Thousands of people gathered to celebrate the Socastee community and its history on Saturday.

The Socastee Heritage Foundation held the annual Socastee Heritage Festival. Almost 200 vendors lined part of Dick Pond Road for the event.

This was the eighth year of the festival. All proceeds of the festival go to students attending schools in the area, victims of house fires, and other local families in need. 

Socastee resident Lisa Hott said the festival draws her family back to it every year.

“We like going to the end and hearing the music. They have a great live band. It’s perfect weather, perfect day. Crowd’s not too heavy. We’re having a great time out here. Lots of vendors, and lots of good things to see,” she said.