Fourth Annual Pecan Festival a Huge Success!
The fourth annual Pecan Festival held Saturday, November 3 was another huge success. With an estimated attendance of 40,000 people, attendees enjoyed day-long activities and events for all ages. There was never a dull moment as festival goers were entertained by over 30 local and regional musical performers including Blind, Cripple, and Crazy; national recording artist Barry Brown; Beatles tribute band The Return; and headlining act General Johnson & The Chairmen of the Board.
The Bright Futures Kid’s Fun Zone kept smiles on children’s faces as kids watched acts like the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Double Dutch Jumpers and listened to the grand finale concert by Outlaw Productions. Ten lucky children were also tickled by the new bikes they won during day-long bicycle drawings. Cook-off Contest Judges were wowed by winning entries like Sticky Pecan Pie Tarts, Peggy’s Pecan Penuche Cake and German Chocolate Pecan Pie. And last but not least, stomachs were stuffed and shoppers were fulfilled by 166 food, arts & crafts, and non-profit vendors.
This year’s attendance well exceeded the 30,000 people that flocked to Downtown Florence last year. The increased popularity of the festival can be attributed to word of mouth, increased marketing efforts, and new events like the Run Like a Nut 8k Race. The race, which was organized by Downtown merchant The Fitness Forum, was prior to the start of the festival and brought out just under 50 runners on a certified 5-mile course.
Other new attractions at this year’s festival included a performance by the Masterworks Choir, a piano recital by Masterworks Choir Music Director Bill Mills, and a stained glass tour of Central United Methodist Church. Lastly, adults and children alike couldn’t get enough of “Big Willie” the 100 year old, 13 foot stuffed alligator!
A special thanks is due for the countless hours volunteers, City of Florence Police, Public Works, and Urban Planning and Development Staff worked in order to make the festival a premier event. In addition, if you cross paths with any of the following Pecan Festival Committee Members, be sure to give him/her a pat on the back for a job well done: Major Karen Acosta, City Councilman Frank “Buddy” Brand, Lindsey Billings, Brantley Carter, Kendra Cobbs, Rob Cooksey, Jerry Dixon, Laura Driggers, Bob Ericksen, Beverly Hazlewood, Pat Gibson-Hye, George Jebaily, Paula Lawson, Peter Mazzaroni, Robin Parker, Steve Powers, Teresa Simons, and Lieutenant Sam Toney.