Electric City Shoutouts has always had one simple goal:

Help people discover more of what’s happening right here in our community.

The businesses. The food. The events. The hidden gems. The people and places that make Anderson special.

But we’ve wanted to take that idea one step further.

What if you didn’t have to wait for the next newsletter to discover something local?

Residents in Pendleton, South Carolina are raising concerns about a proposed subdivision called Retreat at Town Creek. The development, located between Lebanon Road and rural Cherry Street Extension, has sparked community activism around water protection, emergency services coverage, and the cost of infrastructure improvements.

Duke Energy has been awarded a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to modernize the Carolina power grid. The investment aims to lower customer costs, accelerate infrastructure improvements, and improve outage response for communities including Anderson, South Carolina.

Behind every handmade treat from The Sweet Loft Co. is a mother working toward something bigger than baking. Courtney creates custom desserts in Anderson, SC — cookie cakes, cakepops, cupcakes, and chocolate-covered treats — all prayed over before they go out. But the real story? Every order helps fund an AAC communication device for her daughter Ella, who has autism and is nonverbal. Courtney does not want handouts. She wants to earn it doing something she loves. One order at a time, they are getting closer to giving Ella her voice.

Electric City Shoutouts rounded up the best fall festivals around Anderson County and nearby Upstate communities. From the Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival to Walhalla Oktoberfest, the SC Bigfoot Festival to Denver Downs Farm — there is something for everyone this October. Check dates, times, locations, and official links all in one place.

Marmalade is a 7-year-old, 45-pound Plott Hound mix who was found abandoned and underweight. After more than three months of care at Anderson County PAWS, she has gained weight and grown confident with both people and dogs. She loves peanut butter and chin scratches, and what she really wants is a couch to call her own. Come meet her Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday from 12-5pm.

Starbucks sent an email to customers on September 26, 2026 announcing the closure of their Hwy 28 & Whitehall Rd location in Anderson.

Anderson Farm to Table 2026 returns Tuesday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Church Street Heritage Plaza in Downtown Anderson.

The annual event pairs downtown restaurants with local farms to create seasonal tasting bites, giving guests a chance to sample a wide range of Anderson’s food scene in one evening.

Ten restaurants are listed for this year’s event, along with three beverage vendors.

Each $20 ticket includes one tasting from every participating restaurant.

The gathering highlights the chefs, farmers and small businesses behind Anderson’s local food community while bringing residents together in the heart of downtown.

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