"Quasquicentennial"- what a tongue twister - is simply a different way to say one hundred and twentyfive years. In April, 1882, the settlement of Dorn's Mines changed its name to McCormick and became incorporated. The name change honored Cyrus McCormick (a wealthy industrialist who had invented the reaper years before) and his wife, Nettie, who had invested in and ultimately bought Billy Dorn's gold mine in 1869.

Cyrus McCormick's economic position and influence resulted in the Augusta & Knoxville Railroad spur coming to the town in 1871. The railroad provided economic opportunities for local businesses as well as the mining operations, helping the town to prosper and grow. The couple also donated land to build churches and a school and designed the layout of the town, modeled after Chicago, where the McCormicks lived. Grateful residents acknowledged the Mc- Cormick's contributions in a very positive manner by voting to change the town's name.

The McCormick County Chamber of Commerce has planned a "Spring Bonanza" to celebrate and acknowledge this significant historical event. April 14, 10 am to 5 pm, in downtown McCormick, many vendors will impress visitors with fresh ideas for home decorating and improvements, and all matters dealing with gardening. Bird houses of all designs, outdoor or patio furniture, gorgeous potted plants and hanging baskets, flowers, and seedlings will be available. Unusual arts, high end crafts, and fabulous foods will complete an irresistible spring outing that will delight visitors. Local and area businesses will promote and market their products/ services and promise to give away a wide variety of promotional items.

Do not miss these highlights: choose a custom-designed commemorative "gold" medallion with velvet pouch or a handcrafted locomotive themed paper weight as a souvenir. Tour the Heritage Gold Mine Park and pan for gold. Have your "vintage" style photo taken by our mayor in a Victorian setting (listen for the strolling barbershop quartet). Learn the correct way to prune those defiant crepe myrtles and other practical plant information during presentations by local Master Gardeners. Enjoy our peaceful, charming town and the unique local shops. Tour a number of restored sites on the Historical Register.

McCormick, South Carolina, is approximately 40 miles north of Augusta, Georgia. Contact the McCormick County Chamber of Commerce at (864) 852-2835 or Event Chairman Shaaron Kohl at (864) 852-9244 for further questions. Plan a day trip now and visit McCormick on April 14, 2007.