Festival season is officially open in the upstate, and locals have several family-friendly options this week to get outside and enjoy live music, crafts, and close-up encounters with emergency vehicles.
Trucks on the Main
The Junior League of Anderson is adjusting its annual event with some COVID safety measures and is hosting a socially distant Trucks on Main in Anderson on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Anderson.
Safety first:Hometown Festival, Show Organizers Prepare for COVID Safe Events in Anderson, Pickens
Trucks on Main takes place throughout the city center and has a coordinating activity book for the participants. Emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and more will be on display, and the men and women who operate them will also be nearby.
For those who stop by around noon, food trucks are also on the list.
Whitner Street areas, part of Main Street and some parking lots will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to accommodate the event.
Azalea Festival
The downtown Pickens event kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. with a cruise-in on Main Street, followed by live music at 6:30 p.m. from Bettle in the amphitheater. Rides are available in Legacy Square on Friday from 6pm to 10pm and on Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
There will be a 5K race on Saturday at 10 a.m. The official opening ceremony of the festival will take place at 6 p.m. in the entire city center. Artisans, nonprofits, and local businesses start up by 6 p.m.
Amphitheater entertainment on Saturday includes the Hotfoot Cloggers, a pet contest, magic show, and live music from White Buffalo and GreyWind.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit pickensazaleafestival.com.
Issaqueena Festival
Issaqueena Festival is taking over North Main Street at Six Mile on Saturday and is partnering with the Greater Clemson Music Festival to bring the dance vibe downtown.
The Swingin ‘Medallions end the day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a rain or sunshine show in the former fire brigade.
Artisans will line Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live entertainment at the Farmers Depot includes Anderson-born LC Branch from 12pm to 1pm, the Hotfoot Cloggers from 1pm to 2pm, and music from JET from 2pm to 4pm
In bad weather, the live entertainment is moved to the fire department. You can find more information on the festival’s Facebook page.
Caitlin Herrington, local reporter and alliteration fanatic, covers government, growth and all things Anderson. Follow her on Twitter @GoldenCornerCat.
