Saluda streets overflowed with visitors taking in area artwork as they were serenaded by regional musicians Saturday, May 19.
What brought so many visitors to downtown Saluda this weekend? The draw was the ninth annual Saluda Arts Festival.
“I am hearing and feeling that it was our best festival ever,” said Susie Welsh, festival chairwoman. “We had an estimate of maybe even 4,800 people, when in the past we’ve been closer to 3,000.”
Councilman Johnny Kinard said when the festival began almost a decade ago some people raised eyebrows at the idea, questioning whether the event would be successful. Kinard, however, said he has no doubts the event will continue to grow.
“It’s such a great event for people to come out and see what Saluda is all about – local art and crafts, community,” Kinard said. “Our shops are not tourist traps like you might see elsewhere, they are truly authentic, and events like this help draw people to us.”