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Published: Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 07:36 PM

Nothing like an outdoor festival to kick off fall

The Indian Land Fall Festival, sponsored by the Rotary Club, was last Saturday. This year, it was held at the Inspiration Ministries and on a much larger scale. There were approximately 106 booths with a variety of vendors, politicians, music, great food, games and, of course, the famous chili cook-off.

The Indian Land Action Council rented one of the booths. We were there to introduce the Indian Land Action Council, meet and greet residents, and answer questions. Eight Indian Land Action Council volunteers worked the booth. We had a steady stream of people from all over the area come by to visit.

Of course, the No. 1 concern was our Indian Land B3 zoning issues and the decision by some of the County Council members to kick it under the table. We couldn’t answer that question, just speculate their reasons. We also heard residents’ great displeasure with this current County Council.

The other leading question was in regard to the referendum to allow restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages on Sunday. This was a thumbs up for most whom we talked to after it was explained to them that this would bring more revenue, jobs and, hopefully, more restaurants like Olive Garden, Chili’s and Longhorn Steak House here.

Festivals in Indian Land represent more than just a gathering of people. It’s a place were residents can meet the candidates, get information about the health care service that are available in this area and find out what is going on around us. It is also a place to vent and discuss your feelings when it is impossible for you to attend meetings but you still want to be heard.

Several groups were represented. One interesting group, Eagle Rock Camp, is a nonprofit organization with a primary office in Indian Land. They will serve military families in North and South Carolina. It is a faith-based camp for Wounded Warriors and their families. There is such a need for this since the statistics show that our veterans are committing suicide at a rate of 18 every day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. And help for them is minimal on a good day.

Another group from the Carolina Literacy Network was present and advertising the 2012 Storytelling in the Park Festival. This will be held Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at Andrew Jackson State Park. If you missed it last year, you missed some great stories. They empower people to achieve their dreams through education.