Hundreds of Union County residents came out Thursday night to show their support for Union County High School’s fall sports teams and the state champion Union County Dixie Belles. The pep rally and family picnic offered entertainment for all ages and more importantly it offered UCHS fans the first glimpse of the 2010 Yellow Jackets fall sports teams.

Children joyfully bounced on brightly-colored inflatables as Highway 49’s electric sounds created a festive environment at the Union County Fairgrounds.

Local businesses and non-profit organizations filled the arms of attendees with free t-shirts, hot dogs, drinks, and refreshing ice cream.

The Childers — a Union gospel group — drew listeners near the stage before the Yellow Jacket teams were introduced.

Jantzen Childers encouraged Union County to support all students, who go back to school on Monday.

“The best thing we can do for our students as they go back to school is to pray for them,” Childers said.

The Union County Dixie Belles were recognized by Union County Supervisor Tommy Sinclair and City of Union Mayor Harold Thompson for their achievements as South Carolina State champions and runners-up in the Dixie Belles World Series this summer. The team was presented with a proclamation declaring August 12, 2010, as “Dixie Belles Softball Day.”

Varsity and JV cheerleaders, Girls’ Golf, Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country, Girls’ Volleyball, athletic trainers and all football players were introduced to the fans in attendance.

The event kicked off the beginning of another highly anticipated season of Yellow Jackets fall sports competition.