SC |agenda Empowering the communities we serve SOUTH CAROLINA’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES do more than keep the lights on. True to the cooperative principle of concern for community, they also support charities, host community events and pay tribute to veterans. Mark your calendar for these upcoming celebrations of the Palmetto State’s cooperative spirit. BROAD RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Traveling Vietnam Wall Broad River Electric Cooperative will honor the service of American veterans this May when the co-op hosts the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Wall at its headquarters office in Gaffney. The 80-percent scale version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day from noon Thursday, May 3, until 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. “Veterans have been such an important part of this cooperative’s history,” says Board of Trustees chairperson Norris Fowler. “We wanted to pay tribute to them and all those that have served our country.” See the cooperative’s website for a full schedule of public events, including a candlelight vigil and closing ceremonies. BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Blue Ridge Fest What began as a way for employees of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative to support local charities has grown into one of the Upstate’s biggest spring festivals. Now in its 21st year, Blue Ridge Fest combines musical entertainment with a classic car cruise-in and plenty of delicious food. Dance the night away on the outdoor dance floor to the tunes of The Spinners, Jim Quick & Coastline, and Magic, an Upstate variety band. Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win a $10,000 cash prize, and smile knowing you’re helping fund worthy Upstate charities. This annual fundraiser has donated nearly $2.5 million to local programs over the past two decades. WHEN: May 4, 5:30 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, 734 W. Main Street, Pickens DETAILS: (800) 240-3400, blueridgefest.com 6 SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2018 | SCLIVING.COOP WHEN: May 3–6 WHERE: Broad River Electric Cooperative, 811 Hamrick Street, Gaffney DETAILS: (866) 687-2667, broadriverelectric.com/wall AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AEC Run United WHEN: April 28, 7:30 a.m. WHERE: Downtown Aiken Sponsored by Aiken Electric Cooperative and Touchstone Energy, Run United features a half-marathon, a 5K race and a kids’ fun run to get hearts pumping and raise funds for the United Way of Aiken County. The races kick off on Newberry Street in downtown Aiken bright and early (7:30 a.m.) on April 28. The 13.1-mile half-marathon and the 5K courses trace a scenic route past historic landmarks including Friendship Baptist Church, Whitney Polo Field, Aiken Training Track and the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center. Lace up your running shoes and pick up the pace if you intend to run—top performers are eligible for a share of more than $3,000 in cash prizes. DETAILS: (803) 649-6245, aikenco-op.org/RunUnited AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE COURTESY OF AMERICAN VETERANS TRAVELING TRIBUTE