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Laurens, South Carolina – If all goes as planned, Laurens’ historic downtown Square will be filled this weekend with county residents, plenty of visitors, great food and great music for the 25th Annual Squealin’ on the Square.

There’s been plenty of work done already by Main Street Director Brad Abercrombie, board members, volunteers and assistance by City of Laurens staff.

“The outpouring of volunteers has been incredible,” Abercrombie said. “It’s running as strong as it has in years past, and the fact that this is the 25th year of the festival is exciting.”

That’s especially true for Abercrombie, who has only been executive director since July 28 but has worked as one of the volunteer organizers since its inception.

“It is amazing to be in the role that I’m in now and to have the outpouring of support from the community, craft retailers, food vendors, non-profits,” he said. “It has truly amazed me how many have reached out wanting to be involved.”

Among the requests were to bring back traditions of previous festivals, including the Pickle Eating Contest for children and adults, which is set for 11:30 a.m. – noon Saturday; the Zaxby’s Insane Wings Challenge Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and from many years back is the Hawg Calling Contest, though this year it’s with a twist.

“We have a lot going on so we’ve set that for 3:30 on Friday afternoon, but you have an option,” Abercrombie said. “It’s either a Hawg Calling Contest or a Husband Calling Contest, so it’s open to everyone and and you can take your pick.”

But the thing that draws many downtown to the festival year after year is the wide range of barbecue, and for $10, anyone can get samples from each of the vendors, and then turn in the ticket for their favorite.

“Tickets for the People’s Choice go on sale at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Main Street Tent and you have till 4 p.m. to turn in your choice,” Abercrombie said. “The People’s Choice Award is presented at 5.”

This edition of The Advertiser will contain printed programs of the festival’s activities and the schedule of musicians, which begin per- forming at noon on Friday with Vance Kennedy, and then at 10 a.m. on Saturday with Vinyl, both local acts. Also the classic cars are on for Saturday morning.

Squealin’ on the Square is the longest running festival that Laurens has ever had and Abercrombie’s goal is another 25 years of successful festivals.

“We are constantly looking for new bands, new things to keep it alive and growing because you have to adapt and keep things new,” he said. “That’s the main goal we have – to keep making it better.”

LAURENS, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A former Ku Klux Klan headquarters in Laurens that was set to be transformed into a symbol of hope now faces condemnation by the city due to safety concerns.

The old theater, once known as the Redneck Shop where KKK merchandise was sold and meetings were held, closed its doors in 2012. After the former Klansman who owned it fell on hard times, Rev. David Kennedy helped him get food and a place to stay. In gratitude, the former Klansman sold the building to him for just $1,000.

The theater is now known as the Echo Theater. Kennedy’s goal has been to turn the space into a place that combats hate and brings people together.

However, according to the city, the building isn’t safe and poses a threat to public safety. A giant notice posted on the front of the theater indicates the city will condemn the building. A city spokesperson said the notice was posted after a recent storm blew open the doors to the building creating a safety hazard.

The city said no work had been done inside the building and it only has a dirt floor.

According to tax records, people have donated more than $870,000 to the Echo Project since 2020.

Kennedy’s story of befriending the Klansman who owned the space inspired a movie and has been closely followed over several years.

Attempts to reach Kennedy through multiple channels were unsuccessful. The city said they have also been unable to make contact with him.

The condemning process could be stopped if the Echo Project contacts the city. We have asked the city when that deadline is.

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