Thanks to perfect weather, cooperation among the participants, and the generosity of sponsors and patrons, Edgefield has another successful Heritage Jubilee under its belt, said Chairperson Joel Jolly.

“Last weekend was perfect for a festival,” said Jolly. “Even a few days later, it’s too cool at night. But Friday night was just right.”

Joel said the Friday night portion drew the largest crowd ever.

“I think that’s due in part to the fireworks display,” he said. “That was new this year. It was a great display and lasted about 10 minutes. Craig Butler of Edgefield did the fireworks on the baseball field. People started coming at 7 for the music and activities, shifted to the field for the fireworks and back again. It broke up around 10:30.”

He added, “And the band did a fantastic job. Robert Rodgers is local and they played a variety of music from country to blues, rock and roll and beach.
‘Anything Goes’ gave out of food. Sales were higher than average on Friday night.”

On Saturday, food vendors and crafters were happy, and the Bingo and barbecue sales were successful, he said.

“All the cookers got along well,” he said. “We’re very fortunate in this respect.”

Prizes were awarded in the Whole Hog Contest as follows: First Place, BK Barbecue of McCormick, Brad King; Second Place, P.S. Barbecue of McCormick, Kevin Ashley; Third Place, Edgefield Fire Department, Danny Timmerman; Fourth Place, Swig-n-Pig, Andrew Massey; Fifth Place, Backwoods BBQ, Gene Culbertson; Sixth Place, Smokin’ Stacks BBQ Team, Jeff Smith; and Seventh Place, Pa’s Pit Custom Cookers, Tom Corwin.

Carolyn Piekielniak reported a good response to the tours of Oakley Park.

The tractor show and car show also were successful, said Jolly, with prizes being awarded to the Top 40 in the car show.

“I’d say Saturday’s crowd was about usual,” he said.

On Saturday, Amy Williams dressed as Becky Cotton, tooted the Haunted House & Hayride sponsored by the Federal Correctional Institution on Oct.16, 22, 23, 29 and 30.Children gathered around a table and painted brightly colored pumpkins.

The Rev. Sammy Thompson of Manning said this was his first trip to the Heritage Jubilee with his Gourd Art. He displayed planters, jewelry, animal figures, dippers, bird houses and other items made from gourds.

“My wife and I meet with a group called Cypress Gourd Patch,” he said. “We teach people how to do the techniques. On Oct. 22, we will be at the State Fair in Columbia.”

Marvin and Kimberly Glanton were there with their children.

“It’s nice,” he said. “We haven’t seen much yet. We just got started. We mainly bring the kids and let them play.”

Charles Crosby of Aiken had his 1937 five-window business Chevrolet Coupe on display.

“I used to show a lot,” he said. “I have a lot of classic cars. I came here once before when it was on the soccer field. The have good barbecue. At most of the festivals, you get hamburgers and hotdogs, but it’s not often you get good barbecue like this.”

18-month-old Tyrese Williams was having a good time eating and listening to the sounds of Level Ground Bluegrass Band.

His mother, Shanta Williams of Johnston, said it was her first time there but she will definitely return and with her four sons.

Jolly said it is too early to tell what the profits are yet but they look for it to be close to last year’s. Profits will go to toward supplies for the Leveled Reading Program at W.E. Parker Elementary School, the festival committee’s charity for this year. Jolly said T-shirts are still available with Edgefield’s 225th Anniversary logo for $10 each. Go by the office of Edgefield Fuel & Convenience or call 637-1900.

Picture1: Brad Kay of BK Barbecue of McCormick and his children accept first place prize in the Whole Hog Contest on Saturday during the Heritage Jubilee Saturday.

Picture2; Marvin and Kimberly Glanton, with their daughter, enjoy festivities at the Heritage Jubilee on Saturday.