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Free Backpacks, One Last Summer Splash & a New Parkway Tribute ~ This Week’s Electric City Shoutouts
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Free Backpacks, One Last Summer Splash & a New Parkway Tribute ~ This Week’s Electric City Shoutouts
Your Anderson County guide to school-supply giveaways, Pendleton family fun, a new local business celebration and the meaningful story behind a renamed roadway.
Electric City Shoutouts

Electric City Shoutouts

Jul 22, 2026

ECS #80 Edition ~ July 22, 2026 

πŸ’¬ 5 Comments

Let's be honest—summer isn't over yet and nobody's rushing to trade pool days for homework. But here's the thing: back-to-school season is sneaking up fast and communities across Anderson County are already stepping up in a big way.

 

From free backpacks stuffed with supplies to fresh haircuts, hot dogs, bounce houses and even a little fellowship—local churches, organizations and businesses are making sure every family starts the school year on the right foot. Whether you're looking for free


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PT
Pam T.Reader
5 days ago

β€œGlad the churches are involved, but would love to see more non-religious events too.”

Anderson, summer is moving fast and apparently it packed the calendar before leaving town! 

 

This week brings back-to-school giveaways, a downtown business celebration, a roadway tribute honoring a beloved public servant, and one last giant splash before school begins. 

 

Whether you’re hunting for backpacks, supporting a new local business, exploring Pendleton history, or standing safely beneath a fire-hose-sized cloud of water, there’s plenty happening around the Electric City.

 

Grab your calendar, check the forecast and let’s jump into another busy week around Anderson County!

Anderson, SC Weather
July 22–28, 2026
WED
Jul 22
🌦️
91°
76°
Late showers
THU
Jul 23
β›ˆοΈ
86°
74°
Thunderstorms
FRI
Jul 24
🌧️
81°
71°
Thundershowers
SAT
Jul 25
β›ˆοΈ
83°
72°
Storms & clouds
SUN
Jul 26
🌦️
89°
72°
Late showers
MON
Jul 27
β›…
93°
73°
Broken clouds
TUE
Jul 28
β›…
95°
74°
Partly cloudy
Keep the umbrella nearby through the weekend. Drier weather returns Monday, followed by a hot Tuesday with temperatures in the mid-90s.

What's Everyone Talking About This Week?

 

  • Anderson County families are preparing for school with backpack giveaways, free supplies, haircuts, food, and community celebrations happening across the area.
  •  
  • East-West Parkway has received a meaningful new name, honoring the public service and legacy of former Anderson County Clerk of Court Richard A. Shirley.
  •  
  • Upstate Aikido is celebrating its Anderson location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chance for the community to see the new training space.
  •  
  • Pendleton is preparing for one final summer soaking as the fire department brings back the Last Splash of Summer event.
  •  
  • A busy weekend is coming to Pendleton, with historic tours, sidewalk art, community resources, water games, and family activities packed into just a few days.

Trivia Question❓

What was Anderson’s Main Street known as during the 1780s?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Pendleton Historic Foundation 250th Celebration Home Tour

πŸ“… Date: Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, 2026
πŸ•’ Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
πŸ“ Location: Historic sites around Pendleton
🎟️ Admission: $25 per person
πŸ“„ Details: Step into Upstate history during a guided tour created for America’s 250th anniversary. Admission includes three historic destinations, and each tour is limited to 30 guests—so this is not the weekend to embrace your “I’ll decide later” personality.

πŸ”— View tour information

 

Last Splash of Summer

πŸ“… Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
πŸ•’ Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
πŸ“ Location: Pendleton Community Center and Heritage Park
🎟️ Admission: Free
πŸ“„ Details: Cool off beneath the Pendleton Fire Department’s fire-hose spray before heading to Heritage Park for water games, nonprofit activities, and family fun. Bring clothes that can get soaked—and maybe leave the fancy shoes at home.

πŸ”— View event information

 

FamilyFest Sidewalk Chalk Festival

πŸ“… Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
πŸ•’ Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
πŸ“ Location: Downtown Pendleton
🎟️ Admission: Free
πŸ“„ Details: After drying off from the Last Splash, families can create colorful sidewalk art, explore downtown, and support nearby businesses during this creative community event. No professional art skills required—enthusiastic stick figures are always welcome.

πŸ”— View event information

 

Janet Greenlee Day

πŸ“… Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
πŸ•’ Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
πŸ“ Location: Veterans Park, Pendleton
🎟️ Admission: Free
πŸ“„ Details: Celebrate community with local vendors, churches, merchants, free food, school supplies, flag football, and helpful resources from organizations serving the area. It’s a full afternoon of connection, support, and family-friendly fun.

πŸ”— View event information

πŸ’¬ 3 Comments

Anderson County officials have renamed East-West Parkway to honor a man who devoted his life to serving the people of Anderson County. The roadway will now be known as Richard A. Shirley Parkway, commemorating the beloved former Anderson County Clerk of Court.


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TO
tori_18Reader
5 days ago

β€œKind of weird calling it anything but East-West now but I get why they did it.”

πŸ’¬ 2 Comments

The Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate the opening of Upstate Aikido with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Thursday morning. The event marks an exciting addition to Anderson's growing business community and brings a new martial arts option for residents of all ages.


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RJ
Ron JacobsReader
5 days ago

β€œNice to see more options for the kids in town.”

πŸ’¬ 1 Comment

Sassy Woof is around 4 years old, weighs 45 lbs, is already spayed, and is up to date on her vaccines and prevention. Sadly, she is only here due to her owner being evicted. She is incredibly dog social and is even one of our helper dogs during playgroups


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JW
Jessie W.Reader
5 days ago

β€œshe looks so sweet, hope she finds a home soon”

~ Find of the Week ~ 

Okay... hear us out. 

 

We stumbled across these crispy spicy whole crab snacks and they're definitely one of the most unique snacks we've seen in a while. 

 

Are they delicious... or are they a dare? ⁉️ There's only one way to find out! If you're feeling adventurous, this might be the snack your next road trip or movie night has been missing.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a small commission from links in this newsletter, including Amazon and other partners ~ at no extra cost to you.

πŸ’¬ 3 Comments

Join the Pendleton Community Center, Fire Department, and Police Department for a morning of water fun, games, and community celebration at Heritage Park on Friday, July 25 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

 

Activities include fire hose spray, water games hosted by local nonprofits, and watercolor art stations for all ages.


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DA
dave_hReader
5 days ago

β€œFire hose sprays were the best when I was a kid. Glad they’re bringing this tradition back!”

Tip of The Day

Take a quick photo of your child before entering a crowded community event.

 

It gives you a current picture of exactly what they’re wearing should you become separated and it takes only a few seconds. Hopefully, the photo’s only other purpose will be documenting the moment they somehow acquired three snow cones and a balloon sword.

πŸ’‘ Answer to Trivia Question:

Revolutionary War General Robert Anderson.

General’s Road. The route connected Abbeville with the home of Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens at Tamassee in present-day Oconee County. A historic marker now commemorates the road near Main and Whitner streets in downtown Anderson..

Important Anderson, SC Phone Numbers & Links at a Glance

If you’re handling a non-emergency, need help with local utilities, or looking for community resources, these key Anderson contacts have you covered.


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

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Electric City Shoutouts

Β© 2026 Electric City Shoutouts.


Electric City Shoutouts is your go-to source for all things Anderson, SC. Stay connected with the latest local news, upcoming events, community stories, and insider tips that keep the "Electric City" buzzing. Whether it's the highlights of life in the foothills or behind-the-scenes updates from around town, we’ve got you covered with fresh, engaging content delivered straight to your inbox.

Β© 2026 Electric City Shoutouts.

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