June 30th, July 1st & 3rd: The Spirit of Florence

The 9^th Annual Chick-Fil-A Spirit of Florence “A Family Celebration” will take place on Saturday, June 30 at Timrod Park and Legion Field and on Sunday, July 1 at Timrod Park. Come out and celebrate Our Country’s Independence with your friends and family. The Spirit of Florence is a Smoke Free, Non-Alcoholic,, Liter Free and Non-Soliciting event. Call 665-3253 for more info.

Starting things off on Saturday will be the Florence Track Club 5K Race/1 Mile Fun Walk. The race will begin at 8:00am with check in and “day of” registration between the hours of 7:00am and 7:45am at the Billy Jeffers Center at Timrod. Entry forms can be picked up at the City of Florence Parks & Beautification Administrative offices, All Star Sports, McLeod Fitness, Planet Fitness or the Fitness Forum. Entry fee is $15 for Military Veterans and $20 early registration which includes a t-shirt; $15 for no t-shirt registration, $25 for race day registration and the 1 Mile Fun walk is free with an option of purchasing a t-shirt for $10. To guarantee a t-shirt, the entry form must be in at least a week before the event. The course is USATF certified and will cover the Timrod Park neighborhood. Awards will be given.     

Following the race from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Timrod Park will be:

PLAYGROUND AREA

City of Florence Police Cars and Child ID Fingerprinting

Medstar EMS & Ice Towels

General Electric presents Magician John Tudor with shows at 11:00am and 2:00pm

Balloon Sculpturers

State Farm Insurance presents the Special Edition of the Dan E. Lockemy’s WDAR-FM, Sunny 105.5/94.1 “At the Beach Show” from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Inflatables for all ages at the playground area and for younger children at the Gazebo provided by 4 Monkeys

Society of Creative Anachronism   (Medieval village and battles)

NEXT TO THE JEFFERS CENTER

Food Vendors with the Pepsi Drink trailer or bring your own picnic basket

ALONG TIMROD PARK DRIVE

City of Florence Firetruck with Water Spray

Florence County Library System Bookmobile

TENNIS COURTS

The Florence Tennis Association will be giving free tennis lessons for all ages from 11:00am to 2:00pm

FLORENCE MUSEUM

Free Admission to see “The Lonely Shadow” a display of original Silhouette art by Clay Rice for his children’s book. Clay Rice is a multi-generational silhouette artist and since the age of 15 has been a singer/songwriter. He drew from rhythms of song to create a simple and lyrical book of friendship. Volunteer readers will be at the museum for story time at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm.

Apple Pie Baking contest: Registration will be held from 9:00am to 9:30am at the Museum with judging at 10:00am. The contest is open to the public with one entry per person. Please include your recipe printed or typed with name contact with the entry. Pies must have a homemade crust and fillings in 9 inch aluminum pan and judged at room temperature. Judging will be based on taste of crust and filling, appearance and creativity. Winning photo will be placed in local newspapers with awards consisting of first, second and third place ribbons and a first place prize. For more information, please call Teresa at 665-3253.

PICNIC SHELTER AREA

Carolina’s Hospital System Health Check area which will consist of blood pressure check, “The Physician Is In”: A Medical Doctor on site to answer Healthcare questions, Nutritional information, Wound Care educational information, Sleep Disorder information, Rehabilitation services : inpatient & outpatient information, Emergency Services information and Medicare B Wellness check up information.

Home Depot features their “Kids Workshop”.

Smart Smiles:  Florence School District #1 musical instrument donation area: If you have any instruments in good condition sitting at your house that you no longer play, bring them to the park on Saturday and donate them to the music program of FSD1. They will be refurbished and provided to students that can’t afford to buy one but want to get started in the school music program.

GAZEBO AREA   

(sponsored by A1 Medical  and M & M Printing and Graphics)

4 Monkeys inflatables for younger kids

ETV with Smart Cat     

All American Tattoos and Flags

Art Clothesline

Canvas Painting

Garebe Photo- Gary and Ferebe Gasque Pearce will be located in the Gazebo to shoot and print patriotic photos of you and your family. Photos will be ready before you leave the park. The cost is only $5.00. A print will help you remember this special occasion.

AMPHITHEATRE

Cumulus Team Florence presents music and local entertainment all day

LEGION FIELD

After you leave Timrod Park, head out to Legion Field as the gates will open at 4:00pm and the “Spirit of Florence” continues. Starting at 5:00pm with a pre-game concert Mid-Life Crisis will perform. Following the concert, look to the skies for the All American Freefall Team parachute jump at 6:40pm, the National Anthem at 6:55pm and first pitch for the baseball game at 7:00pm as the Florence RedWolves take on Gastonia. ***Following the game, sit back and enjoy the finale FIREWORKS SHOW at Legion Field.  Tickets are $5 for General Admission.

SUNDAY, JULY 1

Rick Strickland Band with Lesa Hudson will perform at the Timrod Park Amphitheatre with a free concert from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.   

TUESDAY, JULY 3

Veteran’s Park at the Civic Center: 7:00pm- 246^th South Carolina Army National Guard Band will be performing.  In case of rain the event will be moved inside the Civic Center. Come celebrate “Our Nation’s 236^th Birthday!!!