2013 Azalea Festival is April 19-20

The 29^th Annual Pickens Azalea Festival is slated for April 19-20 this year, and festival organizers are hoping for some financial support from the City of Pickens.

Committee members Jeff Hogan and Russ Gant spoke before Pickens City Council Monday night, asking for $5,000 in funding for this year’s festival.

The funding request includes $1,000 toward festival entertainment, $800 for six billboards advertising the festival, $1,900 for message boards and barricades and $1,300for portable toilets and the cleanup of Main Street and Legacy Square.

Sponsorships suffered last year due to the economy, Hogan said.

“We took a really big hit last year,” Hogan said. “This year, we want to keep the festival at a level where it is right now. We don’t want to go backwards. It is the largest festival in Pickens County.”

The festival and its entertainment lineup suffer when sponsorships fall, Hogan said.

Last year, council turned down a funding request from the committee.

The festival has a big impact on the area economy, Hogan and Gant said.

Included with the request were testimonials from area business owners.

George Case said the festival is the best weekend of the year for East Main St. Treasures.

Amy Barrett, owner of Michael’s Restaurant and Burning Brick Tavern, said the Azalea Festival has positively impacted her business for many years.

“The Friday Night Cruise In brings in many visitors to the downtown area,” Barrett said. “That is always one of the busiest nights for my restaurant. Now that I have Burning Brick Tavern as well, we have been overwhelmed with the business both Friday and Saturday night. I always look forward to the festival weekend every year.”

“It’s definitely been a great event for Pickens,” said Councilman Jason Cassell.

Hogan said the Cruise In Night is growing as well.

Last year’s cruise in had 334 cars, he said.

“We’re getting to the point where we’ve having more and more difficulty putting them in on Main Street,” Hogan said. “We’re going to be using the side streets more and more. We’re expanding. We’re starting to bust at the seams, as a matter of fact.” 

“That’s a good problem to have,” said Mayor David Owens.

“Yes, it is, very much so,” Hogan said.

He said The Tams will be playing this year’s Cruise In.

Council is set to consider the committee’s request next month. Gant said the committee would need to have an answer by March 1.