Good morning, Spartanburg.

Spartanburg is preparing for its annual International Festival on Oct.

3 as the event moves from Barnet Park to downtown - which will require road closures. The festival will feature food vendors, music, dance and educational exhibits along with a colorful Parade - a highlight each year.

Spartanburg's International Festival is moving downtown on Oct.

3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with street closures on East Main, Church and Dunbar — the event will feature a Parade of Nations at 2 p.m. and a Dining Around the World Challenge where guests earn SpartanBucks.

Spartanburg High School special services teacher and head girls' basketball coach Leslie Boyd was named Spartanburg Herald-Journal/Ingles Amazing Teacher for the month – a recognition highlighting her dedication to student success and athletic leadership.

Spartanburg’s Wofford College research team led by Dr. Robin A.

Lewis is sampling 10 creeks in the Lawson’s Fork watershed to develop methods for measuring plastic in water. The team will continue processing samples this fall to help local cleanup groups track debris.

South Carolina nominated six census tracts in both Greenville and Spartanburg counties for Opportunity Zone review ahead of the January 1, 2027 redesignation.

Gov. McMaster submitted the nominations on Sept. 23 and 24 (supported by input from local governments, economic development groups and community leaders).

Spartanburg County launched its Recovery Movement to help residents access treatment and local support following substance use.

Recovery Care Navigators at 366 North Church Street assisted residents Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Spartanburg will gift land in Southside for ReGenesis Community Development Corporation to build 21 market-rate homes priced between $250,000 and $300,000 — part of a long-planned Forest Park redevelopment that aims to balance affordable and market housing.

Voters can help name SCHSL’s top offensive football player at midseason; the poll began Sept.

29 and will accept unlimited votes until 12:00 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Upstate.

Top high school football players were chosen for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game, which will be played on Dec.

19 at Spartanburg High School at 1 p.m. Selections include athletes from Dorman, Gaffney, and Powdersville for the South Carolina team.

Voting for the top SCHSL football defensive player midseason is open until noon Oct.

2 as local athletes from schools like Landrum, Crescent and Boiling Springs post standout tackle and sack stats. Community members can review the performances and cast their votes to honor defensive excellence.

High school football fans are set to enjoy a Week 7 slate including No. 6 Wren vs. No. 11 Powdersville at 7:30 p.m. Oct.

2 — experts predict Wren will edge Powdersville as nine other local matchups add to the regional excitement.