HARTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) – East Carolina Avenue in Hartsville was shut down Friday night as newly-named “All-America City” played host to an all-American block party.
“It’s just nice to see everyone enjoying it,” said Rebecca Edwards, communications coordinator for the city.
And enjoy it they did.
Hartsville police and fire shut down East Carolina Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets in downtown to make way for a party 20 years in the making.
Back in 1996, the city was first designated an All-America city by the National Civic League. The contest recognizes places whose citizens best work together, identify challenges, and tackle community problems. Now, 20 years later, Hartsville is again honored.
Hartsville Communications and Finance Coordinator Rebecca Edwards said she’s not surprised her city fit the criteria for the prize.
“We very much emphasize cooperation with each other,” Edwards explained. “We all have the ability to come together and identify our problems and work together to find solutions for them.”
There was something for everyone at Friday’s All-America Block Party. Whether young or old, it seems the entire city of Hartsville came out to celebrate. With all the food, music, dancing, face-painting and more, there was plenty of good old American fun to be had Friday night.
For the city’s leadership, while they celebrate 2016 and look back to ’96, they’re still keeping an eye to Hartsville’s future.
“We’re still building on the progress they made back then,” said Edwards.