SC Poultry Festival, 40th anniversary

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 119 co-sponsors

The resolution designates May 6–9, 2026 in Batesburg-Leesville as the 40th South Carolina Poultry Festival, honoring organizers, volunteers, vendors, and supporters.

Scrivener's error corrected

1) Purpose and Intent

This is a House Resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of the South Carolina Poultry Festival.

It designates May 6–9, 2026, as the festival dates in Batesburg-Leesville and honors those involved in planning and participating in the event.

The resolution highlights the economic and cultural importance of South Carolina’s poultry industry and the festival’s role in promoting agriculture, community engagement, and charitable activities.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Official Celebration: The resolution explicitly celebrates the fortieth South Carolina Poultry Festival.

Dates and Location: Establishes May 6–9, 2026, as the festival period in Batesburg-Leesville.

Recognition: Commends and honors organizers, volunteers, vendors, participants, and sponsors associated with the festival.

Contextual Support:

Recognizes the poultry industry as a major component of South Carolina’s economy (billion-dollar industry employing thousands).
Identifies local poultry producers and regional centers (Lexington, Saluda, Aiken counties; Amick Farms, Columbia Farms, Gentry Poultry Company) as notable industry players.

Festival History and Activities (background information):

Traces the festival’s origins to 1986 and its evolution from the Ridge Poultry Festival to the South Carolina Poultry Festival in 1989.
Notes attendance levels exceeding 100,000 in recent years.
Describes festival features (multiple stages, ~30 food vendors, carnival, parade with 100+ units, 70+ commercial vendors, 120+ crafters, antique car show, five-kilometer road race, volleyball tournament, evening street dances).
Highlights the festival’s charitable contributions and its signature “#1 World’s Best Chicken Cooking Contest.”
Mentions celebratory activities, including a pyromusical show intended to honor America’s 250th Independence Anniversary.

3) Who Is Affected

Local community in Batesburg-Leesville, Lexington County, and surrounding areas hosting and participating in the festival.

Local businesses, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and charitable organizations that benefit from the festival’s economic activity and fundraising.

The broader South Carolina poultry industry, which is acknowledged for its economic impact and regional employment.

4) Procedural and Timeline Details

Type of Measure: House Resolution (H 5595) – a ceremonial and commemorative resolution rather than a law.

Sponsor Information: Large list of co-sponsors from across the South Carolina House, illustrating broad legislative support.

Action History: Introduced and adopted on 2026-04-28.

Effective Date: As a resolution, it typically takes effect upon adoption and serves to publicly recognize and honor the festival; it does not create enforceable regulatory or fiscal obligations.

5) Potential Impact

Public Recognition: Formal recognition by the General Assembly may enhance public awareness and community pride surrounding the festival.

Economic and Charitable Implications: By highlighting the festival’s charitable contributions, it may reinforce local philanthropic momentum and tourism-related economic activity during the May event.

Cultural Significance: Emphasizes the long-standing tradition of the poultry festival as a centerpiece of the state's agribusiness culture.

If you’d like, I can add a concise FAQ or timeline bullets for quick reference or compare this resolution to prior years’ commemorations.

Bill