SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) — Thousands of people are expected to pack downtown Summerville this weekend for the annual Sweet Tea Festival, an event town leaders say is fueling both community pride and economic growth.

The festival, which highlights Summerville’s claim as the birthplace of sweet tea, typically draws 16,000 to 18,000 visitors in just a few hours. Organizers say the combination of live music, vendors, and local businesses helps set the town apart from other communities in the Lowcountry.

“Summerville absolutely is a destination. Summerville was built on hospitality,” said Steve Doniger, executive director of Summerville DREAM. “The festival brings a ton of people in. We average about 18,000 people within a five hour span, and folks from all over.”

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