Belton Heritage Days at the Depot First Certified SC Arts and AgriCulture Event
Agricultural history and traditional arts join hands at the 8th annual Heritage Days at the Depot in Belton, S.C. on Oct. 4, 5, and 6. Hosted by the Belton Area Museum Association on the grounds of the historic train depot, Heritage Days promotes the traditional arts and skills from South Carolina’s cultural past by showcasing the talents of folk artists, heritage artisans and historical interpreters.
Heritage Days is the first event to be held as part of the newly established Certified SC Arts and AgriCulture program. A partnership of the SC Department of Agriculture and the SC Arts Commission, Arts and AgriCulture is designed to enhance the Certified SC brand and bring awareness to the importance of the arts and agriculture to South Carolina’s economy and to the quality of life and cultural well-being of the people of the state. The program is a salute to those who not only cultivate ideas through their artistic ability but also to those who cultivate and nurture the land through their ability to grow food, fiber, and fuel.
Visitors who attend Heritage Days at the Depot will see a presentation of living traditions by heritage artisans. Festival participants can try their hand at a variety of skills necessary to navigate rural life in the past. Artisans sharing their knowledge at this year’s festival include two recipients of the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award – Gullah doll maker Jeanette Gaillard-Lee and chair caner Willie Van Brailey. Other artisans include indigo dyer Renee Gillespie, turkey call maker Bob Harwell, carver Joda Snipes, gourd artist Millie Chaplin, and primitive skills/fire maker Bob Perry. Nearly 2,000 schoolchildren from Anderson County join in the fun and gain a better understanding of the agricultural and artistic traditions that enhanced the quality of rural life and make up their community’s history.
“Our artisans are committed to preserving and sharing their craft with the public,” said Alison Darby, event coordinator. “They are invited to the festival because their work represents the highest level of artistic excellence and their craft has cultural significance and authenticity.”
Heritage Days at the Depot attracts thousands of community members and tourists each year and has been recognized with the 2007 Achievement Award from the South Carolina Federation of Museums and the 2008 Heritage Tourism Award from Palmetto Trust.
