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COLUMBUS—The first-ever Columbus Spring Festival took place on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Gibson St. and the courthouse lawn. The festival was created by Jenny and Kevin English, owners of Bear’s Den Trading Post and Discover Columbus. 

Jenny, inspired by Hendersonville’s Apple Fest, wanted to utilize Columbus’s downtown area for a spring-themed event. The festival celebrated local vendors, craftspeople, and music. 

Jenny said, “We wanted to create an event like the Apple festival, a gathering where everyone can come and visit our lovely downtown area and, most importantly, feel a part of our community.” 

The festival had something for everyone, with activities for kids like face painting and bouncy houses. Adults enjoyed live music from musical acts Random Act and the Green Grass Cutters from South Carolina. 

Brent Charles, a jewelry maker from Greenville, manned the Bear Den Trading Post booth, which featured his beaded jewelry. 

“I’ve been a jewelry maker since I was eighteen. A while back, I met Kevin, who was nice enough to invite me to sell my jewelry in his shop and at this event. And it’s been fun helping out here today,” says Charles. 

Tom Waldron of Laughing Dog Creations, a seller of tie-dyed clothing, said of the event, “We found out about the event on Facebook. Anytime we can all come together at an event like this as a community is wonderful. And all proceeds from our bandanna sales today go to the Foothills Human Society.” 

Andrea Whiteside of Andrea’s Boutique added, “I think the Spring Festival is great, and I hope we can do more fun things like this here in Columbus.” 

The festival, with its focus on local vendors, craftspeople, and music, was truly a family affair. It fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, much like Jenny had envisioned. 

The Columbus Spring Festival was originally scheduled for May 4 but was postponed due to rain. Despite the delay, the festival was a success, and attendees were already looking forward to next year’s event.