Pickens Council agrees to $8,000 sponsorship for Azalea Festival

The Pickens City Council voted on April 13 to sponsor the Azalea Festival with an $8,000 payment from the community festival/hospitality line.

The festival's president and executive director, identified in the meeting as Skipper, asked the council for $3,000 for Department of Transportation signage, $5,000 toward portable restrooms (festival vendors and trailers total roughly $18,000 this year) and $800 in public-works assistance for trash pickup. Skipper said the event has grown substantially, citing an economic impact study with Clemson University that estimated about $2.2 million over two days.

Finance Director Mandy Hess told council that $15,000 was available in the community festival line and that the request could be structured so the city provides an $8,000 check while public works provides in-kind services. "The actual check, I believe, would be for $8,000," Hess said.

Council member (speaker 4) moved to sponsor the festival at $8,000 from the line item the finance director identified; the motion was seconded and carried by the council.

Festival organizers said they would provide an updated vendor list and meet with city staff to finalize logistics, and staff and council discussed vendor business licenses, certificates of insurance, and whether the county ATAX (accommodations tax) process can support operational costs. Skipper also said the festival may be able to contribute toward a future city public-restroom project if ATAX and sponsorships allow.

Next steps: Festival representatives will send an updated vendor list and coordinate with city staff on logistics and required documentation.

Sources: Azalea Festival presentation and council vote, Pickens City Council meeting, April 13, 2026.