Beyond the Smoke: The Soulful Spirit of Greenwood’s Festival of Discovery

PHOTOS COURTESY LAURA WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

by Hayley Hutson

In the heart of South Carolina’s Old 96 District, the quaint town of Green- wood is one of the slower-paced areas in the region for much of the year. As the summer approaches and the locals dig out their bathing suits for another relaxing season on the lake, there’s something else pulsating just beneath the surface. Anticipation, perhaps?

It’s understandable since the hottest event of the year takes place each July—more than doubling Greenwood’s population of roughly 22,000 for a three-day celebration of vernacular culture, community, and culinary mastery. As the site of the state’s only Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) competition, the Festival of Discovery is undoubtedly a playground for BBQ lovers, but what truly sets this event apart is its ability to bring people together.

BRIDGING DIVIDES AND FOSTERING UNITY

In a conversation with Greenwood City Manager Julie Wilkie, she touched on a remarkable point: We go to church with the same people, eat at restaurants with the same people, and often go our whole lives without exposing ourselves to those from different walks of life. This festival breaks that pattern by bringing together a melting pot of people from the community and nearby states to share in the experience.

Every summer, Uptown Greenwood comes alive with the ener- getic sounds of blues music and the smoky BBQ aroma wafting through the streets, drawing in visitors from far and wide. It’s July in the South, so it’s irrationally hot, but no one seems to mind. When the atmosphere is this electric, not even South Carolina humidity can bring you down. After all, this isn’t just any small-town festival—it’s a testament to Greenwood’s indomitable spirit.

At the helm of the Festival of Discovery is its Talent Director, Gary Irwin, whose passion for the blues infuses every note of the “Blues Cruise” through the artists he selects. Throughout
the three-day event, visitors are treated to performances by well-known musicians from around the Southeast, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the South. And the best part? All performances are free, keeping with the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

But it’s not just about the music. The Festival of Discovery is also home to a fiercely competitive BBQ showdown, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Here, pitmasters from across the region converge to transform humble cuts of meat into

50 SOUTHERN FLAVOR

smoky, juicy masterpieces. In the early days of the festival, there were just a few teams competing for the grand prize. This year, approximately ninety-five teams from all over the Southeast will be in attendance—a stellar example of how much the beloved event has grown over the last twenty years.

GOING BEYOND BBQ AND BLUES

If stellar musical performances and top-notch BBQ aren’t enough to pique your interest, the festival also offers amusement rides, arts and crafts, a kids zone with games, and an eclectic array of food vendors. From quirky dishes like ice cream in the shape of fried chicken to refreshing wine slushies, there’s plenty to enjoy even if you aren’t a die- hard BBQ fan.

In addition to the KCBS competition, there’s also a hot dog eating con- test and a hash cookoff exclusively for South Carolina teams. For little ones looking to get in on the action, there’s a BBQ charcoal cookoff for children aged six and up, where aspiring chefs are given Carolina Pride hamburger meat and tasked with the challenge of whipping up the best burger for the grand prize of a brand-new grill.

THE CONNECTIVE SPIRIT OF GREENWOOD’S MOST ICONIC EVENT

Over the years, the Festival of Discovery has strengthened Greenwood’s sense of community—and not just for the festival-goers. From the first responders ensuring safety to the finance staff handling ticket sales and the public works team keeping the streets clean, every department of the city plays a pivotal role in bringing this event to life and making sure it runs smoothly.

Visitors from across the region flock to Greenwood, drawn by the promise of good food, great music, and even better company. With over 50,000 attendees last year alone, the festival has grown into a mam- moth celebration that transcends geographical boundaries.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s a palpable sense of camarade-
rie that goes beyond mere acquaintance and blossoms into genuine connection. As Wilkie fondly recalls, “I often wish I could’ve lived in the 50s where people sat on the porch all day and hung out with everyone, and this event kind of feels like that.” In a world where community often feels like a relic of a bygone era, the Festival of Discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the power of togetherness.

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE FESTIVAL OF DISCOVERY

That power is further demonstrated by the incredible economic impact of the festival on its home. Since its inception, the Festival of Discovery has become a pivotal economic engine for the town of Greenwood. Ea- ger festival-goers often book accommodations up to a year in advance, boosting hotel occupancy rates to an impressive 89% during the event weekend—nearly a 24% increase from the city’s average.

This surge translates to a significant influx of revenue for local busi- nesses, from neighborhood eateries to charming boutiques, and even extends to the peaceful shores of Lake Greenwood State Park, where many travelers seek solace after the festivities. When all is said and done, the Festival of Discovery leaves a lasting imprint on the town’s economy, with an estimated impact surpassing two million dollars.

Looking to the future, the festival has its sights set on even greater heights. Mayor Brandon Smith envisions a larger role from the musical aspect, seeking to spotlight smaller blues acts from the area in coming years to pay homage to the roots from which Greenwood’s lively com- munity has sprung.

As we gear up for another unforgettable Festival of Discovery, one thing is abundantly clear: in Greenwood, the spirit of community burns bright. Amidst the smoke and sizzle of BBQ pits and the soulful strains of blues music, new friendships are forged, memories are made, and community bonds grow stronger with each passing year. So mark your calendars for July 11-13, round up your loved ones, and don’t miss the celebration that has irrevocably shaped the essence (and future) of Greenwood.

For more information visit: www.uptowngreenwood.com/events/sc_festival_of_discovery.