Florence Lights Up for the South Carolina Pecan, Music and Food Festival
This past Saturday, the vibrant streets of Florence, S.C. came alive as the 20th annual South Carolina Pecan, Music and Food Festival attracted a whopping 50,000 attendees. Organizers, led by George Jebaily, who is also a member of the Florence City Council, beamed with pride, celebrating a community event that is a year in the making.
A Day of Joy and Togetherness
The festival, which showcases everything from delicious food to colorful art and lively music, is a beautiful way for locals and visitors to connect. Jebaily noted the hard work that went into planning the festival, expressing his gratitude for “pecan weather” and the supportive community that made it all possible. “It’s heartwarming to know the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating this special day,” he said.
Music That Rocks
Saturday night saw the crowd go wild for the headline act, The Starship, who electrified audiences with their classic rock tunes, turning North Irby Street into a sea of joy. With fans cheering and dancing, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Jebaily highlighted the diverse crowd that gathered, with both young music lovers and longtime fans coming together, proving that good music knows no age.
Food Galore!
No festival would be complete without a tantalizing spread of food. Attendees indulged in everything from fried delights to mouth-watering turkey legs, all served up right in the heart of downtown Florence. “This year’s vendors reported great sales, and some even completely sold out!” Jebaily exclaimed, indicating a thriving festival spirit.
Art and Performances
Art lovers found their happy place at various sidewalk chalk art stations, showcasing their creativity and adding a splash of color to the event. Meanwhile, performances during the festival included everything from dance shows to live music on nine different stages. Jebaily hinted at future expansions, mentioning that next year might see the addition of a tenth stage if renovations are completed in time.
Thanks to the Community
The success of the festival is a testament to Florence and the surrounding Pee Dee region. “We really put our best foot forward as a community,” Jebaily said. “People are walking away saying wow, that’s really special.” The mayor spoke of the overwhelming support from local businesses and artists who poured their hearts into making the festival a standout event.
Future Festivals
After the last note faded and the last turkey leg was served, Jebaily turned his attention to 2024. “We’re taking December off to recharge, but come January, we’re diving right back into planning for next year’s festival,” he revealed, already brimming with ideas and excitement for the future.
The Bigger Picture
From runners participating in the Run Like a Nut marathon earlier in the day to the buzzing car show, the festival truly had something for everyone. Jebaily’s reflections encapsulate the essence of the day: collaboration, community, and an undeniable spirit of celebration.
As the festival wrapped up, it left behind a trail of joyful memories, heartfelt connections, and delicious food. Florence showcased its charm and hospitality, and attendees left with smiles, eagerly anticipating what next year might bring.
