Founders Day Festival Expected to "Jam" the City

On September 22nd, Main Street in Pickens will be the site of what is expected to set a record.

“The response of hundreds of musicians, from everywhere, has been phenomenal. We know there will be jammin’ going on all day and expect a record-setting number of musicians in a special group jam. Everyone is talking about it on the historic Pickens, Founders Day Facebook page,” said Daniel Brazinski, event music chairman.

The group jam will take place at 6:30 PM in “center court” on Main Street. Musicians of any skill level are invited to participate.

In other Founders Day news, the number of featured bands that will perform on the Blue Ridge stage has risen to eleven. The Trey Ward Band and Slik Nickel have now been confirmed.

They join such award-winning groups as New Dixie Storm, Dejablue Grass and Shannon & Heather Slaughter.

The bands start performing at 10:50 in the morning and conclude with Weasel Creek playing for public contra dancing at 8:00 PM.

Founders Day will be much more than just great music. Vendors will offer traditional arts and crafts as well as food and beverage such as homemade ice cream.

Numerous “lost craft’ experts will provide demonstrations on cotton ginning, blacksmithing, quilting, musical instrument construction, gunsmithing, and more in Legacy Square.

Special activities, such as face-painting and traditional games, will entertain the kids. The new “Turtles On The Town” tour will guide visitors to various historical sites around Pickens.

Special Pickens County Museum events, vintage vehicles, historic tours and more will add to the excitement. Free drawings will be held, all day long, for musical instruments and other great prizes.

Of special interest to everyone will be the War Between the States living history reenactments that will include live musket, long rifle and cannon fire. The shows will begin, on the hour, between 10 AM and 3 PM, on Bruce Field which is just a block from Main Street.

The free event will begin at 10:00 AM and end around 9 PM in the evening.

Organized by the Pickens Revitalization Association, Founders Day Music Festival generous sponsors include the Historic City of Pickens, Cornell Dubiler, Blue Ridge Electric Co-op, Hiott For SC House, Nestfeathers Gallery of Art, Great Oaks Dental, Pickens Guitar Company and the Roper Law Firm. Other event contributors include the Carmicals, Senator Larry Martin, TD Bank and Pizza Inn. For additional information, visit www.historicpickens.com or contact the PRA office at 864-878-0105.