LABA discusses bringing back Landrum festival

LANDRUM — The Landrum Area Business Association is considering bringing back Hogback Mountain Day.

In Tuesday’s meeting, the board discussed the idea of having a festival in early September before the World Equestrian Games.

“We want to have an event that is specific to Landrum,” said LABA President Diana Winkler. “It’s similar to when you say ‘Saluda,’ Coon Dog Day comes to mind.”

Winkler said she had been talking with representatives of the Well Church about connecting with their Labor Day event. She said they had talked about working together to include hot dogs, activities for children, food vendors and more.

Winkler said they could tie it in with the farmers market in the morning, and have music throughout the day. Members of the audience suggested a bicycle race and a living history presentation.

“It used to be a great event,” said LABA Vice President Tricia Taber.

Taber said she remembered Hogback Mountain Day from years ago, and she thought bringing it back to Landrum was a great idea.

In other business, Taber said the car show was a great success. They had a total of 237 cars and 2,000 to 2,500 visitors.

“The restaurants were very busy,” she said. “Most of the food trucks sold out.”

Taber reported that proceeds from the car show totaled around $4,000 before they paid the costs. The balance of the funds after cost will go to the Landrum Youth Sports Association.

Winkler said the event was so successful, people were asking if they could host a fall show as well. There was also some discussion about the possibility of parking the cars on East Rutherford Street. Landrum City Administrator Rich Caplan said it was possible, but it would be difficult to work out the traffic flow.

Those attending the meeting also divided into small groups to discuss the LABA’s mission statement. The board handed out lists of mission statement ideas, and asked everyone to circle the top three they felt were most important.

Winkler also announced that members of the LABA board would be representing Landrum at the South Carolina Welcome Center on Interstate 26 during National Tourism Week, May 6-12. She asked for volunteers to help staff the booth during that week.

Those attending the meeting also held a brief discussion about how to get more businesses and visitors to participate in the Christmas Stroll. Winkler said after the parade, many people were heading home and asked if they should hold the stroll during the day before the parade.