Plans see action for Oconee’s 150th

Oconee County leaders are at work on an ambitious schedule of activities to mark the county’s breakaway from the Pickens District in 1868—even though money is limited and there’s only a certain amount of time that paid staff can devote. At their meeting last night, members of the county’s Arts and Historical Commission talked up the Sesquicentennial, the county’s 150th year. They heard Phil Shirley of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission outline what’s ahead. Officially, the celebration starts January 29 when County Council makes an official proclamation and ends October 12 with a ticketed gala at Chattooga Belle Farms, which will serve as a fundraiser for the Oconee Heritage Center. In the meantime, there will be commemorative coins, brochures detailing 150 things to do in Oconee County, and possibly a 50-year time capsule. And that raised the question last night of what’s become of the county’s time capsule from the centennial in 1968. A blacksmith is developing a metal statue to depict the flower Oconee Bell, unique to the county. The arts and historical commissioners went on record last night in favor of countywide art and essay contests that’ll challenge kids of all ages and award prizes.