Journal adds Living Local section

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By David Meade

There is a new feeling in town. Last week, The Journal reported on several events and projects that are underway in Williamston and the surrounding areas that we think are a reflection of a new way of thinking about living local.

For some time now The Journal staff has been in the process of creating a new section that includes features, entertainment and articles that relate to a healthy, fun lifestyle that can be had living in a small town, while at the same time having the amenities of a larger town (or towns), only minutes away.

That is one of the great things about living in Williamston, Pelzer, West Pelzer or Piedmont.

Shopping, dining, cultural, music and other experiences and events are only about a twenty minute drive to Anderson Greenville, Easley or even Smipsonville.

And some of these type activites are moving closer to home.

We know that many people in the area work in Greenville or Anderson, yet live in the surrounding area.

And each of the towns in The Journal coverage area has their own activities and events for the local community.

Currently, Williamston is taking the lead to create an atmosphere where more activites and events are available in our local community.

In the article in last week’s Journal, Williamston Mayor Mack Durham said, “We are trying to build on what we’ve got.”

Under a new vision for the town and eagerness and support from the community, the town has seen the start up of an arts center, a farmers market, a music series event and will soon see the beginning of a trails system.

The town recently received a $100,000 PRT grant, the first in Anderson County, for construction of a multi use trail.

Construction on the Mineral Spring Trail should begin in July.

There are also plans to tie in a trail system with the Anderson County Blue Trail on the Saluda River.

The Saluda River Rally held over the weekend in Powdersville is another event promoting a local resource that local residents can enjoy.

The Town of Williamston recently made improvements to the Amphitheater in Mineral Spring Park, expanding the stage and providing a concrete pad “dance area” in front of it. A Gist Rifle memorial was also moved to another location in the Park.

The improvements help make the area more usable for larger events that are now being held in the park including The Greater Williamston Business Association (GWBA) Party in the Park music series and expanded entertainment at the Spring Water Festival.

The GWBA held their second Party in the Park Friday and on July 5, the town and GWBA will host a Freedom Celebration and Fireworks event with music, food and activities in the park, a cruise in and an expanded fireworks show.

There will be another in August featuring Outshyne and watch for an announcement soon on Spring Water Festival entertainment.

The new Main Street Williamston program has also brought a new enthusiasm to the town.

Back to our new section. The Journal will begin publishing a new “Living Local” section which will reflect this new attitude that the town is experiencing.

As we are developing content for the section, other local items may be included, as is the case this week with our “Sports and School Extra”. There will also be specials from local businesses.

Our subscribers will get one in their copy of The Journal and some will also get it in the mail. If you do, please pass it along to someone else who might enjoy Living Local!

If you are reading this and are not a Journal subscriber, we invite you to pick up a copy of The Journal at local news stands or subscribe today!

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