Organizers pleased with first Pelzer Fall Festival

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The weather was appropriate for Pelzer’s first annual Fall Festival Saturday. With temperatures in the sixties and a light breeze, nearly one thousand people turned out to enjoy the festival.

The festival, sponsored by the Pelzer Heritage Commission was held in the Monkey Park. More than thirty five vendors were on hand to sell food, arts, and crafts vendors. Homemade items such as aprons and birdhouses were popular for visitors. Children enjoyed a trackless train ride while others enjoyed the bouncy amusements. Antique and classic cars made for interesting conversation for some of the old timers.

The Pelzer Heritage Commission was organized three years ago with their sights set on improving the historic cemetery located in the park as well as establishing a veterans memorial. Other projects will be placing “Welcome to Pelzer” signs at the entrances to the small former mill town. A museum to honor the roots of the Anderson County community is also in the early stages. Relics and memorabilia from the old mills would be located there along with other items. Pelzer, like most small mill towns has fallen on hard economic times and the committee wants to preserve as much history and memories of the small community as they can.

Dianne Lollis, president of the committee said that Saturday’s inaugural event was wonderful. This endeavor was very much a success for the first event” Lollis said. The money from the event will help with some of the goals that have been started by the commission. The Heritage Commission is comprised of people who grew up in the mill community, which was very close knit in the day. The commission is dependent on donations and fundraisers such as today’s event Lollis said.