Smithsonian travelling exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation March 2 - April 12.

The Town of Iva kicked off some major projects in 2024, including the renovation of the old fire station downtown which is being renovated to serve as the new home for a branch of the Anderson County Library.

Other improvements downtown, successful events and new housing starts were also welcome improvements in the past year.

The Town of Pendleton saw a number of long-awaited projects move toward the finish line in 2024.

The Cheney Mill reclamation and renovation is well on the way to completing, offering a new residential and retail district and extending downtown. The cleanup of the Pendleton Oil Mill was completed, and plans in the works for what will develop on that property. The historic Queen Street Project is nearly complete with updated sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, and the events drew record crowds to the town.

Belton’s top stories of the year include the partnership with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office to provide full-time police protection in the city with a substation and full staff of officers, infrastructure improvements and the growth of new housing and businesses.

West Pelzer Mayor Jim Riddle had a busy first year in office, as the town experience growth in housing and businesses and the need for public services.

A new police chief, Zachary Owen, and new police force were among the highlights of the year Riddle discusses in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

The City of Anderson experienced widespread growth in 2024, with record numbers of new housing starts to the beginning of major upgrades to recreation opportunities.

Mayor Terence Roberts said it was a good year for Anderson, with new businesses and the growth of established businesses as well.

Successful events, new housing starts and movement on cleanup and future plans for the Chiquola Mill site highlighted 2024, according to Mayor Christopher Burton.

Burton said 2024 was a banner year for the town which continues to grow. He offered highlights of the town’s year in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

An upgrade to water and sewer system, planned restoration of historic structures and new recreation opportunities and events highlighted 2024 in the Town of Pelzer.

Mayor Will Ragland recapped the year in Pelzer in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

The county’s second-largest Christmas parade featured more floats than most, as crowds filled downtown Pendleton Sunday.

Belton annual holiday celebration brings out community for Christmas.

Perfect day, great parade. Excellent work Sam Gilmer.

Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) will present the 33rd annual "Merry Christmas, Anderson" on Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rainey Fine Arts Center at Anderson University. Featuring performances by the Electric City Big Band, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, and the GAMAC Chorale.

Tickets are $23 for adults with children admitted free with donation of a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Upstate Fatherhood Coalition.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will hold its 81st Annual Bazaar and Artisan Market on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, 193 Old Greenville Highway across from Clemson University.

Perfect fall weather greeted an estimated crowd of more than 3,000 revelers lined up across the entrance and wound down the path inside Mineral Springs Park in Williamston on Saturday for the town’s annual “Boo in the Park” Halloween event.

The Town of Iva continues to grow and expects progress on numerous projects in and around downtown moving into fall, said Town Administrator Tim Taylor.

Work on the Downtown Iva branch of the Anderson County Library is under way, and downtown is witnessing both new businesses and interest in the area.

Small things are a big deal in the new Belton Area Museum Exhibit. The museum’s new exhibit “Littles: Miniature Collections,” features tiny treasures on display through February.

The last quarter of 2024 for the City of Anderson is marked by creation projects, progress on new housing and an improved holiday feature downtown.

The Linley Park Project is well under way, with green space and park amenities that connect the area and eventually the city’s recreation center. It will also provide major upgrades to water and sewer in the area, as well as restoring Whitner Creek as a natural resource.

The town of Pelzer heads into fall with construction to replace water and sewer lines, a move that will update the system and provide lower rates for citizens.

The town is in the initial stages of planning a fall festival, set for Oct. 26.

The Town of Pendleton has added a new Community Engagement Manager to spread the word on the town’s events and progress.