September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
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The Journal | 1
2 | The Journal
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
Apple Festival celebrates 53rd year
SOUTH CAROLINA
By NORMAN CANNADA | THE JOURNAL
As the South Carolina Apple Festival gets ready to open its 53rd year, committee chair Sherry Parker says the festival remains committed to showcasing the best of Westminster and Oconee County. “We have local apples, local honey, a lot of local stuff,” said Parker, a native of Westminster who is working with the Apple Festival committee for the fourth year. “We try to do local vendors although we do have others. We try to keep it local to bring people and money into Westminster and to the county. The festival is still focused on local apples and the growers. People come from all over the state.” Parker grew up attending the festival
and remembers anticipating the annual event. “Every year we would look forward to the festival,” she said. “Our parents would take us, and we would walk the town and eat the funnel cakes and the other good festival food. You see a lot of people that you don’t normally see throughout the year. Everybody gathers there.” She said the festival has changed over the years. “It’s a festival that has been going on for 53 years, and it keeps growing,” she said. “When I was a child it only went from what was then Harper’s Five and Dime to Retreat Street. Now they’ve added a whole block.” In addition to the Apple Festival Parade,
arts and crafts, and entertainment, there are also a variety of children’s activities. Children’s rides are set up on one end of the festival each year where kids can buy tickets to ride the rides. One of the new attractions this year will be a mechanical bull, which will be open for children and adults. “The reason for the bull was to have something different in the area where the kids’ rides are,” Parker said. There will also be free children’s activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the gazebo. In addition to the apples and variety of activities, Parker said the festival T-shirt is also something attendees look forward to. “Every year we design a different
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T-shirt which sells very well,” she said. Parker began getting involved in the festival after moving back to the area in 2009. “I just wanted to get involved in the community,” she said. “Being on the committee has been really fun. We meet once a month throughout the year, and it’s really fun planning and seeing it come together. We hope people will just come out and enjoy the food, the fun, the activities, the people, the fellowship.” For more information about the festival, call 647-5316.
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503 S. Hogan Drive • Driving Range & Practice Green Westminster, SC • Lessons, private or group (864) 972-9623 For Tee Times and Rates visit chickasawpointgolf.com
September 4-6, 2014
The Journal | 3
SC Apple Festival 2014
53RD ANNUAL
SOUTH CAROLINA APPLE FESTIVAL EVENTS TUESDAY, SEPT. 2 11 a.m. Registration for Rotary Golf Tournament, Oconee Country Club TUESDAY, SEPT. 3 10 a.m. Chattooga River Float, Wildwater, Ltd., Long Creek THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 10 a.m. Chattooga River Apple Float from Wildwater, Ltd., in Long Creek
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 5 11 a.m. Apple baking contest, Westminster Depot 6 p.m. Elvis Show and WAHPS Fish Fry, Apple Festival Pavilion FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and Crafts Show, kiddie rides, food vendors, along Historic Main Street 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Live entertainment, Apple Festival Pavilion 11a.m.-5 p.m. Quilt show, Westminster Depot 1 p.m. Rotary Club luncheon, Citizen of the Year announcement, Westminster Baptist Church 4:30 p.m. Apple Festival Parade, from First Baptist Church to First Citizens Bank SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 7 a.m. 33rd annual Apple Festival 5K/ Fun Run Race, West-Oak Middle School parking lot 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Arts and Crafts show, kiddie rides, food vendors, Along Historic Main Street 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Live entertainment, Apple Festival Pavilion 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Quilt show, Westminster Depot 10 a.m. Classic car show, registration 9 a.m.-12 noon 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Children’s activities, historic Main Street
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4 | The Journal
SC Apple Festival 2014
September 4-6, 2014
Apple Festival enjoys long, rich history By GREG OLIVER | THE JOURNAL
This year marks the 53rd year the South Carolina Apple Festival has taken place, believed to be the longest continually running festival in the state. Founded by Cecil Sandifer when he was mayor of Westminster in 1961, the purpose of the event was to take advantage of his belief that the Westminster area was “apple country.” Through the years, the event has continued to grow as more and more visitors frequent the town the weekend following Labor Day. Mildred Spearman is a part of that history, having served as president for some three years during the 1970s. “It was different then because we did things a lot more formally,” Spearman said. “At that time, most of the dignitaries and politicians from the state attended, and we had a reception honoring them at the depot. We also had a nighttime meal rather than the luncheon that is currently held.” Spearman said the festival in those years also featured beauty queens throughout the state who were vying for the title of Miss Apple Queen on their way to seeking the title of Miss South Carolina. “They stayed in the homes of residents since people opened their homes to them,” she said. “This was before the regulations were changed for Miss South Carolina and the pageant wouldn’t let the contestants take on other titles. But in those days, they would come as well as their parents, and that brought additional people to the festival. A lot of effort went into housing them.” While the contestants were in town, Spearman said they were taken to the apple orchards where a county extension agent would provide a tutorial. “The agent would give a detailed outline on what it took to grow the apples,” Spearman said. “So they toured the apple orchards as an event, and there
would be 25 girls from all over the state present.” The beauty queens would also ride on what Spearman described as “giant floats” that were sponsored or co-sponsored by local businesses. The floats were rented
from a company in North Carolina that took part in the Apple Festival for many years. During those years, Spearman also recalled how churches would cancel Wednesday night prayer meetings and instead hold a community wide God and Country event at Owen Field, the football stadium located behind the former Westminster High School and current West-Oak Middle School. The success of the Apple Festival wasn’t lost on the political leaders of the day. Whether it was U.S. senators Strom Thurmond and Fritz Hollings or U.S. Third District Congressman Bryan Dorn, Spearman said they all made it a point to include the festival on their busy schedule. “They all rode in the parade,” Spearman
said. “We had a reviewing stand that was at the head of the parade, and there were enough convertibles volunteered at that time for all the politicians to have one. They would get out of their car and sit on the reviewing stand.” A number of changes took place at the festival as the years passed. The Apple Grower of the Year award, which Spearman said had as many as 15-20 growers vying for the honor, eventually ceased to exist as the participants dwindled in number. But there were a number of activities, including vendors, a crafts fair, started by Rell Harper, a talented craftsperson who did cross stitch, stained glass and aprons and would sell her wares to the
community; a road race for runners and the rodeo that were added. Spearman speaks fondly of Harper, adding that her three daughters still live in the area and always help with the Apple Festival. But one thing about the festival is that in its more than a half-century of existence, it has remained locally run. Spearman said that she is glad the festival still has that distinction and pointed to a University of South Carolina professor’s visit years ago, which occurred during her time as president, as the impetus. “He gave a presentation to the Apple Festival committee and said the reason it was successful was that it was totally run by locals,” Spearman said. “That professor encouraged us to keep operating it in that matter and it has.” Spearman, whose daughter, Claudia, served as president of the festival during its 49th and 50th anniversary celebrations, said the event continues to be sponsored by local organizations that have included the Westminster Jaycees, the Rotary Club and American Legion through the years. As the event nears, Spearman said she is happy to see it still thriving more than ever. “It’s amazing that it has grown to the state it has,” she said.
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
The Journal | 5
Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs Stay & Play In Our Parks! We offer over 200 campsites in our three beautiful county parks. Electricity and water at each site, friendly staff, clean restrooms, hiking trails, playgrounds, Lake Keowee and Chauga River access, tent only areas as well as large RV sites!
Chau Ram County Park • 28 Camping Sites • Primitive Camping Areas •4 Shelters, 1 Recreational Building • Waterfalls • Hiking Trails • Chauga River Access Closed Nov. 20 thru first weekend in March
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6 | The Journal
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
Rotary golf tourney played for fun ... for a cause By CARLOS GALARZA-VEVE | THE JOURNAL
Local banker Larry Dellinger has had a hand in the Rotary Apple Festival Golf tournament for some 20 years and during all that time he’s yet to see any player come close to making a hole-in-one. Foursomes who sign up for the tournament scheduled for Sept. 2 at the Oconee Country Club can dream of winning a surprise and bragging rights by being the first to ace the hole-in-one hole, which this year will be at the par-three 16th. The distance from the tee to the cup ranges from 135 feet on the ladies’ tee to 170 feet on the blue championship tee. At one time, before Dellinger started chairing the Apple Festival golf event, Westminster Rotary President Bob Winchester had the honor.
Winchester said golfers have not hit the cup in one for lack of incentives. In the past, players have been tempted with a $5,000 prize and new cars. Dellinger said there are more doable individual contests players can swing for such as closest to the pin at the par-three sixth and longest drive at the par-four 18th. Also included with the $60 entry fee per person ($240 per team), he said, is a hearty meal after play is completed, refreshments on the course and door prizes. The field is limited to 108 players. “It’s great fun for everyone, and money raised goes to benefit the West-Oak senior scholarship fund,” Dellinger said. Dellinger said this is the third year the tournament has a major sponsor. He said
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“It’s great fun for everyone, and money raised goes to benefit the West-Oak senior scholarship fund.” — Larry Dellinger
this year’s event sponsor, Edward Jones in Seneca, headed by financial adviser Bob Thomas, helps with the overhead that allows more money to go for scholarships. Although the tournament is officially listed as the 22nd annual event, Dellinger said it has a longer history than that.
Dick Paschal, the golf pro and general manager at Oconee Country Club since 1989, said his course has hosted the rotary Apple Festival Golf event most years, except for a couple of times when the tournament was played at another venue. “I may be wrong, but I don’t recall anyone hitting a hole-in-one during the Rotary tournament,” Paschal said. “We’ve had them in other tournaments, but I don’t think it’s been done in this one.” Dellinger said it’s not just men who look forward to playing the tournament each year. He said quite a few women get foursomes together, and there are mixed teams. “Everyone just has a great time,” Dellinger said.
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September 4-6, 2014
The Journal | 7
SC Apple Festival 2014
Blue Haven Orchards Always a Great Way to Say Delicious! Open March - mid December Call for Seasonal Hours We Ship Apples!
Wm. M. Callahan, DDS General Dentistry
104 West Oak Highway • Westminster, SC 29693
864.647.9000 www.wmcallahandds.com
We also carry a variety of jams, jellies, ciders, canned goods, peanuts and more... Try one of our cider slushies!
12508 Long Creek Hwy, Long Creek, SC 864.647.2855 bluehaven@netmds.com
HOURS Monday - Thursday • 7:30 AM - 4 PM Tuesday and Wednesday • 8 AM - 5 PM
5th Annual
Mayberry Comes to Westminster May 1 – 2, 2015 www.mayberrywestminster.com • 864-647-5316
• Livestock Shows • Wild West Show • Canning, Baking & Honey Competitions • Laser Tag • Draft Horse Pull • Carnival Rides • Crafts & Exhibits • Antique Tractors & Farm Equipment • Yummy FAIR FOOD
TUES., SEPT. 30TH THRU SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
Thank you to our Grand Champion Sponsors:
City of Westminster • Blue Ridge Electric • Oconee County Farm Bureau • Oakway Tractor & Implements • Northland Communications
8 | The Journal
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
Elvis tribute to headline fish fry event Local pastor also performs Johnny Cash and wife sings June Carter hits By CARLOS GALARZA-VEVE | THE JOURNAL
Ken Culbertson and his wife, Sandra, have been mainstays at the South Carolina Apple Festival since the community discovered their many talents after they moved into town 13 years ago. The Culbertsons are well known throughout the county as the spiritual leaders at Westminster Wesleyan Church. Over the years, it’s been their performances impersonating famous singers that have brought them notoriety. Ken and Sandra will kick off the musical entertainment portion of the Apple Festival on Thursday, Sept. 4, when he performs his tribute to Elvis and she belts out hits by June Carter and Loretta Lynn. Ken does not limit his repertoire just to Elvis tunes. He also does justice to Johnny Cash. Ray Burroughs, who runs the Westminster Music Hall, also has been lining up the musical acts that perform at the Apple Festival for the past four years. He wasted little time recruiting the Culbertsons for an encore. “(Ken) is a pastor, and he’ll do a lot of benefits,” Burroughs said. “He’ll do his Elvis impersonation or Johnny Cash. (Sandra) sings with him. Sometimes she’ll do June Carter Cash, and they’ll sing together. Ken
even looks a little like Elvis.” The Culbertsons are scheduled to perform from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of the fish fry hosted by the Westminster
“He’ll do ... Johnny Cash. Sometimes she’ll do June Carter Cash, and they’ll sing together. Ken even looks a little like Elvis.” — Ray Burroughs, Westminster Music Hall
Area Historic Preservation Society on Main Street at the green. “It’s a favorite with people around town,” Burroughs said. The entertainment lineup Sept. 5 features school bands and choruses and music by Adam Carter & Band. “We talked to Adam about just handling the entire day there,” Burroughs
said. “He’s going to be the stage master, as well as playing before and after the parade.” To mark the first anniversary of the Westminster Music Hall, Burroughs has lined up the 250-seat venue for two special performances by rising country recording artist McKayla Reece at noon and 4 p.m., and a bluegrass concert at 2 p.m. by The Silver Dollar Gang. Admission for each show is $5 per person and $10 for families with children, and proceeds will go to benefit Dot’s Kitchen in Westminster. Featured artists at the outdoor stage Saturday are Dakota McAllister, who will perform classic and contemporary country; bluegrass band Shades of Blue; and David Tilley Project will perform classic rock, beach and contemporary country. Burroughs said there’s music all day Saturday at the outdoor stage, where people can walk up and down the festival grounds and listen to the music. “They can stop and rest because we have tables and chairs where they can take a break and listen to music,” Burroughs said.
September 4-6, 2014
The Journal | 9
SC Apple Festival 2014
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10 | The Journal
SC Apple Festival 2014
SOUTH CAROLINA APPLE FESTIVAL
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
MUSIC ON THE GREEN THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 6:00-8:00 p.m. Ken Culbertson Presents Classic Country & Elvis FRIDAY, SEPT. 5 12:45-2:00 p.m. Westminster Schools Chorus & Band 2:00-4:00 p.m. Adam Carter, Country (Live & pre-recorded) 4:30 p.m. Apple Parade After parade — End of day Adam Carter & Band, Contemporary Country SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Pre-recorded music) 12:00-1:00 p.m. Dakota McAllister, Classic & Contemporary Country 2:00-3:30 p.m. Shades of Blue, Classic Bluegrass 4:00-5:30 p.m. David Tilley Project, Classic Rock, Beach, Contemporary Country
SATURDAY CONCERTS AT THE WESTMINSTER MUSIC HALL MCKAYLA REECE Rising Country Recording Artist Shows at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. THE SILVER DOLLAR GANG Bluegrass Show at 2:00 p.m.
September 4-6, 2014
September 4-6, 2014
The Journal | 11
SC Apple Festival 2014
Chattooga Sounds Camp
The perfect base camp for your next adventure! Chattooga Sounds Camp, located in Long Creek, offers campers the solitude and peacefulness of nature, but just moments away from all the outdoor action you’re looking for.
• • • • • • • •
Walk-In and Drive-In Tent Sites Raised Camp Sheds Large Group Camp Area Covered Picnic Shelter, Camp Kitchen Bathhouses Low-Ropes Course, Fitness Trail Kayak Rentals, Guided Trips
For information and reservations:
Healthcare for pets...peace of mind for pet owners.
864.647.6196
or chattoogasoundscamping@yahoo.com 2851 Damascus Church Road • Long Creek, SC 29658
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12 | The Journal
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
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September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
Quilt show to be part of annual Apple Festival THE JOURNAL STAFF
This year’s Apple Festival will feature a quilt show on Sept. 5-6 at the Westminster Depot that is part of a larger event throughout the month in Oconee County. The bi-annual Lake and Mountains Quilt Guild show is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at the Shaver Center in Seneca featuring more than 200 fabric quilts on display. Before that event, there will be an offsite exhibit at the Apple Festival where the show will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6. Other offsite events will also be held in Walhalla, Seneca and Clemson during September in addition to the show at the Shaver Center. For more information, visit www.lmqg.org or call 864-723-6603.
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The Journal | 13
14 | The Journal
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
Harvest Time In Westminster...
Welcome to Westminster and the 53rd SC Apple Festival. Community First Bank has supported the festival and the people of Westminster for over 7 decades. Enjoy the celebration and support our businesses and vendors. Now with 7 branches to serve you: Walhalla Main Office • Seneca North Seneca • Westminster
• Williamston
Anderson • Anderson Hwy 81 306 East Windsor Street
Westminster, SC 29693
864.647.5487
September 4-6, 2014
The Journal | 15
SC Apple Festival 2014
WESTMINSTER AREA
DINING guide PULL OUT AND KEEP
Your Apple Festival Seafood Headquarters! Specials Every Day!
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Thursday ............Deck Hand Seafood Platter ......... $9.99 {NEW} Baby Shrimp • Flounder • Devil Crab
Friday.................Pirate’s Seafood........................... 9.99 Popcorn Shrimp • Devil Crab • Flounder Saturday ............Golden Flounder Dinner .............. $9.49 And First Mate’s Seafood Platter.. $9.99 Flounder • Shrimp • Oysters • Devil Crab $
Moore & Moore Fish Camp 647-6100
Open Thurs 4:30pm-8pm & Fri/Sat 4:30pm-9:00pm 2 Miles West of Westminster on Hwy 76
Eva’s Family Restaurant Home-style Cooking at its Finest!
Hearty Fresh Breakfasts Scratch-made biscuits, Belgian waffles, Greek omelets and more!
Cafeteria-Style Lunches Mon-Fri: 6 a.m. - 11 a.m. Sat: 6 a.m. - Noon 807 E. Main St, Westminster • 647-8811 Sun: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Yousef's Kitchen Total 10%OFF Bill Expires 9/30/14
1109 East Main Street • Westminster
(864) 647-6947
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-9 • Sunday 10-3
16 | The Journal
September 4-6, 2014
SC Apple Festival 2014
A Westminster CLASSIC!
Foxwood Hills an established community nestled in the northwest corner of oconee county, offering beautiful building lots and great amenities! Drop in to check out the Lodge Restaurant and Lounge, one of the most popular amenities, overlooking the fabulous olympic-sized salt water pool and panaramic foothills view! Full ownership and membership available or opt for an annual lease that provides amenity access without ownership.
THE LODGE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC CALL FOR DETAILS: 864-647-9510 800 HICKORY TRAIL, WESTMINSTER
(864) 647-0011 • 713 East Main Street
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SC Apple Festival 2014
September 4-6, 2014
WESTMINSTER BAPTIST CHURCH
WE HELP PEOPLE FOLLOW JESUS AND GROW IN HIS SERVICE. INTERSECTING LIVES IN WESTMINSTER Westminster Baptist is one of the oldest churches in Oconee County, established in 1884. We believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, so we may live a meaningful life of discipleship now and meet Him in heaven when we leave this earth. Until that day, we are committed to living by the examples Jesus showed us in the Bible. We are in the business of Connecting with the community, Growing in faith and Serving our God, not an easy task in the 21st Century. Yet, we’ve found by worshiping, working and doing life together as followers of Jesus, He makes a difference in our lives, and enables us to have a positive influence in our community and beyond.
WHAT TO EXPECT? First of all, expect to be accepted. We welcome all who are interested in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. We get together Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in a casual environment for an hour of celebrative worship. We also provide adult small group Bible studies at 9:15 a.m., as well as age appropriate classes for newborns through high school. A member of our First Impressions Team will greet you at the main entrance to the Worship Center located on Windsor Street. We will have Guest Parking waiting for you.
212 East Windsor Street | P.O. Box 375
864.647.2315 www.westminsterbaptist.org
September 4-6, 2014
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Apple Festival 5K and Fun Run to benefit West-Oak wrestling By STEVEN BRADLEY | THE JOURNAL
Greg Brewer was announced as the wrestling coach at West-Oak High School in June, and his team will debut publically Sept. 6 at the Apple Festival. The Warriors will be manning a 5K racecourse, however, not actually wrestling, but Brewer said it is an integral part of what he wants to instill in his program. “One of the things we want to do is become a little more involved in the community with our team and our program, and this is one of the ways that we’re able to do it,” he said. The Apple Festival Classic 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run is set for Sept. 6 at WestOak Middle. The 5K Run will begin at 8 a.m., with the 1 Mile Fun Run to follow immediately after. Registration starts at 7 a.m.
A Seneca native, Brewer is familiar with the Apple Festival and understands that it is a source of pride for that part of Oconee County. The West-Oak wrestling program has handled the Apple Festival Classic 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run for the “last several years,” according to Brewer. “So since I’m now fortunate enough to be the head coach of West-Oak wrestling, it kind of falls into my lap,” he said. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the program and will be used for equipment, travel and other costs. Brewer was the head coach at Greenwood for the past decade, and in June, it was announced he had accepted the head coaching position at West-Oak. The team has held summer workouts, but the 5K Run and Fun Run, in some
ways, will represent its first public outing. Members of the wrestling team will be stationed at points around the course and help to direct the runners during the race. “It’s a good event,” Brewer said. “There are people who are talking about it and are excited about it.” The course has been measured to USA Track & Field specifications, but has not been certified. Registration is set to begin at 7 a.m. on Sept. 6 for those who haven’t preregistered. Preregistration is available on www.active.com by searching for the Apple Festival 5K and Fun Run. Entry fees are $15 for children 10 and under and $25 for everyone else, and the fee includes T-shirts, awards, refreshments and race finish results. Both the 5K and 1-mile run are broken
down by gender and into various age groups, with awards given to first place in each division. Parking is available at the middle school, and everyone is invited to stay for the Apple Festival events, which begin at 10 a.m. Those seeking more information may email to Brewer at gbrewer@oconee. k12.sc.us or call him at 864-247-1003, or contact the Westminster Chamber of Commerce at 864-647-7223. “We’ve tried to promote it a little bit,” Brewer said. “I’ve sent some emails out to some local runners clubs and stuff like that, so hopefully we can kind of grow the event. Running in 5Ks and 10Ks is a very popular activity, so we hope to grow this event and make it more popular in the future.”
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Apple Festival rodeo held in memory of former fire chief, councilman By STEVEN BRADLEY | THE JOURNAL
Even in recent years when his health took a turn for the worse, Bobby Williams could be found manning the gates at the Apple Festival World Championship Rodeo. So when the rodeo returns to the Bibb Street Arena in Westminster on Sept. 5-6 this year, Williams’ absence will hard to miss. According to Michelle Sanford, one of the event’s organizers, that will make walking through the gates a bittersweet experience. “He’s always been the first one you see as you go in, and he’s not going to be there this year to be with us,” she said. Since the Apple Festival committee decided it no longer wanted to run the event, the annual rodeo has been organized by the committee for the Michael Hare Memorial Scholarship. Sanford’s brother, Hare passed away eight years ago after an accident at work. The scholarship fund committee is a non-profit group that gives away two scholarships every year to participants — one male and one female — from the South Carolina Junior High School Rodeo Association. But this year’s rodeo will have another memorial aspect to it, according to Sanford, as it will be held in memory of Williams, a former Westminster fire chief and city councilman who died in August at the age of 50.
“He always worked the gates,” she said. “He was at that gate every single year. Even when his health started going bad, he was at that gate. He was there every single year. “And when the Apple Festival committee gave it up, he fought with me to just let us take it over and continue to have it that same weekend.” The rodeo is now run through the scholarship, as well as the Michael Hare Memorial Team Roping, and this will be the 26th year of the rodeo coming to Westminster on the weekend of the Apple Festival. Sanford said the committee would also like to give some of this year’s
proceeds to Williams’ memorial fund to help his son go to college. The scholarship fund provided four additional scholarships this year at the SCJHSRA state finals to graduating seniors who had been in the association since the junior-high level began seven year ago. “There’s always a good crowd,” Sanford said. “Last year on Saturday night we had a guy just standing at the gates with a clicker, and he was just trying to count heads in there to see how many people actually come through those gates — because there’s no way to really tell how many people you have. “And I think on Saturday night there was over 2,000 people there.” This year’s event again begins at 8 p.m. both Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, with tickets costing $12 for ages 12 and up, and $5 for ages 6-11. Sanford said the event would also have a variety of vendors and concessions for those who turn out for the rodeo. “From hamburgers and hot dogs to barbecue — anything and everything, we will have it there,” Sanford said. The event is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and is being run by Ken Treadway Rodeo Company LLC. Sanford’s best advice to those planning to attend the rodeo is to get there early. Last year’s show started at 8:30, and even with seven people at the gate taking tickets, Sanford said she heard reports that traffic was still backed up “bumper to bumper all the way to Ingles.”
September 4-6, 2014
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Rotary to name Citizen of the Year By NORMAN CANNADA | THE JOURNAL
The Westminster Rotary Club will name its Citizen of the Year during this year’s Apple Festival. The person presented with the award will be announced during the Rotary Club Luncheon at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 at Westminster Baptist Church. Glenda Duvall, who chairs the committee for the annual selection, said the winner would not know until the name is announced. “We do keep it a secret and announce it at the luncheon,” she said. “We try to get that person there without them knowing why they’re coming. In the past, we’ve been able to make it happen. We’re working on making it happen again so the person doesn’t know why they’re coming for sure.” The annual award is given based on the person who best exemplifies “service above self,” according to Duvall. Rotary members can nominate anyone who lives in the West-Oak area and are asked to evaluate qualities of candidates on the nomination form according to the Rotary Club’s “four-way test,” which asks the questions, “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to
all concerned?” The committee picked three people from those nominated for the entire Rotary Club to choose from. But, instead of sending three names, the club was given a list of the qualities of the candidates without names to choose a winner. “We don’t want it to become a popularity contest because that’s not what it is all about, Duvall said. “It’s not about who you are, but what you do — the service you give
“The annual award is given based on the person who best exemplifies ‘service above self.’” — Glenda Duvall
to your community. So this year one of our committee members rewrote the nomination form so they didn’t have a name. If you live here, you could probably figure it out, but it was a little bit better doing it like that.” The winner will receive a plaque and also have their name added to a plaque with the list of other winners in past years. Ken Collins and Mary Newby were co-winners of the award last year.
September 4-6, 2014
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SOUTH CAROLINA
September 2-6
The Westminster Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to the 53rd annual South Carolina Apple Festival. If you are a first time visitor we hope you enjoy your visit and make plan to come again. To our friends who have been here before we welcome you back and look forward to having you many more times. To our wonderful residents we say thank you for making Westminster such a warm special place to live and work.
Remember To Support Your Local Merchants!
Farmers Market
June-October Tuesday Afternoons Historic Depot
Westminster Christmas Parade Thursday December 4, 2014 @ 6 pm extended store hours
South Carolina Mayberry Apple Festival September 2-6,2014 May 1 & 2, 2015
P. O. Box 155 • Westminster, SC 29693
(864) 647-5316 |westminstersc.com
Small Business Saturday November 29, 2014
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September 4-6, 2014
September 4-6, 2014
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Apple Festival founder sees fruit of his labor By MORGAN TURNER | THE JOURNAL
It was July of 1961 when Cecil Sandifer, then mayor of Westminster, had the idea of a weekend festival that would showcase Oconee County’s apple harvest, the largest in the area. Two months after forming a board of directors, Westminster saw its first-ever Apple Festival. “The conception of [the festival] was to seize the opportunity and take advantage of the delicious apples grown in the county, bringing rightful recognition to this Golden Corner of South Carolina,” says Sandifer. Although it was one of the original goals of the festival, Sandifer and that founding board of directors, couldn’t fully predict the tremendous impact of the festival would have on future tourism. The Department of Recreation and Tourism estimates attendance of the Friday and Saturday events is 20,000 people each year. “We envisioned that an annual Apple Festival celebration would provide our area with this once-a-year opportunity to invite visitors and families to enjoy wholesome family
entertainment and exposure to a wonderful place to live, work and play,” says Sandifer. That vision is still alive today. During previous Apple Festival events, 32 percent of attendees were considered tourists, with 55 percent of those considered tourists staying in the county overnight, according to the Department of Recreation and Tourism. The festival brings revenue of more $200,000 each year. In 2011, during the festival’s 50th anniversary, Sandifer was honored by the South Carolina State House of Representatives for his hard work in founding, and, over the years, maintaining its continued success, although he’s eager to share the accolade. “This does not just happen” says Sandifer. “Many dedicated apple growers, citizens, schools, churches, clubs, organizations, and public servants work throughout the year to plan and execute the numerous events.” The Apple Festival celebration continues to be a premier destination for families and visitors and a mainstay for the city. Sandifer has no doubts about the festival’s continued success. “Events have changed through the years,” he says, “but the spirit of the festival only improves. Attendees will be pleased with the variety of events. “ Now with the numerous activities spanning the week after Labor Day, the festival is a symbolic transition from Summer and Fall for many.
VOTED BEST FUNERAL HOME
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647-5446
512 East Main Street Westminster, SC
www.sandiferfuneralhome.com
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September 4-6, 2014
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WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE 2014 APPLE FESTIVAL If you happen to find yourself locked out of your vehicle or possible need a jump start we will be providing a free unlock or jump start service to the great folks that are visiting our wonderful city. Service will be provided Friday and Saturday of Apple Festival only…
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September 4-6, 2014
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Annual pageant begins Apple Festival festivities By CHRISTINA CLEVELAND | THE JOURNAL
Sixteen contestants – teeny to teenaged – graced the stage at West-Oak High School Aug. 23 for the annual Miss Apple Festival pageant. Taylor Butts was crowned Miss Apple Festival 2014 wearing a light green sequined evening gown. Butts attends WestOak High school and during her plans were to be a physical therapist and “loves helping others to solve their problems.” Sydney Kirby, who won in the 7-9-year-old competition, said she “pretty much liked all” of the pageant experience. Sydney’s parents, Shane and Trisha Kirby, said this was the first pageant for their daughter and they were very proud of her performance. During intermission, even Shane got a taste of her experience when pageant host Jane Suttles challenged all of the fathers to get on stage and model. “She gets it from him,” her stepmother, Trisha said of Sydney’s confidence. “She did wonderful.” Several siblings took part in the annual tradition including 12-year-old Lauren Johnson and Morgan Johnson, 15. “I liked getting ready and I loved walking across the stage,” Lauren said. “Getting on the stage is so fun.” Lauren won the Jr. Miss division
Taylor Butts crowned 2014 Miss Apple Festival
festival because my grandfather and dad and Cecil Sandifer were the founders,” Adams said. “We had beautiful girls and they were all great.”
and her sister said she looks forward to attending the parade to see her sister. “My favorite part (of the pageant) is probably just being on stage, getting ready and just meeting all of the girls and making friends,” said Morgan. Pageant coordinator Rucia Adams said she tries to make pageant is a ‘stress free’ environment for the girls and it is mostly an opportunity to have fun and make friends. “To me, it’s one of the highlights of the
The list of winners is as follows: Teeny Miss winner Lorinn Morrison Mini Miss winner Averie Matheson 1st runner up Eva Peeler Petite Miss winner Sydney Kirby Jr. Miss winner Lauren Johnson 1st runner up Paige Sandford
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Teen Miss winner Savana Kelley 1st runner up Allison Dobbins 2nd runner up Emily Dobbins 3rd runner up Lauren Lee Miss winner Taylor Butts Sweetheart Winners Teeny Miss Sweetheart Lorinn Morrison Mini Miss Sweetheart Averie Matheson Above: Junior Miss winner Lauren Johnson Below: Teen Miss winner Savana Kelley Bottom right (L to R): Teen Miss winner Savana Kelley, Junior Miss winner Lauren Johnson and Miss winner Taylor Butts
Petite Miss Sweetheart Sydney Kirby Jr. Miss Sweetheart Lauren Johnson Teen Miss Sweetheart Morgan Johnson Overall Miss Sweetheart Sydney Kirby The sweetheart winners collected money from local sponsors and were determined by a penny a vote. These proceeds along with entry fees will be donated to the Long Creek Fire Department and Long Creek Community Club.
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September 4-6, 2014
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For 364 Days A Year We Bring You Power & Security. The Other Day We Party.
And You’re Invited! Join us for the 18th annual Blue Ridge Fest on Friday, May 8, 2015. Past performers include Chubby Checker, The Drifters, The Temptations, Jerry Butler, Lloyd Price, Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters, The Clovers, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, The Tams, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Platters, Charlie Brown and the Coasters, The Impressions, Jim Quick and Coastline, Legends of Beach, The Rickey Godfrey Band, and Chairmen of the Board. The evening's entertainment will also include a car show with more than 500 classic automobiles. Blue Ridge Fest has given more than $1.8 million dollars to local charities over the past 17 years. Check our website for more details about the lineup for 2015.
Events take place at Blue Ridge Electric, 734 West Main St., Pickens, SC
blueridgefest.com • 800/240-3400
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Oconee County Home of the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River, SC National Heritage Corridor Scenic Highways and so much more...
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