June 28th Carolina Day in Wren Park Celebrates the SC250
Festivities begin at 1 PM
Carolina Day commemorates the Battle of Sullivan’s Island and the Patriot victory over the British on June 28, 1776. This was one of the first major American victories in the Revolutionary War. Communities across South Carolina will mark the occasion with celebrations honoring this pivotal moment in the state’s history.
Anderson’s Carolina Day celebration will be in Wren Park on Sunday, June 28, beginning at 1 PM. Anderson County, The City of Anderson, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce and the AC SC250 Committee invite the community to join them for a Revolutionary-era experience. The Anderson County Museum (ACM), Anderson Arts Center, Anderson Library, and Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) have planned a patriotic celebration with activities for all ages. Carolina Day in Anderson is supported by two grants totaling $30,000 from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission.
The Anderson County Museum (ACM) will feature a pop-up exhibit, In Our Revolutionary Era, exploring Anderson County in the age of independence. Visitors can enjoy a colonial-themed photo opportunity, make-and-take crafts, games, and a variety of museum and SC250 giveaways.
Colonial trade demonstrations will include quill writing, cording, spinning, weaving, hand quilting, and chair caning, and blacksmithing with a portable forge. Adding to the experience will be portrayals of Andrew Pickens, a Patriot Militiaman, and a Continental soldier, all dressed in Revolutionary-era clothing.
At the Anderson County Library tent, visitors can participate in hands-on activities, including creating a traditional colonial buzzsaw toy out of buttons, playing the Game of Graces or cornhole, and collecting fun giveaways such as stickers and wrist bracelets. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the library’s new bookmobile, sign up for library cards, and check out materials on-site.
The Anderson Arts Center strives to make art accessible in our community. They will feature an indigo artist demonstrating this historic art form. Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own piece of art to take home.
At 1:45 p.m., the Fell & Fair Revolutionary War-era Color Guard will present the colors and lead the National Anthem. Inspired by the brave members of the South Carolina Militia, this color guard honors the civilian soldiers who fought for liberty and self-determination during the Revolutionary War. Often called “Jacket Men” because of the distinctive hunting jackets they wore, these ordinary citizens displayed extraordinary courage in the fight for independence.
The color guard carries both the First Continental Flag—featuring 13 stars arranged in a circle on a blue field above 13 red and white stripes—and the Moultrie Flag. The Moultrie Flag was first used to signal that Charleston remained under South Carolinian control. It flew over Fort Moultrie during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island and later became the foundation of South Carolina’s state flag.
Taking the stage at 2 p.m. will be GAMAC’s Electric City Big Band. This talented ensemble of professional musicians will lead audiences on a musical journey through the history of “America’s classical music,” tracing the roots of jazz and performing beloved patriotic favorites in a jazz style.
At 2:50 p.m., attendees are invited to participate in the Ringing of the Bells, a signature SC250 commemoration. Bells throughout Anderson County will ring 25 times—one ring for each decade represented in the 250 years since the American Revolution—in celebration of Carolina Day and South Carolina’s enduring legacy of independence.
The Anderson County Museum and GAMAC would like to thank the SC250 Commission for the two grants that supported this event. SC250 was established by the SC Legislature to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary-Era and highlight the state’s significant role in securing America’s freedom by engaging and inspiring South Carolinians and visitors through heritage tourism, rural economic impact initiatives, and educational programs.
This event is presented by the Anderson County SC 250 Committee, whose mission is to honor and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in Anderson County through education opportunities, artistic expression and historic preservation efforts.