Content area
Full Text
Officials at the Civic Center of Anderson, S.C., thank a new amphitheater, a long-term sponsorship commitment, a convenient location and a package of amenities for luring Pontiac's Freedom Weekend Aloft hot air balloon festival to their facility beginning in 1999.
County economic development officials pursued the festival for months, luring it from its original home in Greenville, S.C.
"We're absolutely [excited]," said Charles Wyatt, marketing director of the 4,512-seat venue. "The economic impact it will have on the local economy could be $20 million a year. It's not exactly in an urban area right now, and although Anderson isn't as big as Greenville, we are in an urban area, with about 90 restaurants and [many] hotels. It should draw $15 million, easy"
The formal announcement was made May 21, just a day before this year's event kicked off at Greenville's Donaldson Industrial Airpark.
Wyatt said finding a corporate sponsor was a key component for Freedom Weekend Aloft to make a move. A $28,000-$30,000 annual, multi-year sponsorship commitment from...