Approximately 130 volunteers participated in the townwide cleanup Hands On Williamston Day Y’All, that focused on beautifying the park, the ARTORY, Brookdale Park and First Street in Williamston. HOWDY was sponsored by Envision Williamston, Palmetto Pride, PHS AFJROTC and the Town of Williamston.
Calvary Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church provided vans for transporting volunteers to their site where they engaged in light cleanup work, trash pickup and planting flowers.
Williamston Mayor Mack Durham headed a team that worked at beautification of the sign in front of the ARTORY. Durham operated a tractor with a front end loader, placing dirt around the sign, where volunteers including cub scouts planted flowers and placed a rock border.
Councilman Rockey Burgess headed a team including volunteers and members of the AFJROTC unit cleaning up and planting flowers in Mineral Spring Park and at the Municipal Center.
Councilman Tony Hagood and Wiliamston Police Chief Tony Taylor headed a team at Brookdale park which focused on cleanup. Hagood, with help, pressure washed facilities and cleaned up playground equipment and picnic area. Local Realtor and Envision Williamston volunteers Roberta Hamby and Carolann Newton picked up glass around the park and ballfield.
Cadets worked with Councilman Chris Alexander to pick up trash on first street.
Cadets also worked on roadway cleanup over two days prior to HOWDY day. Results were: Hardwood Road – 18 bags, 1 tire, 1 bumper, and 1 five-gallon bucket
Ida Tucker Road – 20 bags, 4 tires. 1 bumper, and 1 five gallon bucket
Minor Street – 12 bags
Roberts Blvd/Palmetto Elementary Road – 27 bags, and 1 traffic cone
Courtney Street – 47 bags. 1 bumper
Hwy 20 (between Williamston and Pelzer – 41 bags, 1 metal sign post
Cherokee Road (Ida Tucker to Hardwood) – 41 bags
A special dedication for the new Williamston Fire Department Aerial Ladder Truck was also held Saturday as part of HOWDY Day in Williamston.
Fire Chief Steve Ellison dedicated the truck to Will Drake, LaDane Baker, Tommy Walker and other “firemen who are no longer with us.”
The truck was on display in the park with the 75 foot ladder extended. Williamston Mayor Mack Durham climbed to the top of the ladder.
