Calling all fans of eerie tales and haunting melodies! The Kershaw County Library is excited to kick off the first Southern Gothic Festival from October 18 to 20, 2024. Set against Camden’s charming backdrop, this festival will dive into the captivating world of Southern Gothic literature and folklore just in time for Halloween!

Southern Gothic is a subgenre of Gothic fiction that uniquely intertwines the supernatural with the cultural and historical context of the American South. It often explores themes of decay, isolation, and the grotesque, featuring eccentric characters and settings that reflect the region’s complex history. This festival aims to celebrate those haunting stories that delve into the darker aspects of Southern life.

Camden is the perfect spot to host this celebration of all things spooky and mysterious. The lineup includes musicians, storytellers, and bestselling authors, and almost all events are free. You can grab your tickets (or rather, make reservations) at www.southerngothicfestival.com.

What to Expect
Friday, October 18
All the action kicks off at the Outdoor Stage at the Art Center of Kershaw County, located at 810 Lyttleton Street. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs or blankets! Food trucks and a cash bar will be available, and dressing in your best gothic attire is highly encouraged.
• 7 PM: Carolina Ghost Lore with Tally Johnson
Start the night with award-winning folklorist Tally Johnson, who will share spine-tingling ghost stories from the Carolinas, featuring legends like the Gray Man and the Brown Mountain Lights. Perfect for ages 12 and up!
• 8:30 PM: Valentine Wolfe: Dark Melodies
End the evening with the ethereal sounds of Valentine Wolfe, a gothic duo from Greenville. Their blend of haunting melodies and literary influences will create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Saturday, October 19
Events will take place in the Wood Auditorium and Lobby of the Art Center. Books on Broad, our local bookstore, will be on hand selling books.
• 2 PM: Murdaugh Trial Panel
True crime lovers won’t miss this panel featuring local attorney Vincent Sheheen and key figures from the Murdaugh trials, including prosecutors and FITS News Editor Will Folks. They’ll dive into what made this case so captivating and how it ties into Southern Gothic storytelling. Q&A to follow the panel.
• 3 PM: Meet and Greet with Author Bryce Gibson
Catch local author Bryce Gibson for a meet-and-greet as he discusses his “County Line Horror” series, drawing inspiration from the Southern Gothic tradition.
• 4 PM: Book Reading & Q&A with Donald Ray Pollock
Bestselling author Donald Ray Pollock will read from his acclaimed novel The Devil All the Time. Prepare for a deep dive into the darker aspects of the human psyche!
• 5:30 PM: Southern Gothic is Coming for You with Grady Hendrix
Join New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix as he takes you on a wild ride through South Carolina’s haunted history. From legendary creatures to local legends, you won’t want to miss this tour of gothic storytelling!

Sunday, October 20
The Camden Branch of the Kershaw County Library (1304 Broad Street) will be open for these events.
• 1 PM: Reading & Signing with Miles Gardner
Local historian Miles Gardner will discuss his popular Murder and Mayhem in Kershaw County series at the Camden Branch of the Kershaw County Library. It’s a chance to rediscover true crime stories and local lore! Hard-to-find copies of volumes one and two are available for preorder at Books on Broad (www.booksonbroad.com) and for sale at the event.
• 3 PM: John Williams on Southern Folklore
Folklorist John Williams will share some captivating tales from Southern folklore at the Camden Branch, diving into the cultural history that makes these stories so compelling.
• 4:30 PM & 6 PM: Folklore and Legends Lantern Tour
Wrap up the festival with a guided lantern tour through Camden’s historic sites, featuring stories of Martha Lenoir and the Headless Horseman. This one’s also great for ages 12 and up! Tickets are $10 (all other events are free) and are available on the festival website.

Join Us for a Memorable Weekend! The Southern Gothic Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with ghost stories, music, literature, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just curious about the allure of Southern Gothic, this festival has something for everyone. So mark your calendars and prepare for a hauntingly good weekend! For more info or press inquiries, contact Amy Schofield at amys@kershawcountylibrary.org. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new event!