2 weeks Ago
ROCK HILL – Rock Hill’s highly anticipated Come-See-Me Festival kicked off the evening of April 3 with a parade. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets of downtown Rock Hill to watch as local businesses, schools and community groups showcased floats and performances. Founded in 1962, the Come-See-Me Festival features more than 60 events and activities and draws more than 100,000 visitors to the area annually.
Highlights include live music performances, a cook-off, road races, tailgating, and of course, appearances by Glen the Frog. The festival's iconic mascot was created in 1964 by Vernon Grant, co-founder of the festival and illustrator of the Snap, Crackle and Pop characters for Kellogg's. For some, Come-See-Me is a longtime tradition, while for others it’s a brand-new experience.
David Thackham, who has attended the festival for nearly a decade, said the event holds a special place in the community. “It’s about seeing the community really come together," Thackham said. "It’s nice to see all walks of life enjoy this afternoon.
And this is just the kickoff to a whole bunch of fun events." Thackham emphasized that the festival isn’t just a short-term attraction, it’s an event that creates lasting memories. “You can tell this is a really established event.
People go to it, they’ll bring kids to it, they’ll tell other people outside of the community. It has that impact,” he said. “I think there will be people here who will attend the festival and then, a generation later, they’ll bring their kids to it.
” From interactive games to creative workshops, the Come-See-Me Festival offers plenty of entertainment for younger attendees. Events like the Mayor’s Frog Jump, the Teddy Bear Tea Party and Sundaes with Glen & Mother Goose give children the chance to engage in the festivities. For Chip Morgan, who grew up in Rock Hill but now lives in Vermont, the festival serves as a nostalgic return to his hometown.
“When I was a kid, Come-See-Me was just getting kicked off. It’s good to see how it’s grown,” Morgan said. “One of the things I really liked from the parade was the marching band that combined all three high schools.
The band was really symbolic of how it brings people together.” Kelly Mastyn, who moved to Rock Hill less than a year ago, spoke about how the festival has already made an impression. “I didn’t know what to expect from the parade, but it was cool because all of the smaller companies in the community were present,” Mastyn said.
“There are a bunch of events at Glencairn Park. I love getting out and meeting new people, and this gives us that vessel to do that.” Though she lived nearby in Fort Mill for years, she had never attended until now.
“I thought it was all about families and kids, but you look around, and the adults are out. Everybody is coming together,” she said. “I have a million things to do, but I want to go out and hang out with the locals.
” Rock Hill resident Claire VanOstenbridge, who first discovered the festival as a Winthrop student, said the fireworks are the main event. “They have a tailgate party, a skydiving show, and they end the night with evening fireworks,” she said. “Even when we didn’t live around here, we would at least travel back here to see that part.
” There is no denying that the festival creates a strong sense of unity in Rock Hill. “I’ve seen total strangers walk by and say, ‘Happy Come-See-Me!’” VanOstenbridge said. Schedule for Come-See-Me Music Mania What: Children enjoy a variety of music and hands-on play with an assortment of instruments at Fountain Park.
Complimentary Come-See-Me kazoos are provided. When: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Fountain Park, 300 E. Main St. Chalk on Main What: Artists of all ages will transform an asphalt canvas into a masterpiece.
This event is free event. Chalk will be provided. When: 4:30-7 p.
m. Where: Fountain Park, 300 E. Main St.
Beach Bash What: Enjoy food trucks, on-site restaurants and live performances of beach music by Marsha Morgan Band. Alcoholic beverage tickets are $5. When: 5:30-10 p.
m. Where: 155 W. Johnston St.
Road Races What: The Come-See-Me Road Races take place on the residential streets of Rock Hill. The event has USATF-certified 5K and 10K courses along with a 1-mile fun run. The finish line area offers a great post-race atmosphere with sponsor tents, music, awards and plenty of refreshments.
When: 7:30-10 a.m. Where: Winthrop Lake, 1162 Eden Terrace Cornhole Throwdown What: Think your bag tossing is second to none? Then play in the Cornhole Throwdown for a chance to win cash prizes.
Bring your own partner and bags. Bags available if needed. Registration costs $50-$60.
When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Winthrop Lake, 1162 Eden Terrace Healthy Kids Zone What: The Velodrome will have balance bikes for younger kids, face painting, inflatables, healthy snacks and much more.
Kids are welcome to bring their own bikes and helmets or can use one provided. The first 500 kids will receive healthy kids goody bags full of sponsor gifts. When: 10 a.
m. to noon Where: Rock Hill Velodrome, 1000 Riverwalk Parkway Mayor's Frog Jump What: Be ready to name and cheer on your frog — you can bring your own or have one provided — and you could snag prizes. More details available at the event.
For kids 12 and younger. When: 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Where: Miracle Park, 1005 Eden Terrace Gourmet Gardens What: Spend the day with family and friends, savoring the flavors of local food trucks while enjoying live music from The Well Drinkers and Asheville Mountain Boys.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.
m. Where: Winthrop Lake, 1162 Eden Terrace Hops at the Park What: Relax with live music and food near Winthrop Lake. Food vendors will be on site at Gourmet Gardens.
Beverage tickets are $5. When: 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Where: Winthrop Lake, 1162 Eden Terrace For more information and a full schedule, visit comeseeme.
org/events ..
