Greer Family Fest Creates New Opportunities for Fun

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Then be sure to check out the Village Hospital Greer Family Fest.

The festival returns to Greer City Park for its 29th year Friday and Saturday and promises new opportunities for fun for the entire family.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to bring people to Greer," said Mark Owens, vice president of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce. "Even if people have visited the festival before, they will find new things to do this year."

Hours of operation are from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Festival-goers will find a few new rides, more food, a variety of music and many new activities.

Plate 108 will be offering cooking demonstrations. The chef and students from Virginia College will who attendees how to prepare healthy meals. The 30-minute demonstrations begin at 7:30 p.m. May 3 and at 2 and 4 p.m. May 4 at 108 E. Poinsett St.

The GSP International Food Court will feature a wider selection and healthier options of food this year. Owens said with the focus on health and with the partnership with Village Hospital, the festival really wanted to provide not only a flavorful fare, but one that was healthy, too. But don't worry, there are plenty of vendors for festival favorites such as funnel cakes and fried oreos.

And speaking of health, the Village Hospital will offer blood pressure screenings, ultrasound demonstrations and body mass measurements, as well as face painting and games.

"The health zone is definitely a place were people are going to want to stop," Owens said. "The Village Hospital is bring out several doctors and members of their staff to work one-on-one with people at the festival. They will be conducting several screenings, as well talking to people about their health."

For music lovers, the festival will offer a variety of music.

Headlining this year's festival will be the legendary Marshall Tucker Band from Spartanburg. The group will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Other musical acts include Alex Hunnicutt, Noah Guthrie, Dylan Arms and Benton Blount. And Greer Idol auditions will be conducted. See schedule for details.

"We will have everything from beach to country to rock and soul," Owens said. "And, all of the concerts are free."

Creation Station will be open for free arts and crafts for children from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Historic Train Depot. Kids will also have an opportunity to have their photos made with a princess.

For sports enthusiasts, the Road Warriors, along with mascot Rowdy, will be there. There's also a rolling video game truck featuring four high def screens and the opportunity for 16 gamers to play one another.

“We’re hoping for great weather and a great turnout," Owens said. "We are hoping to have a fun, family-friendly, safe environment for families to just enjoy a weekend together."

And for those who want to explore downtown Greer and do a little shopping, downtown businesses will be welcoming people in.

Saturday evening, the festival will honor veterans with a Walk of Honor beginning at 7 p.m. If you know a veteran in the area, please invite to be a part of this event and to meet other veterans at the fountain at City Park at 6:30 p.m.

Owens said that they are expecting about 20,000 people for the festival this weekend. He said volunteers are still needed. Those interested in volunteering should contact the Greer chamber at 864-877-3131 or emailing Lynn Pascazio at lynn@greerchaber.com.

The festival is FREE to the public, but tickets for food, beverage and children’s rides can be purchased on site.

For more about the festival, be sure to check out the Greer Family Fest website.