Rocking Anderson – The Rock the Country music festival was held Friday and Saturday in Anderson. Pictured is the crowd and stage on Friday evening just before a heavy rain downpour hit the area. Following the rain, Kid Rock performed. The two day event, which featured national artists and honored Veterans and military personnel, brought approximately 25,000 people to the area.
Rock The Country event has significant economic impact
Rock the Country event organizers and Anderson County officials celebrated the Rock the Country event held Friday and Saturday in Anderson. The event brought approximately 25,000 people to the area.
“It took a lot of effort, but it was a labor of love,” said Rusty Burns, Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “We planned to be the best host anyone has ever seen for, not only our own people attending, but for all our guests coming from around the country”.
“We’re halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, and we’re ready to bring many more events to the area because, in Anderson, you truly are at the center of it all.”
Shane Quick, co-promoter of Rock the Country said, “A significant amount of unity had to happen to bring 25,000 people to this town. Anderson was an incredible host to the people that came here from all over the country.”
The event, held at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center Grounds, featured performances by top artists including Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert, and others.
The Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center Grounds handled more than 550 RVs and more than 300 family vehicles camping. The event was expected to have a significant economic impact for Anderson County.
Dr. Robert Carey, Director of the Clemson University Regional Economic Analysis Laboratory ran an independent study to determine the economic impact of the event on the County. In the preliminary analysis, Dr. Carey found the event would result in, at a minimum: The creation of 156 jobs; $5.5 million in aggregate wage impact for workers; $19.2 million increase in the county’s total output; $93,700 in accommodation tax and $118,100 in hospitality tax.
The South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame recognized Peachtree Entertainment, 46 Entertainment, and Kid Rock with awards for their contributions to building what are sure to be lasting music and entertainment memories in the South Carolina Upstate.
During a presentation held prior to the festival event, Roy Costner, President of the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame told awardees, “Anyone who’s going to be here, one of those may be the next inductee into our entertainment music hall of fame, and you’re the person that’s helping to ignite that spark. Thank you.”
Quick also announced his plans to continue working with Anderson County, saying, “I want to say that right now, we’re coming back. The reception to our people… I really feel like we saved the best for last.”
Quick said the event will return to Anderson in 2025.
