River Flooding Statement

A special note from FRED President, Tim Rogers. 

The Edisto River means so much to so many.  The beautiful account below from adventure writer Spencer Martel articulates so well the peace and the restorative qualities that bind our people with our River.

The dramatic events of the last week haveshattered that tranquility.  As the waters rose, life in River communities was disrupted, property was devastated, lives were lost.  On Monday, October 12, photographer Mitchell West flew above the Edisto from Orangeburg to the coast, and his dramatic pictorial account can be seen in our photo gallery.

Governor Haley has characterized a thousand-year flood with a billion-dollar cost.  Most counties in the Edisto Basin have been given federal disaster area status.  It is clear that it will take much time and effort to recover.                              

FRED’s ANNUAL FALL MEMBERSHIP CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED IN ORANGEBURG ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24. 

Our beautiful festival site isintact.  We have a terrific program planned (see below).  We have much to be thankful for, much to celebrate.  We need to renew our resolve on behalf of our beautiful River and each other. 

I look forward to seeing you all at Edisto Gardens on October 24!