The crowds continue to grow on a weekly basis as the popularity of the Easley Farmer’s Market continues to grow, much like the fresh produce offered by local growers and vendors.

Paul Ashmore enjoyed the groove doled out by William Stokes as Easley Union Missionary Baptist Church held its Father’s Day Weekend Car and Bike Show. Ashmore was in charge of the grill and didn’t let the heat get in the way of a good day.

Classic cars lined the parking lot of Easley Union Missionary Baptist church as dads were invited out to eat home-cooked meals and enjoy some classic rolling steel.

Custom bikes were also on hand for Easley Union Missionary Baptist church’s Father’s Day weekend celebration. Custom paint jobs, wheels, kits, and shine only added to the rolling thunder.

Daelyn Rendleman couldn’t resist a little hide and seek on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

New Dixie Storm harmonized the night away at the Pickens city amphitheater, regaling the crowd with classic bluegrass, serenading the foothills with the sound of music.

PICKENS COUNTY — It’s hard to believe there could be so much for one resident of Pickens County to do in one weekend during the summer. All it takes is a little drive and a sense of adventure.

A trip to the Easley Farmer’s Market is always a welcome way to begin a Saturday morning. The weekly gathering is growing in popularity and the offerings are growing as well.

On some Saturday mornings the freshness of the produce can be smelled blocks away, mingling with the laughter and music coming from the town square. It seems each Saturday the crowd grows a little larger and the booths become more interesting.

A short drive away and just around lunchtime the smell of fresh barbecue and some soul moving tunes could be found at Easley Union Missionary Baptist Church with their Father’s Day Car and Bike Show.

The parking lot was filled with classic cars and custom bikes, always a good draw, especially on Father’s Day weekend according to Pastor Artis Bufford.

“Guys have an affinity for cars and bikes and we thought this would be a great weekend to celebrate Father’s Day,” Bufford said. “That was just an extra, this is an outreach effort to the non-Sunday morning crowd, but also an outreach to work in cooperation with some of our community partners.”

But, if the farmer’s market or classic cars with spectacular homemade eats isn’t your style, the city of Pickens presented its weekly Saturday night offering of music in the downtown amphitheater.

New Dixie Storm performed, bringing a touch of bluegrass to Pickens County, offering mandolin and banjo-driven harmonies it would be difficult to not appreciate. There was no flash, no glitz, no pyrotechnics, just perfected vocals and harmonies combined with the classic storytelling of which bluegrass is replete.

It just so happens, for anyone who will take a moment to seek it out, there is always something to do locally, right here in your own backyard. One of the best things is, this is merely a fraction of what’s on tap each and every weekend in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, if you’re willing to look for it.

The best part is you’re always made to feel right at home.