"Celebrate Anderson" Extravaganza Is Tomorrow

On Sunday, September 2nd, residents and visitors will be treated to the 14th CELEBRATE ANDERSON, Anderson’s local Labor Day extravaganza. This annual event takes place on the day before Labor Day at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater inside the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center. This event is free and open to the public.

Gates will open at 5:15 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. Electric City Transit will provide free transportation to the amphitheater every 30 minutes between 6 and 8 p.m. from Homeland Park Elementary, the Westside Community Center and the historic McCants School on Fant Street.

“There are so many good things happening throughout our county,” said Anderson County Councilman Tom Allen, “This is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together for a night of fun, fellowship, wonderful music and spectacular fireworks! What could be better than a Celtic Rock Band, complete with Bagpipes, to celebrate Anderson County’s Celtic heritage. Tell your friends and neighbors to grab their chairs, blankets and coolers and prepare for an evening to remember.” 

More than 10,000 people are again expected to attend this year’s event sponsored by the Anderson County, City of Anderson, Sunbrella, Electrolux, Grady’s Great Outdoors, Anderson Independent-Mail, Parker Poe, TD Bank, Seamon Whiteside & Associates, Anderson County Fair, Duke Energy, SC PRT, Collins & Lacy, Waste Connections, Dunn & Associates, Foothills Community Foundation, Goodwyn | Mills | Cawood, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Touch the Future, Santee Cooper, Sterling Printing, 3CrossTri, Tri County Technical College, the Christopher & Dana Reeves Paralysis Foundation, the Electric City News, the Williamston Journal and many other local businesses.

Tugalo Holler, featuring local WRIX radio personality, Pork Chop, will entertain concert-goers as the gates open at 5:15 pm. After a brief Awards Ceremony for the USA Cycling and US Handcycling Races at 6:30 pm, the Young Marines will post the colors in preparation for the Pledge of Allegiance. T.L. Hanna’s Jazz Band, led by Richard “Bass” Baskins, will follow the welcome announcements at 7 pm. The Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) Electric City Big Band, under the direction of Alan Nowell, will take the stage, offering the audience a chance to relieve favorite memories from decades of great music. Celtic rock band, Seven Nations, will be this year’s guest performers. The program will end in the traditional way with patriotic music and one of the largest annual fireworks shows in South Carolina. 

International Cycling Personality Chad Andrews will emcee the 2012 event, which celebrates Anderson County new cycling tradition. 

“Celebrate Anderson is the perfect finale for a wonderful weekend of events in Anderson County,” said Anderson County Public Information Officer Angela Stringer. “The holiday weekend kicks off on Friday evening at the Lake Hartwell Dam, where cyclists will compete in time trials that go over the Dam. Saturday and Sunday’s events (Sheriff Skipper’s Charity Pedal Race, Safe Kids Bike Rodeo and Races, Tour de LaFrance, 30 & 65 mile rides, USA Cycling and the US Handcycling Pro Races) will take place at the Civic Center of Anderson. In addition to the cycling extravaganza, attendees will enjoy Spacewalk of Anderson’s bouncefest and a variety of festival foods and shopping opportunities. We urge everyone to come out and show your support for this family-friendly weekend, which showcases the many reasons that we Celebrate Anderson!”

Picnic baskets are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs. Concessions, featuring food and beverages, will also be available for purchase. No glass containers, tents, or pets, please. 

Visit www.labordaydestination.com or www.AndersonEvents.com for more information.