Celebrate Anderson Festival returns for its 25th anniversary with music, food, fireworks
The Celebrate Anderson Festival is marking its 25th anniversary and will showcase national touring artists Randy Houser on Saturday, August 31, and Ashley McBryde on Sunday, September 1.
Celebrate Anderson is a free community festival presented by Anderson County, hosted at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. This annual celebration features activities, children's rides, live music, food trucks, and a closing fireworks show for the entire community.
Concert gates open at 5:30 on both nights.
According to Liv DuBro of Kelley Collective, a public relations firm, more than 10,000 people attended Celebrate Anderson last year.
"Anderson County is thrilled to expand headlining concerts on Saturday and Sunday," according to Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. "Celebrate Anderson has been something families can look forward to."
Celebrate Anderson, featured artists
The festival will showcase national touring artists Houser on Saturday, August 31, and McBryde on Sunday, September 1.
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Celebrate Anderson Festival, and we anticipate that it will attract 20,000 attendees," DuBro said. "We know from previous data that guests come from throughout the Carolinas and Georgia to attend this event."
According to Houser's official website, the country music artist has achieved five consecutive country radio hits and has sold over 5 million singles on Stoney Creek Records. Some of his chart-topping songs include "How Country Feels," "Runnin' Outta Moonlight," and "Goodnight Kiss."
"Randy is an exceptional singer-songwriter who consistently wows a live audience," according to Kix Layton, Vice President of Programming at iHeart Media. "He will blow the roof off the amphitheater on Saturday night."
Ashley McBryde's official website states, "McBryde got her start playing country songs in biker bars. Since then, she has become a six-time Grammy nominee with consecutive nominations for Country Music Album of the Year,"
McBryde is touring with her latest album, "The Devil I Know." According to her official website, she has sold-out shows in the U.K., Ireland, and Northern Ireland."
"McBryde is an incredible talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Anderson," Layton said. "I know she will put on a great show.
Opening for Houser, the American folk band Happy Landing specializes in a new style of "edgy, folky rock" music, according to Music Farm. The band was formed in 2020 in Oxford, Mississippi, and founded by Matty Hendly, who plays guitar and provides vocals. Other members include Keegan Christensen on keys, bass, and vocals; Jacob Christensen on drums and vocals; Andrew Gardner on violin, mandolin, and vocals; and Wilson Moyer on bass and guitar.
The band recently toured with notable bands such as The Head and The Heart, Judah & the Lion, and The 502, according to the Music Farm. The band will release and tour with its first full-length album and debut at major festivals and venues nationwide.
Madeline Edwards will open for McBryde. The California-born and Texas-raised country music artist incorporates jazz, soul, gospel, and country tunes into her performances. Edwards released her latest EP, "Crashlanded," in October 2022 with Warner Music of Nashville.
Celebrate Anderson concert tickets
Event organizers expect both concerts to reach capacity and encourage fans to get tickets early. Guests can secure tickets at www.andersonevents.com.
Guests must secure a free ticket to enter the concert, which they can get online—reserve tickets at www.AndersonEvents.com. Blankets and chairs are permitted; however, outside food and drinks are not allowed.
The complete list of venue rules can also be found at www.andersonevents.com. Attendees must bring ID and a debit or credit card to purchase food or alcohol.
Celebrate Anderson Safety Protocols
Providing safety at this event will involve a collaborative effort between the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, the Emergency Team, city police, firefighters, and EMTs, according to Anderson County Emergency Team Director Josh Hawkins.
"Security will be strictly enforced," DuBro said. "Anderson County has a full Emergency Action Plan for all major events, which includes police, sheriff, traffic planning and control, fire, and medical teams. In addition, we will be deploying more than 100 event staff and at least 50 volunteers to assist with guest services."
Hawkings mentioned that Celebrate Anderson and the Hot Air Affair would coincide. Therefore, the emergency team will coordinate with various local agencies to ensure that both events run smoothly and safely. "Deputies and safety personnel will conduct patrols, search bags, and help direct traffic," he said. "A medical tent will also be on-site if anyone needs treatment."
Hawkin emphasized the importance of staying informed and connected. He encouraged everyone attending to sign up for the safety text message system by texting CA2024 to 888-777. This system will provide real-time mass safety alerts if an emergency occurs.
Hawkins said that everyone who attends will go through metal detectors on-site, and officers and deputies will screen everyone entering the festival. These precautions are necessary to create a secure environment for everyone to enjoy the festival.
Officers will be stationed near the beer tents to monitor the situation, and beer tent staff will manage crowd behavior and assist in maintaining safe drinking.
What to know about parking and traffic?
Parking is free for all attendees.
However, due to the large turnout, traffic is expected to be significantly impacted.
People who wish to avoid traffic should note the expected congestion areas outlined on the Celebrate Anderson Concert Map.
Here is a rundown of preferred traffic routes for concert attendees and what roads to avoid for citizens not attending.
Traffic routes for concert attendees
Traffic on Civic Center Blvd traveling southeast should turn right onto Jim Ed Rice Parkway or Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Traffic on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd traveling north should turn left onto David Lee Coffee Place.
Traffic on Woodcrest Drive traveling north should turn right onto Old County Farm Blvd. (LOT C)
Camson Road will be closed at the intersection of David Lee Coffee and Jim Ed Rice Pkwy.
Woodcrest Drive will be closed at Spring Park Drive.
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd will be closed from Old Country Farm Circle to David Lee Coffee Place. The road closures are in place for pedestrian safety.
ADA Accessible parking is located behind the amphitheater UNTIL FULL. Vehicles will be required to display their ADA placard.
The main Entrance to the concert for all fans is on Camson Road.
Sponsor/ADA Accessible entrance to the concert is from Lot A.
Concert Bypass
Traffic on Civic Center Blvd traveling southeast should turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and proceed northeast to Clemson Blvd.
Traffic on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd traveling north should turn left onto Matthew Road and proceed to McGee Road.
Traffic on Woodcrest Drive should turn right onto Spring Park Drive and proceed to Whitehall Road.
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Celebrate Anderson with Randy Houser, Ashley McBryde; traffic routes
