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”.
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
Accommodations Tax Grants provide financial support to nonprofits in Camden and Kershaw County, to fund tourism and tourism-related projects and events. These events should promote or contribute to overnight accommodations or hotel stays in Camden.
Applications for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Accommodations Tax Grant process are now available. Applications are due by 5:00 pm Friday, April 26, 2024.
Download the FY24-25 Accommodations Tax Grant Application:
One of the oldest homes in Camden, Samuel Mathis purchased this lot in 1805 from Joseph Kershaw and the home was built by 1810. The home remained in the Mathis family until it was sold in 1850.
In 1977, caterer, bon vivant, and collector Jack Brantley purchased the home. Jack lived and operated his very successful catering business, Aberdeen Catery from this house until it was gifted to the city if Camden in September of 2021.
Aberdeen combines many of the original features with Jack’s love of beauty and opulence. Vibrant colors and elaborate moldings enhance his extensive collection of antiques and porcelains. Every piece in the home was either gifted to or purchased by Jack. His collection philosophy was very simple, “It is pretty. I like it. I will buy it.”
Generations of Camden residents remember Aberdeen as the most hospitable home in Camden. Jack never failed to open his doors for friends – and everyone was a friend. The Camden Archives and Museum and the City of Camden are proud to continue Jack’s tradition of hospitality by opening Aberdeen for guided tours.
Tours will be conducted Saturdays at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Guests should sign up for a tour through Eventbrite. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Due to the size of the home, groups of 10 or more will need to contact the Archives to make alternate arrangements.
The City of Camden’s Main Street Program will host a series of small business workshops in the coming weeks at the Camden branch of the Kershaw County Library. Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta, Director of Planning & Development Shawn Putnam, and representatives from the Small Business Administration 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 – January 9, January 23, February 6, February 27, March 5 and March 26 at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street.
January 9, 6:00-7:00 pm – Get Your Business Online – Still haven’t verified your small business with Google? Let’s get you online, so customers can find you! Whether you’re nervous about bringing your existing business online, or you’re just starting a business and want to know where to begin, this workshop will get you found on Google. You will also learn the benefits of owning a domain and how to get the most out of your online presence. This Grow with Google workshop is presented by Main Street Manager and Google Partner Kat Spadacenta. Please bring a laptop to this workshop.
January 23, 6:00-7:00 pm – Do I Need A Permit? – Learn what steps you need to take in order to open a brick and mortar business in Camden. From construction to sign permits, sidewalk encroachments and more, City of Camden Planning & Development Director Shawn Putnam and Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta will be on hand to guide you through the step-by-step process and answer specific questions. Registration recommended, but not required.
February 6, 6:00-7:00 pm – Learn the Basics of Google Ads – Learn how to reach more customers and grow your business through the help of Google Ads. In this hands on workshop, you will learn how to create and account and set up an ad campaign, write ads and refine keywords, and understand analytics to measure success. This Grow with Google workshop is presented by Main Street Manager and Google Partner Kat Spadacenta. Please bring a laptop to this workshop.
February 27, 6:00-7:00 pm – SBA Federal Contracting 101 – The federal government spends more than $500 billion annually on federal contracts and 23% must go to small businesses. Want to learn how you can be a part of that 23%? Join Angela Brewer, Business Opportunity Specialist with the SBA South Carolina District Office as she discusses federal contracting.
March 5, 6:00-7:00 pm – Let’s Start a Business – Do you have an idea for a business? Have a hobby or side venture that you think could be profitable? Or have you already launched your business, but still have questions about operations? Join Small Business Development Center presenter Bob Jones to learn the steps to starting a successful business. Find out what resources are available and what best practices to follow when starting a business. Registration recommended, but not required. Contact Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta, kspadacenta@camdensc.org or 803-549-5648.
March 26, 6:00-7:00 pm – Brownfields 101 – Learn what a brownfield is and how the City of is seeking public participation through its current Environmental Protection Agency grant to ensure that the community is given the opportunity and encouraged to identify potential brownfield sites and help determine their potential for redevelopment and reuse.
