Residents and visitors can Celebrate Anderson and Labor Day this weekend in Anderson County with a cycling race at Lake Hartwell Dam and the Anderson Civic Center on Friday and Saturday and a free concert and fireworks on Sunday.
“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 activities include 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, all being held 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,” Stringer said.
The Celebrate Anderson event on Sept. 2 includes a free outdoor concert featuring Tugalo Holler, Celtic Rock Band Seven Nations and a spectacular Zambelli fireworks finale!
The event takes place Sunday at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater inside the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center.
It is a free event open to the public. Gates will open at 5:15 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.
“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.”
Tugalo Holler, featuring local 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. 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’s new cycling tradition.
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 are allowed.
For more information go online to www.labordaydestination.com or www.AndersonEvents.com.
