I am writing to express my profound gratitude to the remarkable volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make the second annual Best Dam Food Festival an overwhelming success. What transpired this past weekend was nothing short of extraordinary – establishing itself as the largest event our city has ever produced.
From the moment our first vendors began arriving for setup until the last vehicle departed leaving the park quiet once more, our volunteers were there every step of the way. They greeted visitors with warm smiles, expertly directed traffic, assisted vendors and entertainers, placed solar flowers throughout the grounds, and maintained immaculate festival grounds. Their knowledge of the event and unwavering enthusiasm did not go unnoticed.
Numerous vendors specifically approached me to commend the exceptional volunteer support they received. Visitors repeatedly expressed appreciation for the wealth of information our “Best Dam Crew” provided, enhancing their festival experience. The clean environment and positive atmosphere were direct results of our volunteers’ dedication.
Events like ours significantly boost our local economy, and these volunteers should take tremendous pride in their contribution to making Tega Cay one of the most exciting destinations in the county and throughout the Carolinas. Their willingness to sacrifice their weekend for the betterment of our community exemplifies the spirit that makes our city special.
Our dedicated volunteers: Gigi Hasty, Heidi Schmidt, Caroline Ellerbrok, Cynthia and Todd Striegel, Tonya Edy, Mike Tulles, Tonya Edy, Cara Hasty, Megan Overton, Kristin and Michael Aruaji, Dayveon, Lisa, Dayjean and Dalani Overly, Karen Okolita, and Tony McIntyre.
As we look forward to future events, I remain deeply grateful for the heart and soul our volunteers pour into making Tega Cay shine.
Special thanks to:
- Mayor Gray for emceeing the welcome with Council woman Carmen Miller and Councilman Carter who also brought family and friends
- Commander Todd Parham and the Veterans Association for the beautiful presentation of colors
- Gold Hill Middle School students Maks Smith, Atticus Leclerc, and Brennan Amico, directed by Jennifer Isenhour
- Laurabree Monday and WSOC-TV meteorologist Keith Monday for emceeing throughout the day (and keeping the rain at a minimum! ☀️) Your attention to details and being on the events ground brought additional fun to the event.
- Patrick Byrne with Tega Cay Sun for emceeing the final band and for putting together an amazing newspaper to folks to enjoy!
A big round of applause to our generous sponsors:
- Tega Cay Tavern – Sponsored ’84, Tribute to Van Halen’s Meal. The band reported to have come onto stage with full of energy and feeling great.
- Visit York County – Provided hotel accommodations for ’84, drone coverage and photography coverage which captured the essence of the festival on film.
- Macaluso Golf Carts – Supplied transportation around the festival grounds to assist the Fire Department and Event Staff.
- PuckerButt Pepper Company, Rock Hill Coca-Cola Company, Piedmont Medical Center, and Dick’s Sporting Goods
And finally, thank you to our media partners who helped spread the word:
- Social media: Tega Cay Live and Tega Cay Sun
- Print: Tega Cay Sun and Life in the Cay – Tega Cay Sun print edition was placed at the event grounds so folks could see the grounds for themselves and the grand offerings.
Events like these boost our local economy and make Tega Cay one of the most exciting places to be in the county and throughout the Carolinas! We appreciate everyone who helped make this year’s festival one for the record books!
Caroline Hasty, Events Manager, City of Tega Cay
