Standpipe Festival Marks 37th Year with Good Crowds, Perfect Weather
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The crowds and vendors returned to Belton on Saturday for the 37th annual Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival in Belton for a day of music, food, crafts, fireworks and other entertainment.
“We had such a good response to the event we had to turn vendors away,” said Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn. “People love it (this festival). I mean, it is. Just something for everybody all day long, and it's a beautiful day. They want to be here all day, and then their favorite thing is that 8:30 fireworks.”
The festival also offers the only opportunity each year to see the inside of the historic Belton Standpipe.
The landmark water tower is celebrated both as an engineering feat and a local symbol. Built between 1908-1909, the 155-foot structure is the tallest of three remaining standpipe-style water towers in the state and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987.
The tower was constructed using concrete poured in segmented stages, designed to resemble stone, and while commonly called a standpipe, it holds water only at the top in a tank (true standpipes store water the entire length). Its tank holds up to 165,000 gallons of water, channeled through a 10-inch pipe in the center. The interior lacks stairs; access is via a ladder outside. The foundation extends thirty feet below ground, flaring in a funnel shape to support its weight. The distinctive crenellated “cap” enhances its castle-like appearance.
The structure underwent renovation starting in 1989 and has been a focal point of community pride, celebrated annually during the festival.
Because of the standpipe, Belton was able to put bathrooms in the In the historic train depot not far away. In fact, the plans at the depot were updated to add bathrooms to the floor plan, said Belton Historian Jim Marshall, who added the standpipe was built by four men and two horses.
“This is one of our biggest festivals, and it not only draws around this area, it draws from states across in the southeast,” said South Carolina Sen. Mike Gambrell. “It gets bigger and bigger every year and all the entertainment's always good.”
“The standpipe is a great asset and just a fixture here in Belton,” said Anderson County Councilman Greg Elgin. “It’s good to get everybody together, and it brings people to Belton to Anderson County.”
