Rhythm on the River Draws Crowds, Dodges Rain Forecasts

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Cool temperatures and overcast skies, but not a raindrop, greeted the crowds who filled Dolly Cooper Park on Saturday for the Fifth Annual River on the River Festival.

This year marked a return to a stand-alone festival following a year when the event was merged with the Saluda River Rally. Making his debut was the event’s mascot, Saluda Sal, who is expected to be an even bigger part of the event in the years ahead.

The festival moved closer to the river this year and featured music, food, kid’s activities, art, vendors and other attractions.

Johnny Harvin of Connect Powdersville, the organization who works all year to plan and execute the festival said it’s a way to give back to a place he loves.

“I love Powdersville,” said Harvin. “I live here, I work here, go to church here, my kids go to school here. And I love it. It's a great, great place to be. But we didn't really have anything. So that was kind of how things started in 2019. We started planning it, and we just wanted to give Powdersville a sense of place, its own thing, and it just exploded. I mean, to what you see this year.”

Anderson County Councilman Jimmy Davis, who represents the district where Dolly Cooper Park is located, said the festival highlights the importance of community.

“It's great for Anderson County and we've got a great date planned with something for everybody here at Rhythm on the River,” said Davis. “It's about community and that's what it's all about here, is building our community and it's building an atmosphere and an environment around that word community because that's what Powdersville is all about: this wonderful community that we have and just keep making it better. And we're looking forward to what the future holds for us.”