2008 Calendar of Events
Inspected and Recommended by the South Carolina B&B Association
September 12, Friday
Kershaw County Camera Club in the Bassett Gallery.
Opening Reception 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
A new season in the gallery kicks off with an exhibit showcasing the many talented photographers in this FAC affiliate group.
September 12 & 13
Fine Arts Follies
That's Right! Back by popular demand, this all male revue features lots of Kershaw County "talent" and some down right crazy fun starring your neighbors and friends! Don't miss this evening of highbrow (and lowbrow!) entertainment! www.fineartscenter.org
September 14
NATHANAEL GREENE: A BIOGRAPHY
Lyceum Series Program; Kershaw-Cornwallis House from 3:00-5:00 pm
Free Admission; Reception & Book signing
Upon taking command of the Southern Continental Army in 1780, Nathanael Greene took a starving rag-tag army of 1,500 and transformed it into an elite fighting force within the year. Gerald M. Carbone from Warwick , Rhode Island is an expert on the life of Greene. A winner of two of America ’s most prestigious journalism prizes, the American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Award and a John S. Knight Fellowship at Stanford University , Carbone will discuss Greene and the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, his unlikely rise to success and his fall into debt and anonymity. Light refreshments follow. Copies of his new and acclaimed book, Nathanael Greene: A Biography, will be available for purchase at $27.95. www.historic-camden.net
September 18 -21 Thursday – Sunday
Columbia Greek Festival
One of the Southeast’s biggest Greek extravaganzas in our own town of Columbia with all you’d expect and more. Food, music, giftware, sidewalk art show.
www.columbiasgreekfestival.com
September 19-20 Friday-Saturday
Lexington FunFest
Carnival, parade, golf tournament, art show, rides, it’s fun! On Main Street in the Town of Lexington, SC 803-609-4486
September 20, Saturday
Hispanic Festival
In partnership with the Alpha Center and the HOLA! Community Group
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. A day full of activities for the whole family! Come enjoy live Latin music, food, cultural exhibits, and games for children, as well as information about community resources. www.fineartscenter.org
September 26, Friday
Finally Friday Concert, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
The Fine Arts Center's outdoor concert series. Bring your lawn chairs and come out for an evening of fun family entertainment! Food and drinks will be available. The series is graciously underwritten by National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC).
www.fineartscenter.org
September 27, Friday
Sonny Seabrook Mystery Night
Interactive Mystery Dinner Theatre with the Actors' Theatre of South Carolina…
Save the date for an exciting evening of mystery and intrigue...more details coming soon! www.fineartscenter.org
September 27-28 Saturday-Sunday
Irmo Okra Strut
Rides, dance, music, crafts in Irmo, SC. And of course, foods featuring the homely okra. www.irmookrastrut.com
October 2 – 4, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
2008 Carolina Downhome Blues Festival
The 12th edition of this three-day blues event will bring some of the foremost sounds in blues to town to be showcased in multiple venues around the community. For More information Contact the Fine Arts Center at 803.425.7676 or on the web at www.fineartscenter.org for more information.
October 8-19
South Carolina State Fair
The fairgrounds are between Shop Road and Bluff Road, south of downtown Columbia. The fair is a huge event featuring agricultural and hand-crafted displays, a midway of ferris wheels and roller coaster, lots of food and fun. National names entertain.
www.scstatefair.org
October 11
Fall Market Day
Start your day on October 11th at Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site’s 15th annual Fall Market Day. The museum’s annual fall fundraiser will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lower grounds of the museum and admission and parking are free.
Buyers and browsers, come early -- you’ll be amazed what you can purchase for a dime! Vendor booths will offer everything from antiques and crafts, including custom-made jewelry, to “attic finds,” plus heritage plants and nursery plants and shrubs.
Vendors are always welcome. Many return year after year because they – and you, if you decide to sell -- get to keep 100% of your day’s profits. Vendors also love the camaraderie, relaxed atmosphere and knowing that they are helping to support Historic Camden and our County’s great history.
Vendor spaces, approximately 15 x 15 feet, will be available until October 10th at 4:30 pm (day-of registrations/walk-ins are not permitted). Fees: antique dealers or crafters spaces/$30, general vendors/$25, and non-profits/$15 (multiple spaces may be rented). The non-refundable fee is payable by cash, check or MasterCard/Visa and must accompany the registration form. Set up will be from 7-9 a.m. In case of bad weather, there is no rain date. Paid vendor fees will be considered donations to Historic Camden's education programs.
Vendors are asked sell merchandise in good resale condition and if selling food, only take-home bake goods, such as whole pies and cakes. Historic Camden volunteers will man a food concession offering chilidogs, chicken salad sandwiches, drinks and homemade cookies and brownies. Historic Camden will have sales tables. Donations of bric-a-bracs, furniture, salable merchandise (except clothes), and house and garden plants are welcome and should be brought to Historic Camden by October 9th.
For information or registration form, call (803) 432-9841, or e-mail hiscamden@camden.net. Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is located at 222 Broad Street, Camden, SC, 1.4 miles on Highway 521 North from I-20, Exit 98.
www.historic-camden.net
October 11 Saturday
Columbia Children’s Theatre Presents Miss Nelson is Missing in the Fine Arts Center in Camden.
Come help the kids of Room 207 help solve the mystery of their teacher’s disappearance in this musical adaptation beloved children’s book. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
October 24 Friday
The Spencers’ Theatre of Illusion
One of the most sought-after illusion teams in the business, the Spencers bring their nationally touring production to the Fine Arts Center in Camden for one performance only, for a powerful theatrical experience you will never forget! For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
October 28 Tuesday
Charles Wadsworth & Friends Chamber Music Series
Old friend and famed pianist Charles Wadsworth returns to Camden for a four-performance series featuring some of the greatest musicians of today. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
October 28-November 14
Gallery Exhibit: Jak Smyrl
A retrospective of the work of the renowned cartoonist and illustrator. The Bassett Gallery in the Fine Arts Center in Camden is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursdays until 6:00 p.m. For more information call (803) 425-7676.
www.fineartscenter.org
October 31 Friday
Finally Friday! Free Concert Series
Wear your best costume and come out for lots of spooky fun when the popular outdoor concert series continues with the best local bands! Bring your lawn chairs and come out for an evening of fun family entertainment! Food and drinks will be available. Sponsored by NBSC. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
November 1 & 2, Saturday and Sunday
Revolutionary War Field Days
South Carolina's Revolutionary War years come alive as some 500 re-enactors interpret life on the Southern Campaign trail from 10 pm to 5pm. At 1:30 pm cannons roar as Redcoats and Patriots portray tactics from Camden's Battle of Camden (Saturday) and Commander Choice (Sunday), followed by military courts martial scenarios. Watch period craftsmen ply their trades. Listen to civilian interpreters share their lifestyles as you stroll through the camps. Enjoy shopping on Sutlers Row and watching a period fashion show and colonial dance demonstrations. Lots of hands-on activities for kids of all ages. A fantastic, fun family outing. Daily from 10-5 pm, admission is $8/adults, $6/Seniors over 65 and military, $3/ages 6-12 and under six free. Food concessions and free parking. No pets, please. Historic Camden, South Broad Street in Camden, SC, 1.4 miles on Hwy 521 North from I-20/Exit 98. www.historic-camden.net
November 14, Friday
Bluejeans, Bluegrass, BBQ & Oysters
Kick off Colonial Cup weekend in Camden with the Hunt Family Fiddlers, BBQ and mouthwatering steamed oysters. An internationally-acclaimed family of NINE world ranked step dancers and champion fiddlers, the Hunt Family puts on a must-see show! For more information call (803) 425-7676. www.fineartscenter.org
November 16, Sunday
Colonial Cup Steeplechase
Colonial Cup Steeplechase Races, Springdale Race Course, Gates Open at 9:00 a.m., First Race at 12:30 p.m., for event and ticket information call 803.432.6513, 800.780.8117 or on the web at www.carolina-cup.org, proceeds to benefit the Kershaw County Medical Center.
November 17 Monday
Camden Music Association’s Fall Choral Showcase
The newest Fine Arts Center affiliate group presents an evening of choral music featuring the talented voices of local choirs. www.fineartscenter.org
November 19 Wednesday
Voices of Camden: The Quarrel with One’s Self
Students of Tony Scully’s monologue class perform personal works based on their life experiences. This is sure to be a powerful evening of humor and pathos, as seen through the eyes of individuals from all walks of life. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
November 20 Thursday
Vista Lights
A Christmas Open House in the Vista. Come and walk the streets without traffic, listen to great music, browse the shops and galleries, sample the holiday fare at the Vista restaurants in Columbia SC. www.artistavista.com
November 21-22 Friday and Saturday
Columbia City Ballet’s Nutcracker in Camden
After last year’s completely sold out performance, this professional tour of Nutcracker returns for two magical nights. Don’t miss this special production, where every seat is an orchestra seat! For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
November 23 Sunday
Annual Carolighting
Join our Governor and local citizens as they officially “ignite” the holidays by illuminating the big Christmas tree in front of the South Carolina Statehouse at Main and Gervais Streets in Columbia, SC. www.scgovernor.com
November 21-December 30
Lights Before Christmas in Columbia
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia. Lively hand-crafted light displays surround the Zoo along with nearly half a million brilliant lights on trees, shrubs and buildings. Over 350 light displays, designed to imitate everything from elephants splashing and siamangs swinging, make Lights Before Christmas truly uniue from other holiday lights festivals. www.riverbankszoo.org
December 5-January 5
Camden Art Association Show
With diverse work by both professional and amateur artists, this show displays a wide variety of media and styles. The Bassett Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursdays until 6:00 p.m. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
December 6 Saturday
Holiday Sales Show Preview Night in Camden
Local and regional artists and craftsmen will offer unique, handcrafted works of art. Find that special something for everyone on your holiday shopping list! www.fineartscenter.org
December 6-December 14
Holiday Sales Show in Camden
Local and regional artists and craftsmen will offer unique, handcrafted works of art. Find that special something for everyone on your holiday shopping list! Special preview night December 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For operating hours or more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
December 6 Saturday
West Metro (Columbia) Parade of Lights
Come watch the only night time parade in South Carolina. Area businesses, church groups, dance studios and civic groups join together in a march of dazzling lights, music, dancing singing and fun in Columbia, SC. www.westmetrochamber.com
December 6 Saturday
Carolina Carillon Parade in Columbia
With nearly 100 entries, the Carillon, in Columbia, will feature a memorable opening presentation, high school drill teams, clowns, marching bands from across the state, dancers and entertainers, local churches, vintage autos, dozens of custom floats, and live animals. www.carolinacarillon.com
December 6 Saturday
A Tuna Christmas
A sequel to the hit show Greater Tuna, this comic masterpiece features 2 actors playing 22 different roles in this hilarious national tour by Springer Theatricals that is stopping in Camden for one performance only! For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
8 December
The Elgin Catfish Stomp, Elgin, SC.
The city of Elgin welcomes thousands to sample the tantalizing stew made from prime local catfish. Live country music, square dancing and good-hearted competitions round out the thoroughly unique day. The town of Elgin, located just 13 miles from Bloomsbury, jumps with excitement during this annual pre-Christmas festival. The festival has been re-organized somewhat because of the commercial construction on the primary festival site since the last event. A parade, children’s activities, gospel singing, and lots of mouthwatering Catfish Stew top off the fun. The Catfish Stomp is held annually first Saturday in December. Christmas parade at 10 a.m., then enjoy lots of food (catfish of course), live music, and arts & crafts. There will also be a carnival with rides and games for the children.
December 9 Tuesday
Charles Wadsworth & Friends Chamber Music Series
Old friend and famed pianist Charles Wadsworth returns to the Fine Arts Center in Camden stage for the second in a four performance series featuring some of the greatest names in chamber music. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
December 11 Thursday
Kershaw County 4th& 5th Grade District Choir Christmas Concert
Celebrate the season with the voices of Kershaw County elementary students at the Fine Arts Center in Camden. For more information call (803) 425-7676.
www.fineartscenter.org
December 13, Saturday
Colonial Christmas in Camden
What! No Santa? No Christmas Tree? What kind of Christmas is that? A Colonial Christmas! And you and your family are invited to take a peek at how the Yuletide Season was celebrated by our forefathers during colonial times.
From 2-5 pm come see the Kershaw-Cornwallis House bedecked in seasonal greenery. Learn about the holiday customs from guides dressed in 18th century finery, and watch demonstrations of colonial crafts and skills. Then play colonial games, write a holiday greeting with a quill pen, and sample delectable period refreshments!
For this fun and educational holiday family excursion, admission is only $4 Adults, $3 ages 6-12, and free for ages under six. Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is located at 222 Broad Street, Camden, SC, 1.4 miles from I-20/Exit 98 on Hwy 521 North.
www.historic-camden.net
December 13, Saturday
The 32nd Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes
The 32nd Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2008 in historic Camden, South Carolina. Homes tours will take place between 3:00 and 8:00pm and will include some of our most elegant homes. There will be a variety of activities, wonderful restaurants, hotels and shopping in Camden to make your visit to our wonderful town even more festive. Please stay with us all weekend and enjoy celebrating Christmas in Camden as much as we do!
The Camden Junior Welfare League organizes this holiday tour as one of its main fundraisers for the year. Without the generosity of our fantastic homeowners and numerous volunteers, this event would not be possible. Through this event we are able to support children’s charities/organizations and work to help those within our own community. Your attendance at this year’s event insures that we will be able to continue to meet the needs throughout Kershaw County. www.camdenleague.com
December 13 Saturday
Columbia Children’s Theatre’s The Snow Queen at the Fine Arts Center in Camden
When the cold-hearted Snow Queen abducts little Kai in her sleigh, his best friend Gerda must journey through the wintry woods to find him in this adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's children's classic. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
December 14 Sunday
Camden Community Concert Band Christmas Concert
The Community Concert Band fills the Wood Auditorium with the special sounds of the season. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
December 14, Sunday
Boykin Christmas Parade
The 15th Annual Boykin Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2008, beginning at 2:00 pm. The Annual Gospel Concert will commence immediately following the parade in the Swift Creek Church
www.camden-sc.org
December 15 Monday
Community Choirs of Kershaw County Christmas Concert
Catch the holiday spirit with the harmonious voices of the Men’s Ensemble and Women’s Choir, both intergenerational choral groups, under the direction of Dr. Susan Wyatt at the Fine Arts Center in Camden, SC. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org
2009 Calendar of Events
Inspected and Recommended by the South Carolina B&B Association
January 7-22
Gallery Exhibit: Claude Buckley, In America
Artist Reception Thursday, January 22; 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Bassett Gallery of the Fine Arts Center. Solo show by internationally-renowned Camden artist Claude Buckley, featuring powerful works from his latest series In America: Reflections Into the Soul of Modern Society. The Bassett Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursdays until 6:00 p.m. For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org.
January 22 Thursday
Dick Goodwin Big Band
At the Woods Auditorium of the Fine Arts Center. Come shake away the winter blues with the wonderful sounds of Dick’s Big Band! For more information call (803) 425-7676, or visit www.fineartscenter.org.
