Doing its part to help further enhance a Cherokee County tradition, Blacksburg Town Council unanimously agreed to give the S.C. Peach Festival $6,000 in Hospitality Tax funds.

Getting things in line for this year’s salute to the state’s peach crop, festival vice chairman Dennis Stroupe came before the governing body last week, hoping to again receive support from the town.

“We wanted to come to local businesses, organizations and governing bodies giving them an update of what our plans are and hopefully to receive financial support,” Stroupe said. “There is plenty we would like to do, and it’s our goal for this to be successful with everyone enjoying themselves.”

Though most festival events are held in or near Gaffney, the “Iron City” also has its share of festival activities. The 2009 version of the S.C. Peach Festival included a street dance and movie in the park in Blacksburg, something Stroupe said are proposed to be part of the plan for this year’s event.

“The movie and street dance were highly successful last year,” Stroupe said. “We are looking for Blacksburg to have the events this year, one on Friday and the other on Saturday; an entire weekend of events here.”

Hospitality Tax funds are used for tourism-related purposes. The town put away $100,000 in the 2010 fiscal budget, allowing it to distribute to organizations requesting funds.

Last year, the S.C. Peach Festival was given $3,000 by Blacksburg Town Council. The organization’s request of $10,000 was shot down by town officials, but the governing body did choose to double their contribution this year, believing the festival does a lot to bring visitors to the area.

“It’s a good thing, and does a lot for the town, but a jump to $10,000 is a lot,” said Councilman Joe Ross. “But $6,000 sounds good; that’s what the money is for though.”