The 44th Annual Spring Water Festival will be May 2 & 3, 2025 in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park
SPONSORED BY .. .
CAR SHOW SPONSORS
The Spring Water Festival Features:
Arts & Crafts – Live Music – 5K Run – Free Children’s Activities – Amusement Rides – Antique Car Show – Festival Food – Exhibits – Souvenirs – 50 plus Craft and Boutique Vendors – 40 plus Business Display Vendors – 12 Food Vendors – 150 + Car Show Entries – Fire Truck Rides – Pickleball Tournament
FREE ADMISSION – FREE PARKING Come Join Us For A Family Friendly Fun Day in Mineral Spring Park!
The 44th Annual Spring Water Festival will be held in Williamston’s historic Mineral Spring Park on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, 2025.
Headlining festival entertainment on Friday night will be Will & The Exclamation, a 11-piece band from Atlanta. The band features founder and lead vocalist Will Preyer, a renowned Atlanta-based artist and producer with years of experience in the events industry. Will brings an authentic performance prowess and dynamic vocal range.
When Will and his band take the stage, they promise a night full of soulful performances that includes a fun variety of popular music from many styles and generations.
The band will also feature the “On Point Horns” with sax, trumpet and trombone, three female singers, exciting bursts of choreography, creative male and female vocal arrangements, high-energy music and an unforgettable night on the dance floor!
D.J. Gaspar will kick off entertainment on May 2 at 5 pm. Will and The Exclamation will perform 6 pm to 10 pm.
All day entertainment on Saturday will include Kalab Cox, The Cashmere Possums and Andrew Crawford with Brandi Colt.
New this year will be a Pickleball Tournament. Men and women of all skill levels are invited to participate in this fun event which will be held on both days. Registration is $30 per team.
The pickleball tournament will begin Friday night at 6 p.m. There will be round robin brackets with cash prizes and trophies. Sign-up information and registration is available on the festival website at www.springwaterfestival.com or online at https://GQR.sh/n2vn.
For more information contact Pickle Ball Tournament organizer Jennifer Janssen at Janssenhigginstax@gmail.com
Also new at this year’s festival will beFREE children’s fun zone with bounce/inflatables and the new playground area in Mineral Spring Park will be open!
Bob Seymore will return as West Allen Williams living statue.
This years festival will also include the 5K Spring Water Run, auto show, firetruck rides and more than 75 vendors are expected.
Applications are still being accepted for craft, business and non-profit vendors and the auto show.
For more information and registration/application links, go to the festival website at www.springwaterfestival.com.
New this year for the 2025 Spring Water Festival will be a Pickleball Tournament.
Men and women of all skills are invited to participate in this fun event which will be held on both days of the festival, May 2 & 3. Registration is $30 per team.
The pickleball tournament will begin Friday night at 6 p.m. There will be round robin brackets with cash prizes and trophies. Sign-up information and registration is available on the festival website at www.springwaterfestival.com or online at https://GQR.sh/n2vn.
For more information contact Pickle Ball Tournament organizer Jennifer Janssen at Janssenhigginstax@gmail.com
The 44th Annual Spring Water Festival will be May 2 & 3, 2025 in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park
SPONSORED BY .. .
CAR SHOW SPONSORS
The Spring Water Festival Features:
Arts & Crafts – Live Music – 5K Run – Free Children’s Activities – Amusement Rides – Antique Car Show – Festival Food – Exhibits – Souvenirs – 50 plus Craft and Boutique Vendors – 40 plus Business Display Vendors – 12 Food Vendors – 150 + Car Show Entries – Fire Truck Rides – Pickleball Tournament
FREE ADMISSION – FREE PARKING Come Join Us For A Family Friendly Fun Day in Mineral Spring Park!
Retail/Craft Vendors: If you’re a retail or craft business, this is your chance to showcase and sell your products to a large, engaged audience. Whether you specialize in handmade goods, unique crafts, or retail items, we’d love to have you join us!
Non-Profit/Business Display Vendors: If you’re a non-profit or a business looking to promote your cause, services, or products, we have display spaces available. These spots are perfect for advertising and connecting with attendees.
*Please note, display vendors are not allowed to sell directly during the event, but it’s an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and interact with potential clients, partners, or supporters.
Register now for Spring Water Run
The 44th Annual Spring Water Festival will be held May 2 and 3 this year and will feature a 5K walk/run for 2025!
The Spring Water Run will be held Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 am.
Registration and start will be at 4 W Main St. in Williamston. The run/walk will start and end at the parking lot beside McDonald’s.
All proceeds go towards renovations for the Mineral Spring Park. Registration fee includes a race *shirt, bib, and timing chip.
Packet Pickup will be held race morning starting at 6:30am. *Shirts: Race shirts can be added on to any registration for $12 each
Cash and gift card prizes will be awarded to the top 3 females and males.\
The 44th annual Spring Water Festival Auto Show will be held Saturday, May 3 at the Williamston Fire Department, Auto show participants are asked to pre-register online.
Entries should report to the registration table in the fire department to pay fees and receive car information sheet and entry number.
Registration fee is $20. Registration will start 8 am until 12 pm Awards will be presented at 3 pm.
Awards include the Will Drake Memorial Award, Top 25 Vehicles, “Best Of” (GM, Ford, truck, street rod, Mopar , original) Steve Ellison Award and Best Rat Rod.
For additional information contact David Huff at wfdchief@williamstonsc.us or 864-625-1281.
The 44th Annual Spring Water Festival will be held in Williamston’s historic Mineral Spring Park on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3.
It will be the first time ever for the festival to be held in May. The event has always been held on the fourth Saturday, and later the fourth weekend, in August.
“We are thrilled to invite you to be part of the 2025 Spring Water Festival, happening this year on May 2-3rd, 2025 Spring Water Festival Committee member Joy Zapada said. “We’ve made some exciting changes, including moving the festival to May, and we want you to be part of this incredible event that brings together the local community, small businesses, and vibrant creative talents.”
Zapada is the craft vendor organizer for the festival. “This year, we have a variety of vendor spots available, and we would love to see your business represented at this fantastic celebration.”
Vendor Opportunities include:
Retail/Craft Vendors: If you’re a retail or craft business, this is your chance to showcase and sell your products to a large, engaged audience. Whether you specialize in handmade goods, unique crafts, or retail items, we’d love to have you join us!
Non-Profit/Business Display Vendors: If you’re a non-profit or a business looking to promote your cause, services, or products, we have display spaces available. These spots are perfect for advertising and connecting with attendees. Please note, display vendors are not allowed to sell directly during the event, but it’s an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and interact with potential clients, partners, or supporters.
“This is the perfect opportunity to connect with other local businesses, showcase your work, and be part of an event that celebrates everything we love about our community,” Zapada said. “Whether you’re selling products, spreading the word about your business, or engaging with potential customers, the Spring Water Festival is sure to be an unforgettable experience.”
“We can’t wait to spend the weekend with you and other local businesses to celebrate the season, showcase your offerings, and create lasting memories. Let’s make this year’s festival the best one yet!”
To reserve your spot please complete the application link that corresponds with your vendor type. “We look forward to having you be a part of this year’s festival.”
Spring Water Festival 2024 will be last in August
The 43rd Annual Spring Water Festival, held in Williamston’s historic Mineral Spring Park, is one of the longest running festivals in the upstate and has only been canceled one time during its existence, in 2020 due to COVID.
It is held in one of the oldest public parks in the country.
The festival began in 1981, as a way to raise money to continue another popular Williamston attraction, the Christmas Park, which draws thousands of visitors to Williamston during the holiday season.
Over the years, various groups and individuals contributed time and energy to decorate the park, but as enthusiasm declined, fewer people were helping. Finally, after the park went dark one Christmas season, a local business person with a heart for the community vowed not to let it happen again. Through the efforts of Mertie Kelly, and the help of others, the Spring Water Festival was born.
The event has always been held on the fourth Saturday, and later the fourth weekend, in August.
Year after year, one of the most asked questions about the festival has been, “Why don’t you hold it on another date when it is cooler?”
Prior to the Spring Water Festival last year, members of the Williamston Fire Department, organizers of the festival car show, were already considering holding their annual car show in the Spring, instead of the month of August.
After an extremely hot Spring Water Festival day, members of the Spring Water Festival Committee began seriously considering changing the date. A majority of Spring Water Committee members felt that the festival should be moved to a date in the Spring that the Fire Department decided on for their car show.
A majority of responders to a social media survey done after the 2023 festival were supportive of the idea and Spring Water Committee members decided they wanted to change the date of the festival.
Organizers of the festival and car show intended to change the date of the festival to sometime in April of 2024, but due to a short planning period and conflicts with other festivals and events, it was decided that they should stay with the 4th weekend of August for 2024, and make the announcement that the date will change for 2025.
The festival celebrated their 43rd year on August 23 & 24, 2024.
According to organizers, 2024 will be the last year the Spring Water Festival is held in August.
Tentative date for the 44th annual Spring Water Festival will be the first weekend in May. The new date will be May 2 & 3, 2025!
The 43rd Annual Spring Water Festival will be Aug. 23 & 24, 2024 in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park
SPONSORED BY .. .
The Spring Water Festival Features:
Arts & Crafts – Live Music – 5K Run – Gospel Music Showcase – Free Children’s Activities – Amusement Rides – Antique Car Show – Festival Food – Exhibits – Souvenirs 50 plus Craft and Boutique Vendors – 40 plus Display Vendors – 12 Food Vendors – Live Music – 150 + Car Show entries – Jeeps – Fire Truck Rides
FREE ADMISSION – FREE PARKING
Mineral Spring Park one of the oldest in the country Research shows Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park is one of the oldest public parks, and may be the oldest, in the country. Central Park in New York was established in 1853. Research on the town’s park shows it may have been established in 1844 or 1854. Documents are still being looked at to determine the exact date. When the town’s founder, West Allen Williams set aside property for a park and surrounding town, it was done during a time when the country was being pioneered and there wasn’t much thought of public parks. The town was incorporated Dec. 16, 1852.
ROAD CLOSURES On Friday, Aug. 23 from 5-11 pm – East Main/West Main Street will be shut down from Pelzer Ave to Minor St.. Detour is around Town Hall. Parking is available in the old Town Square Center parking lot. Saturday, Aug. 24 from 7 am – 5 pm. – East Main/West Main Street will be shut down from Mill St. to Gossett Dr. on West Main St. From 4 pm -10 pm, Main St. will be shut down from Pelzer Ave to Minor Street. Detour will be around town hall.
Live Music Friday Night
6 pm – Blue Sky Blues Band 8 pm – The Fortunate Sons
Blue Sky Blues Band Blue Sky is a blues/rock band from Piedmont that boasts some of the area’s top local talent. Featuring Ian Alerre on drums, Steve Myers on bass, and Adam Lindsley on guitar and vocals, Blue Sky is sure to deliver a fun and energetic performance. Listeners can expect to hear a variety of classic blues and rock songs with a few originals mixed in! Be sure to visit their website at www.reverbnation.com/blueskybluesband.
The Fortunate Sons The Fortunate Sons are a rock n’ roll party band from the Greenville area of South Carolina. Drawing from influences of rock, blues, pop, and soul from the likes of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Motown and The Beatles. The Fortunate Sons create a musical environment that all audiences can engage and enjoy! This 5 piece band of young men from the Upstate play everything from concert halls, private parties, weddings, and corporate events. Their ability to blend the sounds of yesterday’s classic rock-n-roll with those of today makes for an undeniable crowd-pleasing performance.
Williamston Fire Department Auto Show A tremendous display of antique and classic autos and trucks will surely delight enthusiasts during the 43rd Annual Spring Water Festival. The show is being held at the Williamston Fire Dept. and on West Main St. in front of the park. It is being sponsored by Clinkscales Chevrolet in Belton, Kenneth Rhodes & Associates Insurance Managing Partner Laruen Marvin and the Williamston Fire Department. Organizer Williamston Fire Chief David Huff said he is expecting more than 100 antique autos, street rods, customs, trucks and other special vehicles to be on display. The show will feature the town’s 1936 Chevrolet Fire Engine. Vehicles from outside the local area are also expected. This year there will be a $500 Cash Give-a-Way to registered entries, $100 each hour. Registration will be $20 with awards to the top 25, plus six specialty awards. Owners may register their vehicles between 8 a.m. and noon on festival day. Persons interested in displaying a customized vehicle, antique or tractor in the show can register on festival day. Specialty awards include Best Original, Best GM, Best Ford, Best Truck, Best Street Rod, Best Rat Rod, Best Jeep, Mayor’s Choice, and The Will Drake Memorial Award. A new award, the Steve Ellison Memorial Award was added in 2021. Trophies are a special design. The fire department will also offer $1 rides on the restored 1936 Chevrolet fire engine.
Antique Firetruck Rides The Williamston Fire Department will be offering rides for $1 per person on Williamston’s antique firetruck on festival day. Proceeds will be used to continue restoration and upkeep on the vehicle. Engine #1 was put into service in the town in 1936 and remained in service until 1962. Department firefighters have worked numerous hours to restore the appearance of the 1936 Chevrolet. The restoration effort on the truck amounted to more than $8000. The local firefighters have done most of the work themselves. Volunteers rebuilt the truck’s motor, making the majority of the parts themselves. Workers went by a pattern, then cut out metal and wood for the seats. Running boards for the truck were fashioned at Jimmy Jeanes’ sign shop in Pelzer. David Harvell’s Old Time Body Shop painted the truck. Firefighters refinished ladders and shined up original brass fire extinguishers and hose fittings. A major expense, which had to be done by professionals, was re-chroming the grill, rails, and other parts. The process cost the department about $3600. A chrome bell and spotlight has been mounted on the vehicle. In addition to a fun day at the festival, the firetruck restoration project also preserves a part of the town’s history. The vehicle replaced a wooden wheeled hose carrier which was pulled behind a car. That antique contraption is still stored at the department. The 1936 truck was used to fight several memorable fires. The truck was used in 1956 at the largest fire the town ever had, which burned Mark’s Dept. Store, a shirt manufacturing operation, and an old theater building used as a warehouse on Main St. The truck was also used earlier to fight a fire at the White Swan Laundry and Dry Cleaners and in 1950 when the auditorium of the Williamston First Baptist Church was destroyed by a blaze. Since the old truck has been taken out of fire service, it is used for parades, festival rides, and to transport Santa Claus to the opening of the Christmas Park. Due to the skill and dedication of Williamston’s firemen, the old truck remains in mint condition. The firetruck was featured on the 1999, 2009 and is on the 2021 40th Anniversary festival T-shirt.
Spring Water Festival Features FREE Parking PUBLIC PARKING The Williamston Police Dept. recommends the following locations when looking for parking at this year’s festival: Behind Soccer Fields – Limited parking will be available behind the soccer fields with access from Mauldin St. Festival goers parking in this area can easily walk under the Main Street bridge to the craft and food area. The Armory Fitness (old Armory) on Gossett Dr. – Public Parking is available in the field area adjacent to the Armory which now houses Armory Fitness, with short walk to craft and food area of the festival. Municipal Center – Limited parking will be available in the parking lot located behind town hall and at the baseball fields. HANDICAP PARKING Handicap parking will be available with decal beside the Historic Depot on Main St. and in front of the Municipal Center from Minor St. and Main St. CRAFT VENDORS Crafters will have limited designated parking at the corner of Gossett Dr. and West Main and with public parking available at the Armory on Gossett Dr. BUSINESS/DISPLAY VENDORS Business and Display vendors will be given a parking pass during registration and will be allowed to park in designated parking just outside the rear gate entrance/exit with pass. OTHER NOTES Visitors are reminded not to park on private property or block entrances to homes or businesses in the area. Vendors may set up on Thursday evening with festival representative approval or until 6 p.m. on Friday. Craft Vendors may begin unloading at 6 a.m. Saturday on Gossett Dr. Signs will direct crafters to Gossett Dr. for unloading and parking on festival day. Registration will be in the Gazebo. Business/Display and NonProfits who set up Saturday must register at the shelter in the center of the park.
Thank You The Williamston Springwater Committee gratefully acknowledges the contribution of time, money, and talent given by individuals, businesses, volunteers and organizations in Williamston and surrounding areas. Special Thanks to all volunteers and others who have helped with repairs and painting and other work done in the park over the years. Medshore Ambulance & Anderson County Paramedics for providing medical assistance. Williamston Police Department for security and traffic control. The Town of Williamston Street Department for providing trash pickup services. Also for the support of the Town of Williamston, Mayor, Council and employees. Thanks to all who helped make the 43rd Annual Spring Water Festival a success!
