The cutest parade in Kershaw County is getting a “sestercentennial-sized” glow up! Kids from all across Kershaw County are invited to show off their patriotic spirit, decorating bicycles, scooters, and wagons and wearing their red, white, and blue as we celebrate the 10th Annual Kids’ 4th of July Parade, in partnership with Books on Broad, and America’s 250th Birthday!
Festivities begin at Camden City Hall at 9:30 am, with balloons and decorations handed out by the Camden Fire Department and the Hobkirk Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, to help spruce up the bikes and other non-motorized vehicles. A short program will begin at 10:15, and the parade starts at 10:30 am. This is a free event open to the community. For the safety of all participants, motorized vehicles (electric or gas powered) are not allowed, and children 10 and under must be escorted by an adult.
A special addition to this year’s program will be the 250th anthem composed by Ike Pitts, Director of Music at Grace Episcopal Church and performed by students in the Kershaw County School District’s Arts Arising program, which takes place each summer at the Arts Center of Kershaw County.
This year, the parade will march to Camden City Arena, 420 Broad Street, for a community-wide celebration of our nation’s independence, on the 250th anniversary. All our welcome, as you enjoy live music from the BunchQuitters, playing Americana and bluegrass tunes, and other entertainment, free refreshments, and more family fun – in partnership with community organizations such as the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, Daughters of the American Revolution, Col. Joseph Kershaw Chapter of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, the Kershaw County Library, Camden Junior Welfare League, and more. Free snow cones will be available to all parade participants. Looking to join in on the fun? Spaces at City Arena are still available to organizations wanting to hand out free giveaways or offer family-friendly activities. No vendors please. Email kspadacenta@camdensc.org for information.
The excitement surrounding America’s 250th anniversary is well underway. The Kershaw County 250th Committee and DAR are sponsoring a decorating contest for homes and businesses, along with a countywide scavenger hunt highlighting some of Kershaw County’s most significant historic sites. Learn more about both activities on the 250th Committee’s Facebook page at facebook.com/kc250th.
The parade is sponsored by Books on Broad and Coffee and the City of Camden.
City plans Christmas in July celebration to unveil new downtown lighting system and approves Historic Camden ordinances.
Christmas is coming to Camden a little early this year.
During this week’s City Council meeting, City Manager Matt DeWitt shared plans for a Christmas in July celebration that will spotlight recent downtown lighting improvements and create a new opportunity for the community to gather downtown.
The event, currently in the planning stages, is expected to feature a holiday movie on Broad Street, snow machines, popcorn, snow cones, and other family-friendly activities.
The celebration, which will take place toward the end of July, will also showcase the City’s new programmable LED rooftop lighting system. The energy-efficient lights can be customized for holidays, special events, and community celebrations throughout the year. For this event, the City also plans to bring back the decorative string lights that once spanned Broad Street during the Christmas season, blending a beloved downtown tradition with new technology to create a more vibrant experience for residents and visitors alike.
In other business, City Council approved measures supporting the long-term preservation and future development of Historic Camden, one of the community’s most significant historical and cultural destinations.
Councilmember Phil Elliott provided an update on the Dusty Bend Improvement Task Force, including plans for a community planning meeting tentatively scheduled for July 20.
Mayor Vincent Sheheen shared positive feedback received following a recent presentation by Director of Tourism Jenny Parrish to the Kiwanis Club of Kershaw County. He said attendees appreciated learning more about the many efforts underway to promote Camden and support the local economy through tourism.
City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Photo Caption: Camden Police Lt. J. Belote (left), Sgt. I. Rodgers (center) and Cpl. F. Acerra (right) stand before Camden City Council following a presentation of the department’s Life-Saving Award. Rodgers and Acerra were recognized for their actions that saved the life of an overdose victim on May 13, 2026.
Quick actions and Narcan administration credited with saving a man’s life
The City of Camden and Camden Police Department recognized Sgt. I. Rodgers and Cpl. F. Acerra with the department’s Life-Saving Award during the June 2, 2026 Camden City Council meeting for their decisive actions that saved the life of an overdose victim.
On May 13, 2026, officers responded to a report of an unconscious male behind a business on DeKalb Street. Upon arrival, Sgt. Rodgers quickly assessed the situation and observed indicators consistent with a drug overdose.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Cpl. Acerra immediately retrieved Narcan from his patrol vehicle while Sgt. Rodgers continued evaluating the victim’s condition. The officers administered the life-saving medication before emergency medical personnel arrived on scene.
The victim, who was experiencing severe respiratory distress and was not breathing normally, was later transported to MUSC for additional treatment and stabilization.
According to the award recommendation submitted by Lt. J. Belote, the officers’ training, quick thinking, and immediate intervention directly contributed to saving the individual’s life.
“Law enforcement officers respond to a wide range of emergencies every day, including medical calls where seconds matter,” said Police Chief Jack Rushing. “Sgt. Rodgers and Cpl. Acerra demonstrated exceptional professionalism, sound judgment and compassion under pressure. Their actions made the difference between life and death, and we are proud to recognize them with the Life-Saving Award.”
The Life-Saving Award is presented to officers whose actions directly contribute to preserving human life through extraordinary service, courage, and dedication to duty.
“Their response is a reminder that police work extends far beyond crime prevention and enforcement,” Rushing added. “These officers exemplify our commitment to serving and protecting our community in every circumstance.”
City Council adopts FY 2026-27 budget with no electric rate or millage rate increase, honors Camden Police officers for promotions and lifesaving actions, and advances Historic Camden initiatives.
Camden City Council approved the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget during its June 2 meeting, marking the second consecutive year without an increase in either the City’s electric rates or millage rate.
The adopted budget supports City operations, infrastructure, public safety, utilities and capital improvements. During discussion of the budget, Mayor Vincent Sheheen noted that while many electric providers have implemented rate increases in recent years, the City has been able to maintain its electric rates for a second straight year.
Public safety and community service were also highlighted during the meeting as the Camden Police Department recognized several officers for promotions and lifesaving actions.
Promoted to the rank of Sergeant were J.H. Smith and I. Rodgers. Promoted to the rank of Corporal were F. Acerra and J. Dover. During the ceremony, Lt. J. Belote presented the officers with their new badges and collar brass before an audience of family members, fellow officers, City leaders and community members. The ceremony also included a special moment when F. Acerra’s son, S. Acerra, received a Junior Corporal pin.
“These promotions reflect these officers’ hard work, perseverance and the exceptional trust placed in them by the department and our community,” said Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing. “Their dedication to public service sets a standard for excellence.”
Council also recognized Sgt. I. Rodgers and Cpl. F. Acerra with Lifesaving Awards for their actions during a May emergency response. The officers were credited with administering Narcan to an unresponsive individual experiencing a suspected overdose prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel, helping save the individual’s life.
Community stewardship was celebrated through a proclamation honoring Cathy Huffman Forrester O’Dell and Pudn Cantey for their dedication to preserving and beautifying Rectory Square. Council recognized the pair for their ongoing volunteer efforts and commitment to one of Camden’s treasured public spaces.
Council also proclaimed June 2026 as Amateur Radio Month, recognizing the important role amateur radio operators play in emergency preparedness, public safety communications, and community service.
During public comment, resident Rusty Major addressed Council regarding school crossing guards.
Council also approved first reading of two zoning measures related to Historic Camden. The actions would create a new Historic Camden zoning district and rezone the property from residential zoning to the newly created district. Historic Camden officials said the changes will better align zoning regulations with the site’s educational programming, agricultural activities and historical preservation efforts.
City Manager Matt DeWitt shared several updates affecting residents during the meeting, including the award of a $725,000 State Revolving Fund grant to support a required study of treatment options for PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” at the water treatment plant. The funding will help reduce costs for both the municipality and utility customers.
As election season approaches, DeWitt also reminded residents that political signs are classified as temporary signs under the City’s zoning ordinance. Temporary signs are not permitted on public property, including medians, parks and schools, and are subject to placement and time restrictions.
In addition, residents experiencing problems with AT&T’s restoration work following construction activities are encouraged to contact AT&T directly at 877-245-6660 for the fastest response.
He also encouraged residents to participate in the 10th Annual Kids’ 4th of July Parade and Camden Celebrates America’s 250th, which begins at 9:30 a.m. at City Arena. The annual event invites families and children to celebrate Independence Day while commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Residents can view meeting agendas and minutes by visiting the City’s website at www.experiencecamdensc.com.
Four Camden officers earn new ranks as the department celebrates promotions to Corporal and Sergeant in a ceremony honoring leadership, dedication, and commitment to community service.
The Camden Police Department recently recognized four officers for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving the community during a promotion ceremony held before Camden City Council.
The promotions reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to developing leaders within the department and ensuring the highest level of service to the citizens of Camden.
Promoted to the rank of Sergeant were J.H. Smith and I. Rodgers. As sergeants, they will serve as frontline supervisors responsible for overseeing personnel, mentoring officers and helping ensure the department continues to provide professional and effective law enforcement services.
Promoted to the rank of Corporal were F. Acerra and J. Dover. Corporals serve as first-line supervisors, providing leadership and guidance to officers while supporting daily operations and department initiatives.
“These promotions reflect these officers’ hard work, perseverance and the exceptional trust placed in them by the department and our community,” said Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing. “Their dedication to public service sets a standard for excellence.”
“Police officers serve our community during some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives,” Rushing said. “Whether responding to a traffic collision, helping someone in crisis or assisting a resident in need, our officers are there every day serving others. To be a supervisor requires a commitment to ensuring we provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Camden and everyone who visits our community.”
During the ceremony, Lt. Jonathen Belote presented the officers with their new badges and collar brass. In a special moment, F. Acerra’s young son, S. Acerra, also received a Junior Corporal pin, as family members, fellow officers, City leaders, and community members looked on. The Camden Police Department remains committed to developing future leaders and providing professional, responsive, and community-focused law enforcement services to the citizens of Camden.
Photo Caption: Front row, left to right: Sgt. I. Rodgers, Cpl. F. Acerra, Jr. Cpl. S. Acerra, Sgt. J.H. Smith and Cpl. J. Dover. Back row, left to right: Council Member Delia Davis, Council Member Hamilton Boykin, Mayor Vincent Sheheen, Council Member William Wilkes and Council Member Phil Elliott.
