Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008

City shines with silver celebration Saturday

By Editorial

Enquirer Herald

Saturday will be a special day for the White Rose City as it celebrates Summerfest's Silver Anniversary.

York's annual summer send-off has long been described as the largest one-day festival in the Upcountry. It draws thousands of people into downtown and is easily one of western York County's most exciting events.

The event's organizers have worked hard to provide a good time for all who come.

The festival kicks off Friday night with several events, including live music from Flash Back at Downtown Live and the Moonlight Bike Ride.

But the big day is Saturday.

At 9 a.m. sharp, the streets come alive. Vendors from across the region will be on hand, selling the products they create with their own hands. There will be tons of food and drinks.

Other activities include a Fun Run and 5K Run, antique tractor show, hot-air balloon rides, a classic car show and the annual antique sale at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Activities designed especially for kids include a drawing contest, a robot demonstration, a petting zoo and water basketball. And the music lineup includes bluegrass, country, jazz and beach music, plus oldies from the 1960s and 1970s. Also this year, Summerfest coincides with the 27th Annual Colgate Country Showdown, a national competition that searches for country music's next big star. It will be held at Sylvia Theater.

York has a rich history of celebrating summer's end.

According to the Greater York Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event, the grand celebration of summer evolved from two previous attractions promoting Historic York. The York Colonial Festival, a Jaycee-sponsored event, premiered in 1960. The South Carolina Grape Festival debuted in 1965, spanning 15 years.

Summerfest made its debut in 1984 and has since been touted several times as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Barring a visit by Tropical Storm Fay, we're sure this year's Summerfest will be one of the best ever.

Happy 25th birthday, Summerfest.

We'll see ya Saturday!