Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival Special Events Expanded Details

The star on Belton's most famous landmark, the Standpipe, overlooks a beautiful city which reflects a Belton reminiscent of times past but also a true southern city of the future. The 2008 Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival will feature many events before and after the main event held on October 4, 2008. The Standpipe Festival welcomes visitors to our downtown and also gives guests the opportunity to explore our rich history in the Railroad, Tennis, Music and the Arts.

Golfing enthusiasts will want to participate in the 19th Annual Belton Standpipe Festival Golf Tournament at Saluda Valley Country Club Golf Course on a soon to be announced date. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon, and the tournament starts at 1:00 P.M. There will be a short awards ceremony after the tournament with free refreshments, including team awards for first, second and third place finishers!!!!. Details to be announced later. Details & Entry Form

Saturday, September 27 is the opening for the 10th Annual Standpipe Festival Juried Art Show at The Belton Center for The Arts. The opening reception will be held from 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. This show has quickly become one of the most anticipated shows among artists and art lovers throughout the state and a favorite event for festival attendees. The show will run through November 14. The creation of the Belton Center for the Arts has served as a main catalyst for the wonderful changes that have taken place in our city. It's worth a trip to the festival to visit this fabulous art facility.

Education Day as part of the 4th Annual Heritage Days at the Depot will be held on Thursday & Friday October 2 & 3 for area school children and their teachers at the historic Belton Depot. Traditional folk artists will demonstrate the skills necessary for pioneer survival, giving students hands-on experiences with living history. Details

Friday, October 3 – Larger Retail, Craft and Food Vendors may begin set-up after 6:00 PM

Saturday, October 4 will find the festivities beginning early. (Events listed below)

The chance to test your physical ability at the 8th Annual Standpipe Road Race & Fun Run/Walk begins at the Belton First Baptist Church with the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk at 8:00 am and the 5K Run at 8:30 am. All registered participants will receive a free T-shirt. Everyone is invited to participate and get a jump-start for the event filled day ahead. Details & Entry Form.

The Gallery at The Belton Center for the Arts will be open to offer everyone a chance to visit the center and see the great art exhibited in the 10th Annual Juried Art Show. The Art Center will be open Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. There will be art activities for the children: Face Painting, Crystal Dig, Paint the Town and Clay Creations. Details

Food and Craft Vendors will begin sales at 9:00 A.M., so arrive early for the best selections. Experience a wide array of crafts, fine art and many culinary delights.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:00 am with the National Anthem by Dr. Mitchell Brooks and a Presentation of Colors by the B-HP AFJROTC & Color Guard. Entertainment will continue throughout the day and evening, featuring everything from dance groups to the best dance bands including - Side Track Band and The Bruce Griffin Band. (See the Main Events Schedule of Events below for times.)

Registration for the Open Car Show will be from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 A.M., with Trophy Presentation at 2:00 P.M. This show has become a classic itself by attracting cars and guests representing several southeastern states. Come check out your dream cars --- they're all here! Details & Entry Form

Come celebrate Belton's 4th Annual presentation of folk arts at Heritage Days at the historic Belton Depot on October 4, 2008.

Twelve traditional folk artists and exhibitors will demonstrate pioneer crafts and the everyday skills used by upstate South Carolina people in the 18th and 19th century.

On Saturday, the general public is invited from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy these presentations of living history, a glimpse of life the way it was in the old days.

Skateboard Park Opens & Competition (11:00 am - 6:00 pm) Contest starts at 12:00 pm. Park opens for free skate at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and when contest is over until dark. Waivers MUST be signed to free skate, also 18 & Under MUST also be signed by Parent. Park will be located in BB&T parking lot, Belton, SC (right beside the standpipe). An Entry Form and Waiver Form, that will be available at a later date, must both be completed and returned to enter.

Belton Standpipe Open to Visitors - Linda and Larry Bradshaw will be at the Belton Standpipe (behind the square) to discuss it's history and allow visitors a chance to look in and ask questions.

22nd Annual Hall of Fame Classic Tennis Tournament (9:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday & Saturday, October 3 - 4, 2008) is a girls' high school tennis tournament with 8 of South Carolina's top teams. The tournament will be held at the Downtown Courts and Leda Poore Park in Belton. There is no admission charge.

Other Festival Events include Bingo Games, Children's Art, Children's Area featuring jumping jax inflatable Bounces and games, Spider Jump, Fire Truck Rides, Reptile Exhibit, Anderson County Hot-Air Balloon will provide free tethered rides, Culinary Treats, face painting & other art activities, and more!

The evening heats up and the Street Dance begins at 6:00 P.M. featuring The Bruce Griffin Band. Get out your boogie shoes and join the fun and dancing until 9:30 P.M.

Standpipe Festival T-Shirts will be available at The Jean Shop. The T-Shirts in sizes for men, women and children are priced at only $10.00. The T-Shirts were designed by Matt Lusk and printed by Sports-Plus of Belton. ***Description & Photos