The City of Camden continues to host a summer series of small business workshops at the Camden branch of the Kershaw County Library. Kat Spadacenta, Community Development Coordinator, and representatives from the Library and Small Business Development Center will lead workshops for small business owners and any member of the public wishing to attend.
Workshops will be held on Tuesdays – June 4, June 25, July 9, July 23, and August 6 at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street. A community development workshop will be held August 13. All workshops are from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
June 4 – Make Your Small Business More Accessible – When businesses build digital communications that allow people with disabilities to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with products and services, it expands their market. Implementing accessibility best practices can help businesses grow, and improve the experience for all users. In this Grow with Google workshop, you’ll what accessibility means online, how to design for accessibility – web pages, email, and tips for physical spaces, and tips for being more inclusive as a small business.
June 25 – How to Write an Effective Business Plan – An effective business plan is an important tool for a business owner. Join this webinar, hosted by SC Small Business Development Center’s Bob Jones, and learn about the elements that make a business plan effective. Bob will cover what information should be included in a business plan, how to write an executive summary, and the purposes of a business plan and what impact it can have.
July 9 – Library Resources for Business – Cris Wilson, Adult Services Librarian for Kershaw County Library will give an overview of the online resources available to your business, courtesy of the South Carolina State Library. Any South Carolina resident who has a current, valid library card can access these resources. The Camden Branch also has a business reference collection, which will be covered. These materials are available for use inside the library building. Bring a laptop to this workshop.
July 23 – Boost Your Money Management Skills for Your Small Business – Whether you’re starting a new business or already managing one, it’s important to understand how to manage your business finances. Having good money management skills will help increase your business’s opportunity for success. This Grow with Google workshop will show you how to separate business and personal finances, track your business finances, understand cash flow and profit & loss. Plus, you’ll learn about money management mistakes to avoid.
August 6 – Cybersecurity and Your Small Business – Cybersecurity is an important issue for businesses of all sizes. In this Grow with Google workshop, you will learn the basics of online security and how it applies to your business and customers, ways you can identify common digital threats, and steps you can take to protect your business. You’ll walk away with practical tips and tools to increase your business’ cybersecurity, as well as what steps you can take after a potential security breach.
August 13 – Cultural District and Community Development Strategy Workshop – Join Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta to learn about upcoming events and activities taking place in the Downtown Camden Cultural District and how you can be a part of them. Help in the planning and design of a community mural, brainstorm for the holiday season, and share your thoughts on what you’d like to see in your community.
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour returns to Kershaw County June 1st and 2nd. This free, self-guided tour of farms and markets, and – this year – arts campuses, features local artisans and farmers at every stop.
This year’s tour welcomes new farms, such as Marshall Farm in Bethune and Granny Creek Homestead in Westville, as well as previously participating sites such as Canebrake Apiary, Gorget Distilling Co., the Farm at Historic Camden, and the Kershaw County Farmers Market. Also new this year, the Arts Center of Kershaw County and Camden Arts Shoppes will serve as tour sites, hosting local farmers. Many sites will have live demonstrations, as well as products and food for sale.
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is now in its thirteenth (13th) year, and has twenty (20) counties participating in 2024. This annual agritourism attraction is a great way to educate people about where their food and fiber come from and introduce them to local artisans, says Will Culler, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, and Tour Director.
“We are proud of the commitment of our farms, artisans, and county teams. Because of that, we can sustain continued growth,” Culler said. “One of our goals has been to give people a better knowledge of what is produced in their backyard and help them to support local businesses while making healthier food choices. This event does that by putting food and product with a face.”
The following sites will be featured in Kershaw County June 1st and 2nd:
Canebrake Apiary and Aquaponics – 1239 John G. Richards Road, Camden – Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm – Canebrake is a hobby farm that produces honey, products from the hive, eggs, and organic fruits and vegetables. Purchase fresh, local honey, and products from the hive. The apiary will be bustling and you can see where the bees forage and how their honey is processed. The family-sized aquaponic system is running for you to learn how to produce your own food year ’round at home. Artisans and activities include: Wateree Beekeepers, SEA Associates, CRM Associates – all providing local honey and hive products, Chick Bee Quilting, Cosmic Carnivorous Plants, Black Creek Wildlife Center, the Eager Beavers 4-H club, SC Master Naturalists, Motley Farms, RU Feeling Crafty, Tara’s Crafty, Muddy’s Teas, Pink Moon Tie Dye, Old South Creations, and the SC Governor’s School.
Granny Creek Homestead – 257 Payne Pond Road, Westville – Saturday 9 am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm – Have you ever wanted to know how to start a small homestead or see where the goat milk soaps come from? Embark on an enriching tour of this 10-acre homestead, where you’ll encounter a vibrant community of chickens, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and American Guinea Hogs. Artisans and activities include: Handcrafted Visions, Bushels and Bags Farm, Grammy, Mommy, and ME, and Heartland Farm.
Marshall Farm – 1327 Old Georgetown Road East, Bethune – Saturday 9 am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm – Open seasonally, this farm is full of tulips and strawberries in the spring, pumpkins and a corn maze in the fall. See goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits & more. Enjoy the outdoor games for kids and adults. Artisans and activities include: Blue Horse Jewelry, KHLOE & Calluna, Sticks and Stones and Words that Really Matter, From My Soap Box, and PurpleRoo.
Arts Center of Kershaw County – 810 Lyttleton Street, Camden – Saturday 9 am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm – The artistic hub of Kershaw County, the Arts Center’s 3 acre campus is in the heart of Camden. Stroll through the Bassett Gallery’s latest exhibit and visit with the affiliated artisans while you enjoy live music from the arbor. Farms, artisans and activities on site include: Michelle’s Celestial Gardens, Costas Farm, Carolina Construction Equipment, indigo dying, Glory Bee Baskets, and Pine Tree Wildlife Rescue.
The Farm at Historic Camden – 222 Broad Street, Camden – Saturday, 10am-4pm – Historic Camden’s farm has grown considerably over the years, and showcases how 18th century settlers worked the land. Artisans and vendors on site will include resident potter Marti Wallace, Sudsy Dreams, Aurora’s Thorn Custom Creations.
Kershaw County Farmers Market – 906 Broad Street, Camden – Saturday only, 9 am-12 pm – Voted #1 Farmers Market in South Carolina in 2023, this is a family-friendly (pets included) place to enjoy the very best of South Carolina-grown and made products. Locally-grown produce, meat and dairy products, fresh baked goods and desserts, artisan crafts, food trucks, and more.
Gorget Distilling Co. – 1974-A Whiting Way, Lugoff – Open 10 am – 4 pmSaturday only – Kershaw County’s only distillery and a member of the Certified SC Grown program, customers are able to tour the distillery, view the spirit making process and understand how it all starts, in the field, to end in the glass. Distillery Tours given every 30 minutes between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Camden Art Shoppes – 1011 Broad Street, Camden, Open 9 am – 4 pm Saturday only – This local artist cooperative gallery and retail space consists of 80 artists, some of whom produce art related to agriculture and farming. Find specially designated art related to the agricultural theme of the Tour, along with farmers on sight to display and sell their wares. Classes and demonstrations, take home art kits and more available.
Kids to Parks Day returns to Kershaw County on Saturday, May 18, 2024. And this year, Kids to Parks Day serves as the launch to the Kershaw Community Quest, a Summer Passport to encourage reading, learning, outside activities, and engaging with your community.
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play organized and launched by the National Park Trust, with events taking place across the country on the third Saturday in May. Kids to Parks Day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.
The mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences. While discovering and exploring our parks and the history of our country and its amazing national treasures – because kids need parks and parks need kids!
Here is a list of locations and activities scheduled for Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 18:
Free Family Programs at Nature As Teacher, 247 Chestnut Ferry Road, Camden – Nature As Teacher is partnering with KCTrails to host a day full of free family activities, including a youth bike trail ride at 9:00 am, a nature walk at 10:30 am, and the launch of the Kershaw County Library’s Summer Passport program at 11:30 am. Registration is free by emailing leoncic@clemson.edu or visiting
Fishing and Free Activities at Wateree River Veterans Park, 550 US-1, Lugoff – Learn the basics of freshwater fishing, safety & etiquette from the Kershaw County Parks & Recreation Department and enjoy free arts and family activities with Target from 9:00-11:00 am. Bring your own rod & reel. Parks Dept. will have limited supply of gear available. Open to children 5 to 12 years old. Fishing is limited to 30 participants. Preregistration required at www.eventbrite.com.
“Police in the Park” at Kirkwood Community Park, 192 Stowers St, Camden – Camden Police Department will have free, fun activities and hot dogs 9:00-11:00 am. No registration required.
“Move With The Mayor” at Unity Park, 820 Market St, Camden – Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford and LiveWell Kershaw will have a fitness circuit and fun activities 9:00-11:00. No registration required.
Puppets in the Park at Rectory Square, 310 Rectory Square, Camden – The Kershaw County Library will be joined by Becky’s Box of Puppets, guiding young explorers through the world of puppetry. Participants can make the puppets talk, walk, dance, play, and tell a story. 11:00 am No registration required.
Puppets in the Park at Bethune Community Park, 109 College St E, Bethune – The Kershaw County Library will be joined by Becky’s Box of Puppets, guiding young explorers through the world of puppetry. Participants can make the puppets talk, walk, dance, play, and tell a story. 2:00 pm No registration required.
Special thanks to community partners Kershaw County Library, Kershaw County Parks & Recreation Dept., KCTrails, Nature As Teacher, Camden Police Department, LiveWell Kershaw and “Move With The Mayor”.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 6-1-80 (1976, as amended) and S.C. Code Ann. Section 6-1-330(A) (1976, as amended), the City Council of the City of Camden (the “City”), will conduct a public hearing (the “Hearing”) related to the City’s annual budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (both general fund and combined utility enterprise fund), which proposed budget includes the imposition of: (i) a 10% increase in volumetric charges related to the water component of the City’s combined public utility system (the “System”); (ii) a 5% increase in volumetric charges related to the sewer component of the combine public utility System; (iii) a 7% increase to the electric component of the City’s combined public utility System; (iv) and other miscellaneous fee increases for the System; and (v) a $5.00 increase to residential sanitation in the general fund; and (vi) a 5% increase to commercial sanitation in the general fund. The amounts anticipated to be raised from the imposition of the proposed rate/fee increases were not previously funded from property taxes and are not being imposed as a replacement for property taxes.
The Hearing will be held during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the City Council chambers, which are located at 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC. A copy of the agenda for the City Council meeting will be available here at least 24-hours in advance of the date and time for the meeting. Further information regarding the Hearing is available by submitting an email to: cityclerk@camdensc.org. Additionally, copies of the proposed FY 2024-2025 budget are available for pick up at City Hall, which is located at 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC, during regular business hours (8:15 am – 5:00 pm).
Consistent with the provisions of S.C. Code Ann. Section 6-1-80 (1976, as amended), the following information is provided with respect to the proposed FY 2024-2025 budget:
Proposed tax millage equals $123.5 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Based on preliminary assessments set by Kershaw County, South Carolina the proposed millage is estimated to produce $5,828,007 (which includes credits for Local Option Sales Tax proceeds) in total tax revenue. The proposed millage for fiscal year 2024-2025 is subject to the provisions of S.C. Code Ann. Section 6-1-320 (1976, as amended) and may be adjusted to comply with such provision.
Free concerts return to Town Green this spring, with a variety of music every other Thursday evening from April 18 to May 30. Get your blanket or lawn chair, family and friends, to enjoy live music outdoors. Bring a picnic dinner or grab some takeout from your favorite local restaurant.
Opening the Blankets & Bands spring series is local favorite New Old Friends on Thursday, April 18. The musicians of New Old Friends met here in Camden, and quickly bonded over their shared love of tried-and-true sounds shined up with fresh arrangements. Each member brings a unique musical flavor to the band. The group is known to jump genres and mash up influences, making for memorable sets and happy audiences.
All concerts will be held on Thursdays, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, weather permitting. Beer and wine are permitted on Town Green during the hours of the concerts. No glass containers are allowed on Town Green. In the event of cancelation due to weather, notifications will be placed on the City’s website and Downtown Camden Cultural District social media channels.
On May 2nd, Brighter Beginnings takes the stage at Town Green. With roots in Southern Gospel, R&B, and Soul music, these nieces and nephews of the late Brook Benton of Lugoff, SC have music running in their veins.
On Thursday, May 16th you can swing with Flat Out Strangers. This hot vocal gypsy swing & jazz band is danceable, addictive, and timeless. You’ll be on your feet in no time!
Officially welcome in summer with 10 Cent Rich on Thursday, May 30. Known for sets featuring classic hits and classic rock, 10 Cent Rich has become a staple of the Camden music scene. Always a crowd pleaser, their performance will close out the spring season of Blankets & Bands.
The Blankets & Bands concert series is a partnership between the Downtown Camden Cultural District and the Arts Center of Kershaw County, bringing free, live music to the community during the spring and fall months.
Blanket & Bands Spring Concert Schedule New Old Friends – Thursday, 4/18 Brighter Beginnings – Thursday, 5/2 Flat Out Strangers – Thursday, 5/16 10 Cent Rich – Thursday, 5/30
