Category Archives: News
Welcome to the 42nd annual Azalea Festival
‘When the Azaleas are blooming in Pickens, South Carolina, the little town celebrates!”
For over 40 years, Pickens has celebrated spring by throwing an arts and entertainment based and family-friendly celebration, the Pickens Azalea Festival.
Each April, the Azaleas bloom, artisans and crafters come out, and the community joins together to celebrate spring in the city of Pickens.
Celebrating is exactly what they do! Presented by the Pickens Azalea Festival
Complete 2026 Azalea Festival editions below!
Click link to see entire Edition below
Planting Freedom
Liberty tree planted at County Courthouse
By Lynda Abegg
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — In 1776, the pot of liberty was being stirred in the shade of a lofty elm tree in Boston. It had been planted in 1646 and was nearly 120 years old by the time the American Revolution began. Because it was on the main road leading in and out of Boston, it became a popular meeting place for the Sons of Liberty. It became known as The Liberty Tree.
In order to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Pickens County 250 Committee (PC250) and the city of Pickens, resolved to plant, not only a Liberty Tree, but also a Patriot Tree, on the front lawn of the Pickens County Courthouse.
Ron Masters presided as Master of Ceremonies. He reminded us that each
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Sizemore named Liberty’s deputy administrator
LIBERTY — The City of Liberty has named Katie Sizemore as its new deputy administrator, city officials announced.
Sizemore brings experience in communications, organizational leadership and municipal operations, along with a focus on serving Liberty’s residents and businesses. She previously served as the city’s communications and business license manager, she
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Easley Chamber celebrates 2025 achievements
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce had a year of growth in 2025.
During the chamber’s annual meeting and awards luncheon on March 19, Suzanne Flaugher offered a look back at the past year’s achievements. The branch executive of the Easley YMCA, Flaugher served as the chamber’s 2025 board chair.
Last year saw a focus on new memberships
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Pickens City Council surveys proposed comprehensive plan
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Pickens City Council members received an introduction to the city’s proposed comprehensive plan during their April 13 meeting.
Accompanied by several members of the city’s Planning Commission, Appalachian Council of Governments senior planner Jennifer Vissage presented the comprehensive plan.
“We need to thank the entire Planning Commission
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A Way To Process Life
Toney shares stories of strength, family, and home
In a quiet corner of Pickens, S.C., author Rebecca Toney is doing something remarkable: she is turning life, love, heartbreak, hope and even the everyday world of shed hauling into stories that speak to readers of all ages.
Toney, an independent author with a growing collection of books, has quickly built a body of work that is as heartfelt as it is unique. From deeply personal nonfiction to imaginative children’s stories, her books share one thing in common: they are rooted in
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Azalea Fest set for next week
PICKENS — The 42nd annual Pickens Azalea Festival is set to return to downtown Pickens next week on April 24-25, bringing two days of live music, hometown 
traditions, artisan vendors and family-friendly experiences to the heart of the Upstate.
Timed with the peak bloom of azaleas across the foothills, the festival draws thousands
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