County Marks History with Downtown Bicentennial Parade

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

On Sunday afternoon, the rain held off and Anderson County turned downtown into a historic grand gathering with the downtown Bicentennial Parade, with more than 40 entries participating in the celebration.

The rare non-holiday parade gave residents from towns and neighborhoods across the county a chance to see themselves as part of one longer, larger story, one of 200 years of progress.

Some of the towns were well-represented in the parade. Iva recreated their town square complete with gazebo and benches. Williamston had the mineral spring flowing on their float. Belton’s entry included the standpipe and a red, white and blue tribute. The City of Anderson float also made an appearance.

But the county’s parade complete with historic bell that once was a feature of the courthouse downtown was perhaps the largest entry.

The parade is part of a year-long celebration of the county’s founding on Dec. 20, 1826.