis said.
The event will also feature a special children’s area and a kid’s kingdom, with creative activities for children to enjoy.
More than 50 tents of visual artists will showcase a variety of different mediums.
The Best Artist will receive $2,000 in prize money. The Best of Show winner will be awarded $1,000, the Fine Artist runner-up will receive $400, the Artisan Runner-up will win $400, and the Best Booth winner will receive $250.
Trucks on Main
In collaboration with the City of Anderson, The Junior League of Anderson County will host a free Trucks on Main fundraising event for seat safety from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23.
Seats for Safety is an assistance program that allows sheriff’s deputies to intervene in unsafe situations and aid needy families by providing appropriate car seats for unrestrained children, Graham said.
The Junior League of Anderson County is a women's organization that is committed to empowering women and providing valuable leadership training.
Part of Downtown Anderson will be closed off to allow visitors to see various work vehicles.
"Residents will have the opportunity to explore vehicles such as street sweepers, excavators, wreckers, front-end loaders, garbage trucks, flail mowers, asphalt patch trucks, bucket trucks, and fire trucks," she said.
They will also be able to meet the men and women who build, protect, and serve Anderson County. "These are city workers who don't have the opportunity to interact with the community on a regular, day-to-day basis," Graham said.
Anderson City Fire Department will be at the event.
"This year, we will bring out our fire ladder truck and our fire safety house," said Anderson City Fire Department Fire Chief Charles King.
"Not only does this give residents the opportunity to see the trucks, learn about the equipment, meet the firefighters, and see why they love the job they get to do every day, but it also gives us firefighters a chance to engage with the community we serve," he said.
The Junior League of Anderson County has partnered with local restaurants, such as Groucho's Deli, Electric City Pizza, and Taco Loco, which will donate a percentage of their sales to Seats for Safety.
Local food trucks will be on-site for residents to access, Graham said. She is encouraging residents to support some of the local downtown businesses.
Project Lead-Car Wash
The United Way of Anderson County's newest program, Project Lead, will host a free car wash from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at the United Way of Anderson County office at 604 N. Murray Ave.
Project Lead is a leadership program for ninth-grade students in Anderson County, said Olivia Armstrong, event organizer and Volunteer Engagement & Youth Program Coordinator.
"We partnered with Clemson University Learning Institute for this program," Armstrong said.
The group meets monthly for a leadership session to discuss community service, leadership skill development, and building relationships to create a brighter future for their communities.
Once a month, Armstong says, the organization conducts a service project on a Saturday.
"This month's service project is the Cash Wash," Armstrong said. "We will have 15 project lead members on-site washing cars."
Cash donations are accepted and will go toward funding the Lead Project.
Community Food Truck Night for the International Network of Michelin Cities
The City of Anderson will host the International Network of Michelin Cities Conference in April.
More than 200 visitors are expected from 25 countries on five continents, including mayors, city officials, university administrators, and business leaders, according to a press release from the City of Anderson.
To kick off this event, the city will host a community-wide food truck night at the Anderson County Farmer's Market at 6 p.m. on April 15.
Residents are welcome to enjoy food from local food trucks.
Vendors include Kodesh BBQ & Bowls, Mac Attack, Matty's Patty's, Pound Cake Man, and Rad Dad's BBQ.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Upcoming Anderson festivals, food trucks and fundraisers. What to know.
