“Celebrate Anderson” gives residents, visitors reason to celebrate the Day before Labor Day - free outdoor concert and spectacular Zambelli fireworks finale!

On Sunday, September 6th, residents and visitors will be treated to the 11th CELEBRATE ANDERSON, Anderson’s local Labor Day extravaganza. This annual event takes place on the day before Labor Day at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater inside the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center. This event is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Electric City Transit will provide free transportation to the amphitheater every 30 minutes between 6 and 8 p.m. from Homeland Park Elementary, the Westside Community Center and the historic McCants School on Fant Street.

More than 15,000 people are again expected to attend this year’s event sponsored by the Anderson County, City of Anderson, Torque Creative, AnMed Health, Anderson Independent-Mail, Waste Container of the Carolinas, Nexsen Pruet Law Firm, Wilbur Smith and Associates, Fairway Outdoor Advertising, Family Vision, Diagnostic Radiology of Anderson, Blue Ridge Security, Motivational Sports Products, My102.5, WRIX, WAIM and many other local businesses.

The Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) orchestra will perform under the direction of conductor R. Alexander Spainhour, III. Celtic rock band, Seven Nations, will be this year’s guest performers. The Palmetto High School JROTC will serve as the color guard for the event. The program will end in the traditional way with live, patriotic music and one of the largest annual fireworks shows in South Carolina. Anderson University’s African Drum Band will also be on hand to promote the upcoming Anderson International Festival, which will focus on West Africa during the first quarter of 2010.

WYFF's sports director Geoff Hart will emcee the 2009 event, which celebrates sports and Anderson’s local sports legends. Hall of Famers Jim Ed Rice and Ben Taylor will be honored during the ceremony, as well as 2009 state champions Belton-Honea Path High School Baseball and Crescent High School Softball teams. Additionally, the Anderson Area YMCA will be collecting old tennis shoes as part of their Scholarship Assistance Program.

“There are so many good things happening throughout our county,” said Anderson County Councilman Eddie Moore, “we really have a lot to celebrate this year.”

Picnic baskets are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs. Concessions, featuring food and beverages, will also be available for purchase. No glass containers, tents, or pets, please.

View www.celebrateanderson.com or

www.AndersonEvents.com  for updates as they become available.