Archive for September 2019
Georgia and South Carolina Divisions Head to Lake Hartwell
American Bass Anglers announced today the Bass Pro Shops Open Series South Carolina Division and Georgia Division will hold their final event of the 2019 season on October 05-06, 2019 on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. Anglers from both States are competing for cash and prizes as well as positions in the 2020 Ray Scott Championship to be held on Lake Hartwell in April 2020, where over $400,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs.
Neil Paul of Visit Anderson states, “We are very excited to have American Bass Anglers back in Anderson County and Green Pond Landing. ABA has been an integral part of the growth and development of not only Green Pond Landing but fishing in the upstate of South Carolina among our many lakes. We look forward to hosting a committed group of anglers in our community!”
“American Bass Anglers considers Lake Hartwell and Anderson SC one of the best facilities to hold a bass tournament and a very fisherman friendly community.” Said RheAnna King, ABA Marketing Director. “The public is invited to the daily weigh-ins at 2:30pm October 5th and 6th at Green Pond Landing, located at 4710 Green Pond Road Anderson, SC 29626.” King Continued.
For more information on this tournament, call Rodney Michael, tournament manager, at 256-497-0967 or ABA at 256-232-0406. Online, see www.americanbassanglers.com
For more information on Lake Hartwell and Anderson County call (864) 716-3660 or visitwww.andersoncountysc.org. For information on American Bass Anglers visit our web site atwww.americanbassanglers.com.
American Bass Anglers, Inc. is Sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Nitro Boats, Tracker Boats Mercury Outboards, Hydrowave, MotorGuide, T-H Marine, Four Roses Bourbon, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Garmin, Power Pole, Engel Coolers, OPTIMA Batteries and Maui Jim.
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Media Contact:
Neil Paul, Visit Anderson Executive Director
- (864) 716-3660 M. (864) 353-9819
FLW SET FOR RETURN TO LAKE HARTWELL WITH TWO-DAY T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE EVENT
WHAT:
The T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) South Carolina Division will wrap up their tournament season for anglers with a two-day BFL Super Tournament on Lake Hartwell, Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29. Up to 400 boaters and co-anglers will be competing for top awards of up to $11,000 and $4,500 respectively in the two-day event.
WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019
Takeoff: 7:30 a.m. CDT. Weigh-In: 3:30 p.m.
Green Pond Landing
470 Green Pond Road
Anderson, S.C.
Hosted by Visit Anderson
NOTES:
BFL South Carolina division competitors can expect a fair day of fishing in this final regular-season tournament of the season. According to recent local reports, water temperatures are still pretty warm – around 81 to 83 degrees – and the majority of anglers are focusing on shallow points around underwater islands, shoals, ditches and old road beds. Expect to see plenty of crankbaits, topwater baits, drop-shot rigs and big plastic worms in the hands of tournament competitors. Earlier this month, boater Jayme Rampey of Liberty, South Carolina won a BFL tournament on Lake Hartwell throwing topwater baits. Fans should expect to see a two-day total of 10 bass nearing 31 to 34 pounds win this BFL South Carolina division finale.
The full field will compete on the first day of competition, with the top 20-percent advancing to the second and final day of competition.
The 2019 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2020 BFL All-American will be held April 30-May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, and is hosted by Visit Anderson. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2019 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW and their partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Zimbabwe. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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FAMILY-OWNED FARM AND FALL DESTINATION IN THE UPSTATE VOTED 4TH BEST CORN MAZE IN US
Out of 500 farms in the country, Denver Downs Farm makes #4 in “10 Best Corn Mazes in US”; Farm opens for its fall season September 28th
Anderson, SC (September 23, 2019) – For the second year in a row and third time overall, Denver Downs Farm, based in Anderson, SC, was voted the fourth best corn maze in the United States by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest. Denver Downs also made the Top 10 list in 2016 and 2018 and was selected again this year, out of over 500 corn mazes in the U.S.
Denver Downs Farm, a family-owned and operated farm since 1869, is the only corn maze in South Carolina and just one of two mazes in the entire Southeast to make the coveted readers choice award list.
“We are both thrilled and humbled to be selected among the hundreds of contenders for the top corn mazes in the country,” said Catherine Garrison Davis, Co-Owner of Denver Downs. “As a family-owned generational farm, we take such joy in helping families make memories and spend quality time together and can’t wait to open the farm this season for them to come and enjoy the award-winning corn maze and all the other fun activities we have on the farm.”
Every year, Denver Downs chooses a theme for the corn maze and this year they are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Walk. The 10-acre maze design includes the Apollo 11 rocket, an astronaut, “First Step”, an American Flag, and a Tiger Paw (all owners of farm are Clemson alumni). The farm opens for its fall season on Saturday, September 28th.
“If you want to check off a corn maze on your fall bucket list, this is the one to do,” said Ron Smith, Corn Maze Operations Manager at Denver Downs. “We strive each year to provide more fun and even more memorable experiences for our guests at the farm.”
The farm has also been featured in the October 2019 issue of Martha Stewart Livingmagazine, adding to the many accolades the farm has earned including a “best pumpkin patch” top spot in the state by Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping and Southern Living Magazine.
In addition to 10-acre corn maze, farm animals, 35 fun barnyard activities (hayride, zipline, haybarn climb/swings, giant slide, jumping pillow), and live music each weekend, Denver Downs will have over 90 tons of pumpkins this season and feature new activities, the Giant Ropes Course and the “Double D” Gem Mine.
Hours of operation:
- September 28th through November 10th
- Fridays and Saturdays 10am-10pm
- Sundays 1pm-6pm
- Monday – Thursdays 10am-5pm
- The Farm also host school field trips and corporate events.
For more information go to www.denverdownsfarm.com. For interviews or photos please contact Catherine at 843-297-0140 or Catherine@denverdownsfarm.com.
Family Fun at Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival
For over thirty years the Belton community has come together to celebrate hometown living in the midst of the upstate’s beautiful fall weather and foliage. This year’s Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival will combine the best of the past and infuse the event with new and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Featuring local and regional entertainers with live onstage acts, unique arts and crafts from all over the United States, local food venues, and more, this festival is the longest continually running fall festival in Anderson County. The festival will take place on the square in Belton on Saturday, October 5, from 11am to 9pm.
There are many events in the week leading up to the festival. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the Belton Center for the Arts will open its display of over 80 extraordinary pieces of artwork, curated from artists hailing from a tri-state area. The celebration is open to the public and begins at 7pm. On Tuesday, October 1, you can enjoy classic rock, favorite covers, show tunes and more when the Combo Kings take the stage at the historic Belton train depot at 6:30pm. Admission is $10 and the show benefits the Belton Area Museum Association.
Thursday and Friday, October 3 and 4, will be Education Days at Heritage Days at the Belton depot. Over 2000 school children will enjoy interactive and hands-on instruction in the skills and artistry of their ancestors. School groups and homeschoolers will attend sessions from 8:45am to 2pm each day.
Beginning Friday, October 4 and continuing all weekend, the Belton Tennis Association will host the South Carolina Men’s Collegiate Tennis Championships. Players representing 12 state colleges and universities will be competing in singles and doubles. Matches will be played at the Belton Tennis Center, Leda Poore Park and BHP High School and everyone is invited to cheer on the players.
New this year is a carnival, with rides featuring the tilt-a-whirl, caterpillar roller coaster, dragon pods, and the gigantic metal slide. It opens up on Friday night, beginning at 5pm.
Activities on the day of the festival are aplenty.
There will be an open car show on the square from 10am to 3pm. Vintage and antique automobiles as well as newer models will be entered into competition for cash prizes and trophies. Traditionally, over 100 cars have participated in the renowned cruise in each year. Visit the Belton Alliance website to register.
After the opening ceremonies at 11am on the main stage, entertainment will begin at 11:30am and continue throughout the day. The Dance Belton at Flourish Co. groups will kick off the entertainment followed by the Belton and Honea Path Middle School choirs. Enjoy blues, gospel, country, classic rock and diversions throughout the day. The Eric Scott Band will finish it off with a street dance party at 6pm.
Other activities throughout the day include over 80 crafters and business booths, a children’s fantasy carnival, pony rides and a petting zoo, City of Belton fire truck rides, gem mining, horse-drawn carriage rides, museum and Standpipe tours, art activities, locomotive tours, demos by heritage skills artisans, and a corn hole tournament. Food offerings on the square from 12 vendors will run the gamut from fried fish to bratwurst, gourmet baked potatoes and Asian noodles, barbeque and hot wings, lattes, fried Twinkies and Italian ice.
Interested parties can get a full list of all activities at www.beltonalliance.com. Look for the Events tab and click on Standpipe Festival for more information. The night will end at 8:30pm with a fireworks show.
This year’s festival is sponsored in part by the Belton Alliance, the City of Belton, Waste Connections, Clinkscales Chevrolet, and Anderson County ATAX.
Admission and parking are free.
Anderson Mall & Growler Haus Invites Guests to Eat, Drink and Be Scary
ANDERSON, SC (September 17, 2019) – Anderson Mall and Growler Haus will put the ‘boo’ in ‘booze’ during the upcoming fall celebration, Boo ‘n Brew. On Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 11am – 5pm, Anderson Mall will offer a family-friendly Halloween-themed event featuring a diverse beer selection, live music, and plenty of tricks and treats. Boo ‘n Brew will be located in the Main Street Parking Lot at 3131 N. Main Street.
Brew fans will taste and enjoy 40+ craft beers in the ticketed Biergarten and Sweetwater VIP Lounge (a full list of participating breweries and a ticket link are available at www.shopandersonmall.com and at Growler Haus in downtown Anderson). Free live music from Strangeamongus and The Eric Scott Band, food trucks, live football streaming, a blind bag cornhole tournament, yard games, live radio remotes, and more complete the fun fall festivities.
Children and their parents/guardians are welcome to come in costume for the Boo Bash Kids Zone, presented by Southern Painting & Maintenance. The United Way of Anderson County’s Youth Volunteer Corp will be on-site to assist with bounce houses, a variety of crafts & games, and a costume contest.
“Halloween is such an exciting time for guests of all ages,” said Chunsta Miller, General Manager. “We are looking forward to providing family-friendly fall kickoff event with regional breweries and community partners right here in Anderson, SC.”
Biergarten and VIP Lounge ticket sales benefit Anderson Rotary Club’s philanthropic fight against polio. This event would not be possible without the support of the following event partners: Pickens Construction, The City of Anderson, US LED, LandCare, Southern Painting & Maintenance, Heritage Synthetic Turf, Duckett Plumbing, The Junkyard, AT&T, and Sweetwater Brewing.
Boo ‘n Brew is yet another example of Anderson Mall’s continuous efforts to provide guests with interactive, memorable events and programs year-round. To find out more about Boo ‘n Brew and other events at Anderson Mall, visit www.shopandersonmall.com.
About Anderson Mall
Anderson Mall, the only regional enclosed town center within a 30-mile radius, is home to more than 50 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options, as well as numerous events and activities throughout the year. A dynamic offering of things to do along with things to buy keeps guests engaged and returning often. Anderson Mall is open seven days a week; Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, please call (864) 226-7088 or visit shopandersonmall.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/AndersonMallSC and follow us on Twitter @ShopAnderson and Instagram @ShopAnderson.
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THE CITY OF BELTON TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING EVENT TO CELEBRATE UPCOMING IMPROVEMENTS AT BELTON LANDING
ANDERSON COUNTY (September 9, 2019) – The City of Belton will hold a groundbreaking event at Belton Landing on the Saluda River of Wednesday, September 11 at 11:00 AM to celebrate the start of a major redevelopment effort at the facility. The event will take place at 2520 SC Hwy 247, Belton SC, 29627.
The redevelopment efforts at Belton Landing are the result of an ongoing partnership between the City of Belton, Anderson County, the Duke Energy Foundation, and the Anderson County Legislative Delegation. The project recently received a $100,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation’s Water Resources Fund and a $35,000 grant from the SCPRT Parks and Recreation Development (PARD) program. Improvements at the facility will include improved parking and access as well as the installation of an ADA-accessible kayak launch.
The improvements at Belton Landing represent the third major improvement project along the Anderson County portion of the Saluda River Blue Trail over the last 36 months. Conceived by a consortium of public entities, private sector interests, advocates for the physically-challenged, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, the blue trail enhances water recreational access for six South Carolina counties along the Saluda River. Along with its two sister sites in Powdersville and Pelzer, this improved facility will promote and preserve our local natural resources by creating river access and resource awareness.
Belton Landing serves as the southern anchor of a 20-mile segment of the Blue Trail that begins at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville. The Belton Access is located about 3 miles south of Duke Energy’s new 750-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant at the W.S. Lee Station. Over one million people live within 50 miles of the Belton Access. The site’s convenient location make it an attractive destination for kayakers, anglers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking more passive recreational interests.
Belton Landing is owned and operated by the City of Belton and currently serves as an informal public access point. The City will continue to own and operate the facility after improvements are completed.
QUOTES
“The Saluda River Blue Trail attracts nature-based tourism from around the globe, and we fully expect the Belton Landing project to bring substantial tourism-related economic benefits to our community. Belton Landing will enhance access to and awareness of one of South Carolina’s most important natural resources, and we are proud to serve as the host site for this major expansion of recreational opportunities in our region.” — Mayor Wendell Page, City of Belton
“The City of Belton has been working very hard to attract cultural and nature-based tourism to the community, and this announcement is yet another sign of their success. I am very proud that Anderson County is able to partner with the city on developing the Belton Landing site, and I am confident that the Saluda River Blue Trail will continue to grow into a beloved and nationally- recognized regional amenity.”— Anderson County Councilman Ray Graham
“We are excited about our partnership with the City of Belton and the Duke Energy Foundation. Duke Energy has been a wonderful steward of hydroelectric power and recreational resources on the Saluda River, and we very much appreciate their high level of positive participation in our region.” — Anderson County Councilmember Cindy Wilson
“The Saluda River Blue Trail directly serves hundreds of my constituents and benefits several cities, towns, and unincorporated communities in our region. On behalf of the Anderson County Legislative Delegation, I am proud to offer our full support to the City of Belton in their efforts moving forward with this major project.” –Senator Mike Gambrell, South Carolina Senate District Four
“It is hard to overstate the importance of the Belton Landing project to our community. The facility serve will not only to improve river access and provide economic stimulus to the Belton area, but will also raise awareness to the fundamental importance of preserving our pristine natural resources.”— Representative Jay West, South Carolina House District Seven
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Media Contact: Steve Newton, Governmental Affairs Director
864.260.1010 | snewton@andersoncountysc.org
Heritage Days at the Depot gets funding boost; needs additional patronage
WebbCraft Family Foundation and Foothills Community Foundation recently gave funding to support the upcoming award-winning historical event in Belton, Heritage Days at the Depot.
“Recreating the past skills and artistry of our ancestors so that our community can learn firsthand about the pioneer ways is the foremost reason that Heritage Days at the Depot has been a signature event in Anderson County since 2005,” said Dean Woods, Executive Director of Foothills Community Foundation.
The event, which was designated as the first Certified South Carolina Arts and AgriCulture event by the SC Arts Commission and the SC Department of Agriculture, will host education days on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 – 4, for local home school groups and Anderson School District # 2 students.
The general public is invited to attend the presentations on Saturday during the Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival from 10:30 AM until 3:30 PM on Saturday, Oct. 5.
“Through this educational, historic, and artistic event for students and the general public, the Belton Area Museum Association helps to foster understanding of and interest in these folkways, skills, and crafts,” said organizer Alison Darby.
This year’s event, held on the grounds of the historic Belton Train Depot, will feature the following artisans and historical interpreters: camp cooks/Scott and Sherri Beam, weaver/Karen Cox , rug hooker/Paula Ashworth, Native American dancer/Chenae Bullock, cooper/Larry Eichman, Revolutionary War heroine/Carin Bloom, beekeeper/Keith Raines, school master/Andrew Shuler, clockmaker/Anthony McDonald , paper marbler/Barbara Ervin, slave story teller and Gullah of SC/Donald Sweeper, stained glass artist/Stacy O’Sullivan, turkey call maker/Bob Harwell, and bowl turner/Scott Richey.
“It is important for communities to understand their history and heritage, which helps us know who we are, who we’ve been, and who we’ve become. This Festival is a strong example of a successful local event that reaches thousands of students and adults each year,” said T. J. Wallace, Assistant Director of SC Humanities.
Support for the event comes from Anderson County, City of Belton HTAX, Webb-Craft Family Foundation, Foothills Community Foundation, Hart-Oeland Foundation, Waste Connections, SC Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, the Commercial Bank, Darby Metalworks, Best Buy, the SC Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Sam’s Club, Chick-Fil-A, Subway, Hardees, McDonalds, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
“Additional support is needed to fulfill our funding obligations for this year’s event,” stated organizer Alison Darby.
For more information, contact Abigail Burden, Executive Director of the Belton Area Museum Association, at beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net or 864-338-7400.
