Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
Flocking
to Furman on the Fourth
While the signature events of the Fourth at Furman - booming cannons, live music and fireworks - remained the same, some of those taking in this year's festival may have noticed a few subtle changes.
This year, the celebration featured more food, more rides, fewer lines and fewer geese. A yellow laser that illuminated the interior of the Bell Tower also elicited an enthusiastic "Ahhhh" from the crowd of 20,000.
Gayle Warth, who coordinated the Fourth at Furman, said three food vendors - Suzy's Funnel Cakes, Mike and Jeff's BBQ and SMS Catering,
which served up hot dogs, drinks and fries - were added this year. The number of port-a-johns was also increased from 26 to 38, and a food vendor and ticket booth were stationed on the west side of the lake.
"The general consensus
last year was that people wanted more food, more children's 
games
and more port-a-johns," says Warth. "We tried to spread things out this year
to avoid congestion. In all, the event ran smoother this year. Each year we
get a bit better."
Without 280 Canada geese, which were rounded up in late June and relocated to Lake Hartwell, the lake seemed bit more serene. Its banks were certainly less messy.
Warth said attendance this year was similar to 2002 making it the university's single largest event and one of the biggest July 4 attractions in the Upstate. More than 82 security and event staff and 40 volunteers worked the event. Members of the Marketing and Public Relations Department and their spouses made up the bulk of the volunteers.
Entertainment was provided by the Lakeside Concert Band, Upstate United Band (bagpipers) and the Pat Throneburg Dixieland Band. The performances by vocalists Karen Parks and Bruce Schoonmaker were also well received.
Event sponsors included The Cliff Communities, Rockwell Automation, Michelin, the Randolph Group, Bi-Lo, WYFF-TV, radio station WMYI-FM and The Greenville News.
From 1994-2000, Fourth at Furman activities were held at Paladin Stadium. In 2001 the celebration was moved to the lakeside. The relocation proved to be extremely popular, as attendance jumped from 6,500 in 2001 to 20,000 in 2003.
"Having it on the lake allows people to spread out and bring their baskets, blankets and chairs," says Warth. "The backdrop of the lake and Bell Tower with all the fireworks is really beautiful."