PICKENS - Thursday night's Chamber of Commerce Banquet was a time to celebrate a year of progress with a meal, awards and entertainment by comic hypnotist Doc Holliday.
It was also a time for Pickens Mayor David Owens to give the public an idea of what their tax dollars are going to through his state of the city address.
"I have reviewed the state of Pickens, and it is strong," Owens told the crowd of more than 100 that gathered at Pickens First Baptist Church.
Much of the improvement in the city centers around its recreation facilities, Owens said.
The new Pickens gym hosts the city's basketball program which had 202 participants in the just-completed city. Additionally, there were 250 girls involved in the city's volleyball program.
New fields have been build for soccer and football, and the irrigation system on older field has been reworked.
Four dugout on older baseball field have been remodeled, Owens said.
Lights are being added to several fields, and Owens hopes they will be ready by spring.
New playground equipment has also been purchased through a state grant. "You can than (Rep.) Davey Hiott for that," Owens said. "Davey's real good about that. If he sees some grant money available, he'll call us and tell us to apply for it."
City officials have also been remodeling the facilities at Hooper Field.
"You know Hooper Field is home of the Lady Blue Flame," Owens said. "It is also home to 97 girls on seven teams who play there."
Much of the work has done by city officials, including council members, Owen said.
The Streetscape project has been a success, and city officials hope to extend it further up Main Street, Owens said.
The city's sewer line has been extended to S.C. 8, reaching the new combination Kentucky Fried Chicken/Long John Silver's restaurant.
Owens said that while the city itself has not grown drastically, officials had to be ready for growth.
"We're not booming right here in the city, but growth is all around us," Owens said.
Part of that growth includes a $13 million upgrade of the city's water system.
The current water plant can provide up to 2.5 million gallons per day. The upgraded plant will provide up to 4 million gallons per day, and can easily be expanded to provide up to 6 million gallons per day.
The city fire department is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Owens noted that the city's fire rates are among the lowest in the state.
Owens thanked the chamber members for their support.
"Without you we wouldn't have those small things that make this a wonderful place to live," Owens said.
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