Festival Brings Out Florence's Best
Florence Morning News - November 4, 2007
By Jamie Rogers
FLORENCE - After three years of the city’s Pecan Festival, attendees were saying Saturday they’re more nuts than ever about it.
The heart of
Florence was overflowing with people who came to enjoy an array of music genres which included acoustic folk rock, Southern gospel and bluegrass.
For the second year in a row Shenethin Sam said she drove from her home in Hartsville to enjoy the musical attractions offered at the festival.
“I actually came to see a variety of music and I’m enjoying it, but the gospel is my main attraction,” Sam said.
Despite the many vendors, spectators and performers Sam said she had yet to see one very important part of the festivities – pecans.
“We haven’t seen any pecans yet. We’re looking for some, but there are a lot more vendors this year,” she said.
Young’s
Plantation worker Shannon Harvey said plenty of people had made their way to their pecan stand on
South Irby Street just hours after the festival began.
“It seems that people are buying more this year,”
Harvey said. “There are a ton of people here today.”
Pralines, chocolate-covered pecans and pecan pies were the most popular buys Saturday,
Harvey said.
Florence resident Clara Lowery said the nut was one of the primary reasons she visited the festival. Lowery and her companions made purchases at another pecan vendor during the event.
“I’m here to get pecans,” Lowery said. “I’ve come for the music and the food, but I am a pecan lover.”
Lowery said she also attended the event to meet new people and socialize with ones the she already knows.
“I just came to enjoy my day today and mingle with different people,” she said.
Lowery was one of about 30,000 people event coordinators expected at Saturday’s event.
That’s about a 10,000 increase, thanks to out-of-town vendors and performers like festival headliner, General Johnson & Chairman of the Board, said organizers.
Curious newcomers like Cheraw resident Kylie Driggers also help to increase the size of the crowd.
“It’s wonderful, I really like the kids (attractions) being free. That way we can spend more money out here on the (vendors),” Driggers said. “There are a lot of pretty things around.”
Driggers said she and her 8-year-old brother enjoyed the karate demonstrations , the double dutch performers and games.
“I definitely will come back next year. I have my little brother this year but I’m pregnant so next time I’ll have somebody else to bring,” Driggers said.
Ontario, Canada residents Gary and Dianne McCardle said South Carolina golfing and 65-degree weather is what attracted them to the Palmetto State – and ultimately to the Pecan Festival.
“I’ll say if you want funnel cakes, fries and more funnel cakes, you’re in the right place,” Dianne McCardle said. “It’s an awful lot of grease out there, but we’ve enjoyed it.”