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.
10 years of the Fourth at Furman
Let's play the word association game with Joe Greenville.
Ready?
“Furman University.”
Pretty campus. Smart students. Good football team. Fourth of July.
That's right. The Fourth at Furman, now in its tenth year, has become the “university's largest premier community event,” says Greg Carroll, vice president for Marketing and Public Relations.
Upstate residents who don't even know the school's mascot and have no concept of engaged learning have made flocking to Furman on the Fourth an annual rite of passage.
“It has established itself as a very family-friendly, community-welcoming event,” says Chandra Dillard, director of Community Relations. “It's such a beautiful setting here.”
Each year, the festival — a collection of live music, rides, games, food and, of course, fireworks — seems to grow in popularity. And this year was no different, according to event coordinator Gayle Warth.
Although estimating attendance for an event that encompasses several acres is a tricky business, Warth gauged festival attendance between 12,000 and 15,000. University gates opened at 3 p.m. with crowds dispersing after a fireworks display at 9:30.
With the exception of long lines for funnel cakes and a 20-minute thundershower, Warth says the Fourth at Furman ran smoothly. New twists this year included more children's rides and food vendors.
More than 80 security and event staff and 40 volunteers worked the event. Members of the Marketing and Public Relations, Admissions, Alumni Affairs and Athletics departments made up the bulk of the volunteers.
Entertainment was provided by the Lakeside Concert Band, Upstate United (bagpipers) Band, Alley Cats Karaoke and the Pat Throneburg Dixieland Band.
Event sponsors included The Cliff Communities, Rockwell Automation, Michelin, the Randolph Group, Bi-Lo, WYFF-TV, My-102.5, Carolina First and The Greenville News .
From 1994 to 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 and attendance has increased steadily each year.
“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.”