Patriotism, freedom and fun were on display locally as residents in the area celebrated Independence Day.
The Williamston Freedom Festival Celebration and Pelzer 4th of July Celebration both had great turnouts.
The Williamston Freedom Festival celebration held June 28 featured a full day of events including a live concert with local entertainers Andrew Crawford and Brandi Colt (Crawford Colt), national artists Gyth Rigdon and Jon Langston. A big fireworks show ended the evening.
The event included more than twenty food truck vendors onsite, hot air balloon rides sponsored by the Palmetto Business Association, Envision Williamston’s Bobbers on Big Creek, a Freedom Market in the park, a classic car show cruise-in sponsored by the Williamston Fire Department, fire truck rides, golf cart parade and kid’s fun zone. An announcement was made that Spinx is coming to Williamston.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said, “Having a successful event in a small town like ours takes more than just a concert and fireworks, it takes heart, teamwork, and a shared love for our community. This past weekend’s Freedom Festival was a smashing success, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished together.”
Burgess said, “Events like these draw thousands of people into Williamston, many visiting for the first time. These visitors spend money at our local businesses, discover what makes our town special, and often return, some even choose to call Williamston home one day.”
“But the impact of a successful event goes beyond dollars and cents. It instills pride in our residents, gives families a chance to spend quality time together, offers an outlet to relieve the stress of everyday life, and creates memories that can last a lifetime. Most importantly, it helps us retain the talented young people who want vibrant experiences right here at home.”
Pelzer also enjoyed a patriotic and fun day of special activities and events at their July 4th Celebration which was held on Independence Day.
The event featured free festivities and concessions and fireworks. Also music, popcorn, cottoncandy, drinks, golf cart parade, inflatables and fireworks. The event was held in Pelzer’s Historic “Monkey Park”.
Local businesses, churches, organizations, fire departments and volunteers came together to make the 2025 Pelzer July 4th Celebration one to remember.
Co-organizer Mike Shirley thanked the Pelzer town employees and volunteers who helped make the Pelzer Fireworks Celebration a big success. “There were thousands of people there,” he said. ” We have a great group of volunteers.”
Flag and Fireworks make patriotic scene
An American Flag flying at the Williamston Freedom Festival was dramatically backlit by fireworks in this photo taken during the event. (Photo by Chris Trotter)
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess
offers thanks to Freedom Celebration team
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess thanked everyone who helped make the Freedom Festival Celebration such a great success.
“None of this could have happened without the tireless efforts of our team and the incredible support of our community, “Mayor Burgess said. “I want to offer my sincere thanks to:
Chris Trotter and his brother, Justin, for their outstanding leadership and vision behind the event.
Ray Bianco with TRZ Management, who took Chris’ big (and sometimes wild!) ideas and made them work—donating fencing, coolers, and expert logistics support.
The Police Department, for creating and flawlessly executing a safety plan that kept everything running smoothly.
The Fire Department, for an absolutely impeccable fireworks display—truly the best show we’ve ever had.
Debbie Chapman, for coordinating with our sponsors and managing countless moving parts behind the scenes.
Our sanitation team, who volunteered to work and kept the event clean and welcoming throughout the day.
Roberta Hamby and the Envision Williamston Board, for providing fun, engaging activities all day long.
Gracie Harvell, whose expert social media coverage kept our community informed, excited, and engaged.
The PBA, for helping with the event and bringing in the popular tethered hot air balloon rides.
And to everyone else who gave their time, energy, and resources—from vendors at Bobbers on Big Creek to volunteers and town staff—thank you.
“From our council, from our residents, from the surrounding community, and personally from me—your mayor—thank you. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful. Together, we created something truly special.”
“Great job, Williamston!”
Pelzer July 4th Celebration
Thanks Supporters and Volunteers
Local businesses, churches, organizations, fire departments and volunteers came together to make the Pelzer July 4th Celebration one to remember.
Organizers thanked the following for helping make the event such a success:
Pelzer Church of God, Pelzer First Baptist, Light People of Pelzer, DJ KDwag, Pelzer Masonic Lodge 217, Town of Pelzer, Cox Builders, West Pelzer Fire Department, Williamston Fire Department, Pelzer Mill Hill Outreach, Friends of the Community Upstate, Eastview Baptist Church, Piedmont Landscaping, Johnson Control, Tabernacle Baptist Church, LNC Automotive, Pelzer Urgent Care, Michael Shirley, Chase Smithwick, Momar, Winzer Corp and everyone who helped and came out to the event.
