♪ ♪ Ned Garnier> When you look down on the state of South Carolina, it's hard not to admire its grandeur, diverse ecosystems, and natural beauty.

(chanting with music) ♪ ♪ There are countless fascinating places across the Palmetto State.

Each one unique, each one with its own story to tell.

♪ Now it's time to see these extraordinary locations, in an entirely new way.

♪ This is the story of South Carolina told, "From the Sky."

♪ Hello, I'm Ned Garnier, and I'll be your tour guide in seeing this great state of South Carolina, from a not often seen perspective.

Today, we're at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, home to countless seasonal festivities.

In this episode of "From the Sky," we'll be looking at some of our state's most iconic events.

First, we head to Anderson County, where one festival shows when it comes to community spirit, the sky is the limit.

♪ The history of hot air balloons dates back to the late 18th century, when the Montgolfier brothers Joseph and Jack, conducted the first successful manned hot air balloon flight in 1783.

♪ The groundbreaking event marked the inception of human carrying flight technology.

♪ Setting the stage for the development of aviation as we know it today.

♪ Fast forward to the present day, and hot air balloons have become symbols of joy and adventure, capturing the hearts of people worldwide.

♪ In Anderson County, South Carolina, one annual event not only celebrates the marvel of hot air balloons, but also serves as an essential fundraiser for one of the most important charities in the community.

♪ ♪ Founded in 2003, the Cancer Association of Anderson has been a steadfast pillar of support for those battling cancer in Anderson County.

♪ Annually, they hold the event called: Hot Air Affair Rising Above Cancer.

♪ Participating in the Hot Air Affair, is a close knit community of hot air balloon pilots, brought together by their shared passion for flight and a commitment to supporting charitable causes.

♪ Before taking to the skies, pilots meticulously review weather reports to ensure safe flight conditions.

♪ The process of inflating a hot air balloon is a fascinating spectacle.

♪ The deflated balloon is spread out and a gas powered fan is employed to cold inflate the envelope.

♪ With a typical size of 55 ft across and 60 to 80 ft tall, the balloons are categorized based on the volume of air their envelopes can contain.

♪ Once the balloon is partially inflated, the basket is turned upright and the burners are ignited using propane.

♪ The intense heat reaching temperatures of up to 2000 degree Fahrenheit, causes the air inside the balloon to expand, creating the buoyancy necessary for flight.

♪ A hot air balloon has no means of propulsion.

It's at the mercy of the wind.

♪ The result is a serene and silent flight, providing passengers with a unique and peaceful experience.

♪ Typical flights reach altitudes of 1000 to 3000 ft, offering breathtaking views of the Anderson County landscape.

♪ (music ends) ♪ More than 20 hot air balloons take to the skies during the Hot Air Affair in Anderson County.

♪ However, the event is not limited to just the awe inspiring sight of these colorful giants.

♪ As the sun sets, hot air balloons synchronize their burners, creating a mesmerizing display of light against the night sky.

♪ The glow of it is a spectacular show, symbolizing the hope and resilience of the community.

It serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light and unity to guide us forward.

♪ The Hot Air Affair Rising Above Cancer holds a special place in the hearts of the Anderson County community.

Beyond its role as a captivating spectacle, the event serves a greater purpose by raising funds for the Cancer Association of Anderson.

It's more than just a hot air balloon festival.

It's a symbol of hope and resilience.

♪ Next up, let's go on a journey to find South Carolina's perfect Christmas tree.

(upbeat Christmas music) ♪ The Christmas season in South Carolina unfolds as a harmonious blend of tradition, warmth and festive spirit.

♪ However, behind one of these festivities lies a storied journey, few know about.

♪ Now it's time to embark on a jolly adventure.

As we follow South Carolina's state Christmas tree "From The Sky."

♪ (upbeat folk music) ♪ The journey for the state Christmas tree begins in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Avery County, North Carolina.

♪ Since 1984, Luke Henderson with Henderson Tree Farms has passionately cultivated these evergreen symbols of holiday cheer on over 100 acres of pristine land.

♪ Among the vast expanse of trees, a chosen one stands out, a 35 ft Norway spruce that has gracefully matured over decades.

♪ This is when Bruce Vollnogle of Timbertech in Greenville, South Carolina, becomes an integral part of this annual tradition.

♪ Vollnogle, has been a steadfast supporter of this festive endeavor for 19 years.

Generously donating his crew expertise and equipment to ensure the seamless transition of the tree from growing in the field, to transportation.

♪ Once carefully cut down by the tree technicians, the tree is loaded onto a flatbed trailer, commencing its 160 mile journey to Columbia, South Carolina.

(folk music ends) (dramatic music) ♪ The destination for the state tree is the North Lawn of the South Carolina State Capitol building.

The tree is greeted by eager hands of the Columbia Garden Club and the Garden Club of South Carolina, the joint funders of the State Christmas Tree Project.

♪ The collaborative effort begins as the tree is readied for its transformation into the radiant centerpiece of South Carolina's holiday festivities.

♪ First, crews from Dominion Energy work to carefully add over 13,000 lights, as well as engineer ways to make the tree look full and lush in all directions.

♪ One week later, under the crisp morning sky, these dedicated Garden Club members, fueled by a shared passion for horticulture and holiday spirit, come together on the statehouse grounds to unpack meticulously crafted ornaments that reflect the rich tapestry of South Carolina's heritage.

♪ ♪ The culmination of this enchanting journey unfolds during the annual Governor's Carolighting Ceremony.

♪ The governor himself delivers a special Christmas message, before lighting the tree and officially kicking off the holiday season.

♪ The journey of the South Carolina State Christmas Tree encapsulates the magic and tradition of the holiday season.

This annual ritual serves as a symbol of unity and joy best seen, "From The Sky."

♪ There's no shortage of events during the holiday season in South Carolina.

That's why our next stop takes us to one of our state's most cherished attractions, with a holiday event that shines a light on the world's most exotic plants and animals.

♪ Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, has been a beloved attraction for nature enthusiasts and families alike, since it first opened its gates on April 25th, 1974.

♪ Celebrating 50 years of operation, this iconic zoo and garden welcomes over a million visitors annually, solidifying its status as a staple in South Carolina.

♪ Not only does Riverbanks Zoo and Garden provide a fun and educational experience for visitors, but it also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, helping to protect and preserve endangered species for future generations.

♪ (upbeat music) ♪ The Zoo at Riverbanks is a sprawling, 170 acre facility that is home to over 3000 animals, representing 400 different species from around the world.

♪ Here, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including the Sea Lion and Harbor Seal exhibit, which is modeled after San Francisco's Pier 39.

♪ This 270,000 gallon pool is home to Riverbanks' charismatic sea lion duo Maverick and Ranger, who were rescued after being stranded on the coast of California.

♪ The African Plains exhibit spans two acres and features giraffes, Grant's zebras, and ostriches.

♪ Bruce, Riverbanks' tallest giraffe, joined this herd in 2014 and can be easily identified by his darker coloration and bony bumps around his face.

♪ One of the newest additions is the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center, which offers an engaging journey through land and sea, showcasing some of the world's most precious and endangered wildlife.

♪ (western music) ♪ Adjacent to the zoo is the Riverbanks Botanical Garden, which opened in 1995 and spans 70 acres of stunning beauty.

♪ Connected to the zoo by an 800 ft long bridge over the lower Saluda River, visitors can access the garden by walking or taking a motorized tram.

♪ The themed gardens feature over 5700 species of native and exotic plants.

♪ Highlights include a formal walled garden and an antique container garden.

♪ Additionally, a half mile nature trail winds along the native forest and riverbank, offering a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors.

♪ The garden's 10,000 square foot visitor center serves as an educational hub, showcasing the importance of conservation and sustainable gardening practices.

♪ (mellow music) ♪ One of the most anticipated events at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, is Wild Lights.

♪ During the winter months, this event features nearly 60 larger than life handcrafted lanterns that illuminate the zoo.

♪ Guests can enjoy interactive displays such as a bubbling crab display and an 11 ft peacock.

♪ Wild lights not only offers a dazzling light show, but also highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation.

♪ With its impressive collection of animals, stunning botanical gardens and exciting events like Wild Lights, ♪ Riverbanks Zoo and Garden continues to captivate visitors.

♪ ♪ There's a beloved annual tradition in the Palmetto State that draws in thousands from around the world each year.

For our next stop, let's descend from the skies and gallop to the finish line in one of South Carolina's most historical cities.

(dramatic music) ♪ Camden, South Carolina, the oldest inland city in the state, is a place known for its tranquility and historical significance.

♪ However, once a year, this peaceful town transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, hosting the prestigious Carolina Cup, a steeplechase horse race that has been captivating audiences for nearly 90 years.

♪ Drawing in crowds of up to 30,000 from around the globe, the Carolina Cup is a spectacle like no other.

♪ Steeplechase horse racing has a history as rich as it is thrilling.

♪ Originating in the 18th century, steeplechase combines the excitement of hunting in the field with the competitive spirit of racing.

The term steeplechase is said to have originated from a legendary race between two Irishmen, Cornelius O'Callaghan and Edmund Blake, who raced between two churches, leaping over obstacles along the way.

♪ This exhilarating form of racing has evolved over the years, with modern steeplechase courses featuring standardized national fences, a 52 inch tall obstacle typically filled with synthetic brush, providing a challenging yet exciting experience.

♪ The Carolina Cup, held at the historic Springdale Race Course, has a unique and rich history.

♪ Originally part of a land grant, the Springdale Race Course changed hands several times before being acquired by Marion duPont Scott in 1953.

♪ Scott, renowned as the First Lady of American Steeplechasing, was a passionate horse enthusiast and thoroughbred breeder.

Her legacy lives on through the Springdale Race Course, which she generously gifted to the state of South Carolina, upon her passing in 1983.

Today, the Carolina Cup stands as a testament to Scott's love for the sport and her dedication to preserving its traditions.

♪ (dramatic music) ♪ On race day, the Carolina Cup comes alive with excitement and pageantry.

♪ Thousands of spectators flock to the Springdale Race Course, lining the course and infield to cheer on their favorite horses as they navigate the challenging terrain.

Steeplechase racing is a game of endurance.

♪ The event features six races, with the highlight being the Carolina Cup.

During the race, horses reach speeds of over 30 mph as they race around the field twice, covering over two miles.

Along the way, they must navigate a total of ten jumps, each adding to the excitement and spectacle of the event.

The Carolina Cup is not just a race, it's a celebration of tradition, skill, and the enduring bond between horse and rider.

With its roots deeply embedded in the history of steeplechase racing, the Carolina Cup continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling races as a beloved tradition and is a must see event ♪ "From The Sky."

♪ For more episodes of "From The Sky" and series like it, be sure to visit scetv.org and visit our Facebook @scetv and let us know what you think of the series using #fromthesky .

From everyone at South Carolina ETV, I'm Ned Garnier and remember, the view is always better "From The Sky".

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Hey friends, my name is Ella ♪ >> I'm your host, Andrew Davis.

♪ Today we will dig a little deeper into the history of these shell rings.

♪ >> Get ready to soar to new heights with "From The Sky."

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♪ >> This is "Our Town".

>> This is "Our Town."

>> This is "Our Town," Rock Hill.

♪ >> I'm Lauren Furey.

You're watching, "Now We're Cooking."

♪ ♪ >> Buenos dias, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another edition of "History In A Nutshell."

♪ >> We are here to help somebody in their time of need.

♪ >> Today, I'm going to visit the animal shelter with my friends Ella and Jody.

♪ ♪