"Your Carolina" Will Broadcast from Pickens

The Azalea Festival, which rates among the South Carolina Upstate’s largest venue of arts, crafts, and musical events, will celebrate its 29^th year, slated for April 19-20, in a large way.

According to Russ Gantt, director of the festival, local celebrities Jack Roper and Pickens County’s own Kimberly Kelly will broadcast the WSPA Channel 7 show “Your Carolina” live from Pickens on Friday April 19^th at 10AM.

“We are all really excited to have Jack and Kimberly coming to Pickens with “Your Carolina” for the festival’s first day,” Gantt said. “There will be a stage near the courthouse, so folks can stop by and see this popular show in person.”

Roper, who has a long and productive career in broadcast news, is well known locally as the entertaining and often correct weather forecaster on the WSPA news channel, before joining the “Your Carolina” team.

Kelly hosted several morning radio shows throughout North and South Carolina before entering the realm television broadcasts, including “Talk of the Town” before joining the “Your Carolina” team.

The Azalea Festival Committee “is hoping that that everyone will come to Pickens for the “Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly” broadcast,” Gantt said. “And afterwards they can enjoy shopping in our many interesting and unique Pickens businesses and have a great lunch or dinner in one of our great restaurants.”

On Saturday, Pickens’ Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic and the avenues will be filled with artists displaying and selling their crafts which encompasses an array of workmanship, including watercolor or oils painting; photography; metal and wood workings; sewing, crochet, and knitting; and various food items.

No one will be hungry during the festival, Gantt said, due to the wide range of food vendors cooking up a large selection of eatables like hamburgers, hotdogs, gyros, pizzas and barbeque that will satisfy even the most discerning diner.

“The (City of Pickens) firemen will be back this year serving up their hot off the grill hamburger plates,” he said.

And for those wanting a little something sweet, patrons can find ice creams, pastries, flavored ices, and warm funnel cakes, he said.

“We will have something for everyone,” Gantt said.

In addition, visitors to the festival can relax during the fun-filled day while enjoying various forms of entertainment, including musical groups, taking place on both Main Stage, on Court Street and West End stage in front of the Boggs house, Gantt said.

“I think we have one of the best line-ups of entertainment for the 2013 Azalea Festival,” Gantt said. “April 19^th and the 20^th is going to be a great weekend to be in Pickens.”

For anyone wanting to experience a little more of the great offerings of Pickens County, the festival will again this year be running a shuttle to the Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center, Gantt said. The gristmill was built in 1845 and is one of the oldest mills still operating and producing grain products in the state. The waterwheel is not only the largest, but also the only surviving wooden wheel in South Carolina, he said.

“Many people attending the festival last year took advantage of the shuttles to Hagood Mill, and enjoyed touring the site and experiencing a way of life far different from what we live today,” Gantt said. “I think this year even more people will take the opportunity to visit this historical place that is such a valuable part of Pickens County.”

The 29^th Annual Azalea Festival opens Friday morning, April 19, with the live broadcast of “Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly,” followed later that evening with a classic car Cruise-In.

After visitors view the classic vehicles and chat with the owners of vintage cars and trucks that have painstakingly returned to their original glory, everyone can either relax under the stars or dance to the music of The Tams, whose 1968 hit, “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” remains a popular song on classic radio stations today, Gantt said.

“It is going to be a great weekend to be in Pickens,” he said. “The Azalea Festival just keeps on growing, and getting better each year.

“The 29^th year may very well be the best one yet,” Gantt said. “Our committee truly hopes that folks will come out to enjoy this event and a family-fun spring weekend. There’s something there for everyone.” For applications or information visit the festival website pickensazaleafestival.org. The Azalea Festival is sponsored by the Pickens Chamber of Commerce and Azalea Festival committee.