November 3rd: Eat, drink and go nuts at the Pecan Festival in Florence

Seven stages, 38 acts and more than 250 vendors are just a small sampling of the attractions the ninth annual South Carolina Pecan Festival will have to offer Nov. 3.

Early morning events like the annual “Run Like a Nut” and “Bike Like a Nut” will return to this year’s festivities with 5K, 10K and half marathon runs, as well as metric and half-metric century bike riding competitions.

According to Tara Durden, Florence Downtown Development Corporation (FDDC) promotions chair, this year’s event aims to focus on both an increase in fun as well as safety and overall convenience.

“Aside from the addition of three extra beer gardens and a wine garden, we really want to advocate the use of our ‘Park and Ride’ service to and from the festival,” Durden said.

The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, in conjunction with the City of Florence, will continue the ride services this year with routes covering areas near the Florence Airport as well as locations along Evans Street.

“We’d like people to utilize those services, so we’re really going to push its use this year,” Durden said.

Another addition to this year’s festival will be an expansive eating/seating area on Evans Street that will share arts-and-crafts vendor space for a large portion of the afternoon.

“We plan to have an art trail that runs the course of Evans Street,” Durden said. “We’ll also have space in the breezeway area directly across from Railroad Junction for additional vendors.”

Not to leave the little ones out, Mike Richenbach Ford will sponsor the free “Kids Fun Zone” that will allow younger attendees to engage in just as much fun and fanfare as the adults.

The spotlight this year will undoubtedly be focused on the dozens of acts that will be featured on any of the seven stages being erected for the festival. Local acts such as the Masterworks Choir, West Florence High School Orchestra and funk-rock band, Speakeasy, are all scheduled to perform.

Headliners like The Rick Strickland Band, The Brown Brothers and Mother’s Finest will also showcase their talents on their respective stages throughout the day.

“We’re going to have a little something for everyone,” Durden said. “We’re ready for another eventful and exciting year.”

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: S.C. Pecan Festival

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3

WHERE: Downtown Florence

INFO: More than 250 vendors, live entertainment and more

This story was written by Brian Wilder and originally appeared on SCNow.com.