ECS Edition V#029 July 23rd, 2025 

Hey, Electric City! As July’s heat peaks, our community is sizzling with new happenings. This week’s edition features exciting local wins, sizzling events, and a surprise sports spotlight to keep you in the loop. Let’s ride this summer wave together! 

Rock the Country Hits Anderson This Weekend - A Star‑Powered Summer Blowout!

Get ready, Anderson -- the loudest, rowdiest weekend of the summer is finally here!

What structure in Anderson was once a car dealership and now houses rotating art installations?
A) The Classic Car Showroom
B) The Old Garage on Main
C) Auburn Station
D) The Belton Auto Gallery

Lake Hartwell is set to host the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2, a top-tier fishing tournament running July 24–26, 2025.

 Professional anglers will compete at Green Pond Landing, aiming for a $115,000 top prize and crucial points on the Major League Fishing circuit. majorleaguefishing.com

The tournament brings national attention to Anderson, complete with livestream weigh-ins and scenic lakeside broadcasting. Watch as pros chase trophy bass in a strategic, multi-day catch-and-weigh format—plus expect community-tailored events like meet-and-greets, sponsor demos, and family-friendly vendor booths.

With professional angling spotlighting Lake Hartwell’s iconic beauty and ecological value, this high-profile event blends sport, tourism, and local pride perfectly.

The United Way of Anderson County is gearing up for its Annual Celebration & Campaign Kick-Off on August 6 at Anderson University’s G. Ross Anderson Student Center Ballroom, presented by South State Bank. This event brings together donors, volunteers, and nonprofit leaders to reflect on the past year’s impact—and set bold goals for 2026.

Expect keynote speakers, highlights from initiatives in health, education, and financial stability, and the prestigious Community Impact Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Notably, United Way serves more than 56,000 residents annually, including financial coaching, mental-health support, and school-based snack packs.

Tickets for the luncheon-style gathering are $60 per person, with sponsorships fully secured—but individual tickets are still available. If you're passionate about supporting families, youth, and neighbors in need, this evening is a powerful way to connect and contribute right here in Anderson. United Way of Anderson

Anderson County has launched an innovative partnership between the sheriff’s department and local health providers to offer dedicated mental health and addiction counselors at the county jail. Funded via a grant, the program supports inmates with services and free rehab scholarships—removing barriers and bringing hope to families across the region.

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!

Summer brings a fresh chance for young readers and animal lovers in our community, thanks to the new Paws and Pages Literacy Program from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA).

The program kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the HSSA Education building, promising to boost children's reading skills while offering shelter pets some extra care and attention.

Kids ages 6 to 17 are invited to read aloud to animals at the shelter, a proven way to help shy dogs feel at ease—and to encourage more confident young readers.

Children must wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and review safety guidelines with a parent or guardian before participating, with an adult required during each session.

Readers are rewarded with bookmarks and special prizes as they reach reading milestones, making every visit both fun and meaningful for our youngest volunteers and shelter animals alike.

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!

Anderson, SC - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets - PawBoost

Tip of The Day

Don't forget to bring insect repellent when visiting Lake Hartwell to keep those pesky bugs at bay while enjoying the outdoors!

Events (July 9–15, 2025)

• 🎸 Rock The Country Festival
  July 25–26 | Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center
  Two-day, star-studded shows featuring Kid Rock, Nickelback, Hank Williams Jr., Tracy Lawrence & more!
  🔗 Festival Info & Tickets +9
  
  
  

• 👟 Junior Tennis Championship at AU Courts
  July 24–26 | Anderson University
  Youth players from around SC compete for trophies and titles in various age brackets.

• 🎨 Belton Art & Wine Walk
  July 26 | Belton Town Square
  Sample local art, live music, and wine at downtown shops.
  🔗 Event Details (Belton SC official page)

• 🚲 Seneca Evening Pedal & Picnic
  July 27 | 5 PM | Oconee County Multi-Use Trail
  A scenic family-friendly ride followed by a BYO picnic at the park.

• 🎭 Clemson Shakespeare in the Park
  July 28 | 7 PM | Memorial Stadium Lawn, Clemson University
  Enjoy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” under the stars.
  🔗 More Info

B) The Old Garage on Main – It housed local car dealerships in the 1950s and now features rotating public art installations downtown.

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

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