ECS Edition V#030 July 30th, 2025 

Happy late July, Electric City! With back-to-school around the corner, this week offers one last summer hurrah—including lakeside fun, community wins, and live events that promise warm memories.

Dive into the final week of sun-soaked adventures

before the fall rush begins!

Which iconic Anderson site was originally built as an aviation-themed playground and now serves as a city rec area?

A) Anderson City Park
B) Asbury Park
C) Rocky River Conservancy
D) Whitney Field

South Carolina’s annual Sales Tax Holiday returns from 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, 2025.

During these 72 hours, shoppers statewide can enjoy back-to-school shopping without paying the 6% state sales tax or local taxes on qualifying items.

Tax-free purchases include clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks, computers, printers, and select bed and bath items.

However, some products such as jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, furniture, and layaway items remain taxable.

Phones and portable devices used mainly for calling, music, videos, or reading are also not exempt.

Both in-store and online purchases qualify, making it easy for families to save as they get ready for the new school year.

Last year, shoppers saved over $1.3 million on more than $22 million in tax-free goods.

Check with local retailers for participation and details.

The Anderson County Council has advanced a proposal for a one-percent sales tax referendum, aiming to fund urgent road and bridge repairs throughout the county.

Projected to raise nearly $380 million over eight years, the tax would target infrastructure improvements without applying to essential items like groceries and gasoline.

All collected funds are legally mandated for road and bridge repairs, with transparency and public oversight built into the process.

To jump-start projects, officials advocate a $20 million bond, enabling immediate progress rather than waiting for tax revenues to accrue.

The tax proposal’s language and project list are clearly defined by the Capital Project Sales Tax Commission to ensure accountability.

Any surplus after completing prioritized repairs would support additional transportation needs.

Residents will decide this fall, with county leaders emphasizing clarity, transparency, and targeted investment in Anderson’s future transportation.

Looking for unbeatable prices on your favorite reads? Visit The Book Corner, where Brenda and Gary have been sharing their love of books with the Anderson community for over 50 years!

From bestsellers and classics to hidden gems and children’s stories, their carefully curated collection is updated regularly — and the prices can’t be beat. Whether you’re shopping for back-to-school, building your personal library, or hunting for a weekend escape in paperback form, this is your go-to local book haven.

📍 Located inside the Anderson Jockey Lot
🕘 Open every weekend — don’t miss out!

📖 Come browse, chat with Brenda and Gary, and find your next great read!

🎒 Anderson Sam’s Club Back‑to‑School Savings
📍 3812 Liberty Hwy Ste 6, Anderson, SC 29621
Running through August 17, Sam’s Club is hosting its July Instant Savings Event, featuring discounts on clothing, school supplies, backpacks, and more. Members can also score tax‑free weekend savings via South Carolina’s state holiday (Aug 1–3)—making it an ideal stop for big school-shopping needs.

📚 Downtown Anderson Unveils Small Business Back‑to‑School Specials
📍 Various shops across Main St and downtown Anderson
On August 2, shops in downtown Anderson will host special back‑to‑school deals and sales, including discounts on kids' clothing, stationery, and local artisanal goods — celebrating the end of summer and the upcoming school year. https://www.facebook.com/downtownanderson 

🎁 Upstate Kids Consignment Sale – All‑Season Back‑to‑School Event
📍 Anderson Civic Center, 3027 MLK Jr Blvd, Anderson, SC 29625
From August 6–9, the Upstate Kids Consignment Sale returns with early VIP access on Friday evening (6–8 PM). Shoppers can score half‑price tags on children’s clothing and school gear for the year ahead.

🎒 Backpack Giveaway at Homeland Park Baptist
📍 3010 Abbeville Hwy, Anderson, SC 29624
On Sunday, July 27, local families can attend a free school supply giveaway hosted by Homeland Park Baptist and Southside Baptist Church. Children must be present to receive supplies. It’s happening just in time for families preparing for the first day of class.

T. L. Hanna High Volleyball Wins First Regional Title

T. L. Hanna’s Lady Yellow Jackets secured their first-ever regional volleyball championship this July. Clinching victory 3–1 against Greer High, the team now heads to state playoffs. Head Coach Brittany Fields praised their teamwork, saying, “These girls played with heart—and history followed.”

Still Time for Summer Fun! KidVenture Splash Pad Open Through August 5

Before the backpacks come out and school bells start ringing, there’s still time to soak up some sunshine and cool off with the kids! The KidVenture Splash Pad in Anderson is the perfect last-chance adventure before summer wraps up.

Open daily through August 5, this family-favorite spot features playful water jets, spray zones, shaded seating, and plenty of space for laughter and splashing. It’s designed for all ages to enjoy-whether your little ones want to run through fountains or just relax under the mist.

Located inside the KidVenture Park, it’s a low-cost, high-fun way to wrap up the season with a bang. Operating hours are 9 AM to 8 PM daily, so there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a visit after work or make it a weekend finale.

Grab the swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen-and make the most of these last days of summer! For more info, check Anderson County Parks & Rec.

Get ready to gather inspiration and enjoy hands-on displays from local experts! This two-day show highlights the latest in home improvement, landscaping, decor, and sustainable living.

🏡 Anderson Home & Garden Show – August 2–3, 2025

📍 Anderson Civic Center
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM | Free Admission

Expect exclusive show-only discounts, live workshops on cooking, interior design, smart tech, and outdoor upgrades. There’s plenty to explore at every booth under one roof. Anderson Home & Garden Show

New Nonprofit “Homes for Heroes” Now Serving Anderson
A national faith-based nonprofit is establishing its first local outreach to help veterans and first responders secure affordable homeownership in the Anderson area—building community stability through home stewardship.

Charity of the Month: AIM – Supporting Summer Food & Stability

Our featured charity for July is Accept. Inspire. Minister. (AIM)—a trusted local non-profit serving Anderson County since the early ’90s. With a mission centered on a hand-up, not a hand-out, AIM offers vital support through employment training, financial stability programs, housing rehabilitation, and more. https://www.aimcharity.org/

This month, we’re shining a light on AIM’s Summer Food 4 Kids and Foodshare Anderson programs. While schools are out, many children lose access to nutritious meals. AIM is working to fill that gap, providing breakfast and lunch through school-based sites, along with weekend snack packs through Foodshare. These efforts ensure every child has the energy they need to learn, play, and grow.

Here’s how you can help:

• 🥫 Donate non-perishable food or healthy snacks—drop them off at AIM’s distribution center at 1202 S Murray Ave.

• 🤝 Volunteer your time: help with packing boxes, food distribution, or snack preparation.

• 💵 Make a financial gift: $25 can feed a child for a week.

AIM partners with local churches and volunteers, delivering compassion and dignity to families across our community. Small acts of kindness create lasting results. Let’s rally for our kids this summer—visit AIM’s site to learn more and get involved!

Craving Cookies Like Grandma's — But Even Better?

Say hello to Bella Stanley, Anderson’s rising young baker behind Bella’s Sweet Treats! From classic chocolate chip to creative cookie combos, Bella is baking up handcrafted goodness that tastes like nostalgia—with a little extra magic.

Whether you're planning a party, need a sweet surprise, or just want to treat yourself, Bella’s got the perfect cookie for the moment.

💥 New specials drop regularly, and her batches sell out fast—don’t wait!

👉 Follow Bella’s Sweet Treats on Facebook to grab your goodies before they’re gone!

Tip of The Day

Turn leftover summer herbs into refreshing herb-ice cubes! Chop mint or basil into ice trays, top with water, and freeze. Drop into your iced tea or lemonade for a fresh, seasonal twist.

Events (July 30–August 5, 2025)

🎡 KidVenture Summer Splash Pad
Daily through August 5 | KidVenture Park, Anderson — Cool off before school starts with this splash pad, open 9 AM–8 PM.
🔗 Details

🚤 Ladies Who Jet Ski – Ride for Cancer Awareness
August 8 | Clemson Marina, Seneca — Annual event raising funds for the Cancer Association of Anderson; boats, fun, and community.
🔗 Event Info

   Faceb🎣 Collegiate Bass Series Highlights
August 1–2 | Lake Hartwell (Green Pond Landing) — While this year’s tour wrapped up in May, follow-up amateur competitions and public weigh-ins keep the lake lively.
🔗 Info & Livestreams

🌟 The Hot Air Affair – Rising Above Cancer
Labor Day Weekend Preview for Aug 30–Sept 1 | Anderson — A hot-air balloon and community music fundraiser presented by Cancer Association of Anderson.
🔗 Preview Info

Weather Forecast (July 30 – August 5, 2025)

B) Asbury Park — once built as an aviation-themed playground at the Anderson Airport, now featuring walking trails, kayak access, and community space round out its legacy.

Stay tuned for more updates and events in our next edition.

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