Belton Celebrates 37th Standpipe Festival Saturday
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
It’s autumn, and residents know it is once again time for the Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival in Belton. On Saturday, the 37th annual event is set to draw thousands to downtown Belton, where city streets will transform into a hub of family entertainment, local heritage, and artistic celebration.
The festival, sponsored by the City of Belton with support from numerous local organizations, offers free admission and parking — a tradition that organizers say underscores the inclusive spirit of the event.
Morning festivities begin at 8 a.m., when the American Legion opens its doors on Campbell Street for a community breakfast, featuring classic Southern fare. At $10, the meal benefits American Legion youth programs.
Automotive enthusiasts will likely flock to the Clinkscales Chevrolet Open Car Show, which surrounds the Square with vintage and contemporary cars vying for cash prizes and trophies. Meanwhile, across town, the inaugural Belton Alliance Pickle Ball Tournament starts at 9 a.m. at Terry Martin Field, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport in the Upstate.
The official festival opening is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., when the colors are presented by the B-HP AFJROTC, followed by the national anthem and special guest introductions.
Throughout the day, music drifts across Belton Square. Local talents and featured groups — such as Flourish Creative Arts Studio, classic rockers Jack Roper and the Weatherman Band, The Sensational Southern Echoes of Belton, and headliners The Tailgate Homeboys — promise a diverse lineup until the festival’s close at 8:30 p.m.
For art lovers, the Belton Center for the Arts offers a juried show of 60 works in various media, as well as an art market and a dedicated children’s creation station.
Families will find inflatables, games, train rides, and numerous hands-on activities. Historical interpreters narrate Anderson County’s past at Heritage Days at the Depot, with artisans performing traditional crafts and actors portraying figures such Davy Crockett and Harriet Tubman sharing stories with visitors.
Other attractions include locomotive tours, tennis exhibits, a bustling craft market, and the opportunity to tour the historic Belton Standpipe — the festival’s namesake.
Local food vendors serve everything from barbecue to fried Oreos, and football fans can watch live collegiate games at Sugar Hill Tap House, which offers an array of refreshments.
The day’s events also serve a philanthropic purpose. Blood donors aboard the Big Red Bus will receive a commemorative T-shirt and gift card for their contributions to the community.
As dusk falls, the festival concludes with a fireworks display over the historic Standpipe, promising a memorable finale for Anderson County’s oldest autumn tradition.
Organizers note that the schedule is subject to adjustment due to weather or unforeseen events. For updates, residents are encouraged to check the event’s Facebook page.
