A group of merchants around the city of Pickens have worked to create a new event to help enliven activities for residents of the area. The event, called 3rd Fridays, begins on October 19, 2012, and will be offered on the third Friday evening of each month, rain or shine, year-round. Hours: 6 to 9 p.m.

Want proof of the growing social scene happening in Pickens, South Carolina? Look for one of the colorful 3rd Fridays posters and you’ll find a list of places to go. A casual atmosphere encourages people watching, eating at Pickens’ fantastic restaurants, mingling with friends and meeting new faces. There’s diversity both in the crowd and among the shops, restaurants and art galleries adding to the experience. The event kicks off with 15 participating merchants, they are: The Avocado Tree, Bee Well Honey & Bee’s Beans, Bill Lester Gallery, Burning Brick, Court Street Gallery, East Main Treasures, Escape Wellness Spa, Flowers by Virginia, Nestfeathers, Shabby & Chic, Stockade & Stuff, Town & Country Florist, Gatehouse Restaurant, and Village Inn Restaurant.

After you visit all the galleries and shops, don’t miss the dining and nightlife that PIckens has to offer. Great area restaurants and cafés welcome you to enjoy dinner, drinks, good company and more.

Kick off summertime in June with four Saturday evenings of Cruise-In’s & Music on Main in downtown Pickens, SC.

For a sponsorship or vendor registration form, Click Here

Fun Changes Announced For Pickens’ June Cruise-Ins–Click Here for More Information

For more information, call the PRA Office at 864-878-0105 or visit historicpickens.com

The City of Pickens Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and business owners in the City Center and Gateway Overlay Districts that qualify for façade improvements.  The purpose of the Façade Improvement Program is to support the revitalization of the City’s Overlay Districts by stimulating private investments in high-quality improvements that enhance the appearance of buildings and properties and eliminate blight and non-conforming design standards.

For rules, program overview, and application, click the link under the Economic Development tab or http://historicpickens.com/historic-pickens/picken/facadegrant/

The Pickens Revitalization Assoc. is available to assist potential applicants and answer questions at 878-0105.

Pickens Mayor David Owens presents the award to President Ken Nabors and other members of The Pickens County Historical Society.

June 1, 2013–The Pickens County Historical Society (PCHS) received the May “We Fan The Flame” award.

The historic Hagood-Maldin House was the scene Tuesday as members of The Pickens County Historical Society (PCHS) received the May We Fan The Flame award.  With an avowed goal of “preserving and promoting all things related to the history and character of our special place”, the PCHS strives “to increase awareness of who we are and from where we have come”.

The society was organized in 1958 by Pickens County leaders.  The Old Gaol, which is now the Pickens County Historical Museum, was the early headquarters of the PCHS. Over the past 55 years, the organization has grown to be the largest county historical society not only in South Carolina but also in the entire southern United States.

With hundreds of volunteer members, the PCHS has been, and continues to be, involved in numerous projects.  After being gifted the Hagood-Mauldin house by Irma Morris, the society completely restored it.  Along with its garden and grounds, the home continues as a popular touring museum open for public and private tours.

Other ongoing projects include activities at the Clayton Room for Family Research, Hagood Mill Historic Site, the Pickens County Museum of Art & History, placement of state historic markers in the area, the five- year Confederate Graves Survey, developing a monument to General Andrew Pickens and another to President John Rutledge, the preservations of the Bradley-Boggs house, the reconstruction of Fort Prince George, involvement with the county-wide Bridges project and conducting its own annual “Art In the Garden” event.  It lends significant support to the annual Reunion of Upcountry Families, the Azalea Festival and the Founders Day Music Festival.

Though nominated for those many tireless endeavors, the PCHS also maintains strong relationships with like-minded organizations such as the Birchwood Center, local governments, chambers of commerce, The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Trust, the South Carolina Historical Society, the Colonial Dames and such groups as the PRA, DAR, YAMS, SAR and more.

We Fan The Flame recognizes group contributions that make Pickens a better place to live.  It is presented by the Pickens Revitalization Association and the City of Pickens.  The award program is open to any civic, school, charitable, religious, cultural, non-profit, business, senior youth, association or similar organization. Entries should be submitted to the PRA by the 15 of each month and will be considered throughout the year.  Entry forms are available at http://historicpickens.com.

Business license renewals are due on or before May 31, 2013.  For any payments on or after June 1, 2013, a five percent (5%) late penalty will be due on the unpaid fee for each month or portion thereof until paid.

For more information, Click Here.