Inside Furman is published quarterly by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
Fourth at Furman discontinued
The “Fourth at Furman,” a longtime summer staple at the university, will not be held this summer.
In recent years competition from an increasing number of events has caused attendance at the event to lag. Because of this, the Fourth at Furman has become a growing financial drain on the university, says Chandra Dillard, director of Community Relations.
Dillard, who chaired a committee appointed to evaluate the event, recommended to the President's Council that the Fourth at Furman be discontinued.
“There are so many events in Greenville now,” says Dillard. “Organizing, promoting and managing the event is an incredible amount of work. Many of the people working the event have been Furman volunteers. While some will miss the event, I'm sure all will enjoy having that day to spend with their family.”
In recent years, Dillard says, the university has added a growing number of major events for the community, including the Scottish Highland Games and assorted walks and races.
Patriotic fervor will not be absent from campus this summer, though. Dillard said that the university will put more resources into the June 28 lakeside concert, which will feature patriotic music and a fireworks display.
From 1994 to 2000, Fourth at Furman activities were held at Paladin Stadium. In 2001 the celebration, which included live music, carnival rides and a fireworks display, was moved lakeside. Each year, the event attracted 12,000 to 15,000 people to campus.