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Blue Ridge Fest History
Since its inception in 1998, Blue Ridge Fest has grown and developed its own distinct identity. “Giving back to those who most need help and its concept of employee volunteers are what make Blue Ridge Fest unique among sister festivals,” said Blue Ridge Electric President and CEO Charles Dalton. “Through the volunteer efforts of our employees and the generosity of our sponsors, this festival has donated a total of $535,000 over the last nine years to local human-help agencies in the four-county area served by the cooperative.”
Blue Ridge Fest was created by Blue Ridge to combine the cooperative’s charitable community efforts into one large event. Each May, Blue Ridge employee volunteers donate their time and energy to play host to the thousands who attend the weekend happening. These volunteers, from both the co-op and its subsidiary, Blue Ridge Security Systems, set up, sell concessions, assist with traffic control and parking, clean up, and attend to all the other myriad details that make Blue Ridge Fest a success. Their efforts result in significant cost-savings and allow the cooperative to maximize its festival profits, which are contributed to charities in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties. Employees still have the option to participate in other charitable pursuits during the year. The choice is theirs, however, and they are not asked to volunteer on behalf of the co-op or the security company.
The festival is held each May on the co-op’s grounds in Pickens. On Friday evening, the event features a Beach Night show and dance, along with the upstate’s largest classic car cruise-in. For those who enjoy moving their feet, there is a dance floor strewn with cornmeal for shaggers and other dancers in front of the stage. There is also ample seating for those who simply enjoy listening to the bands or watching the action on the dance floor.
Bragging rights for the upstate’s largest cruise-in belong to Blue Ridge Fest. Everything from Model A Fords to Studebakers to hot-rods participate. “The Fest has established a reputation among South Carolina and neighboring states as a top-notch quality event, said Cruise-In Coordinator Wayne Turner. “Because of this reputation, the number of cars participating continues to grow, and spectators can count on seeing a variety of classic automobiles in every color and style.”
On Saturday morning, the cooperative will play host to Blue Ridge Fest’s Motorcycle Ride For Charity, a 100-mile motorcycle ride across through the scenic upstate. Following the charitable ride, hundreds of biking enthusiasts enjoy lunch and bingo.
“We are thrilled with the growth of Blue Ridge Fest over the past nine years,” said Dalton. “There is no doubt that without the generous support of our sponsors and the hard work of our employees, Blue Ridge Fest would still just be a dream. Together they have truly turned this dream into a reality, as have the thousands who attend Blue Ridge Fest each year and contribute to our profits. After all, “People helping people and having a good time in the process are what Blue Ridge Fest is all about,” he concluded.
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