Front porch of Lowcountry getting in the swing for spring
Walterboro, S.C. – The city of Walterboro, known for its historic charm and abundant natural resources, has lined up events and outings for the spring that encourage residents and visitors to get outside to take in all that the city, which has come to be known as the “front porch of the Lowcountry,” has to offer.
After all of these chilly winter months, early March has the town hosting the Let’s Go Expo, sponsored by the S.C. Eat Smart Move More Coalition. The Expo will feature a fitness showcase, cooking demonstrations, health talks, giveaways, and a visit from SCETV’s Smart Cat that the kids are sure to enjoy. This free event will take place on Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Colleton Center in Walterboro. For more information, visit www.esmmsc.org.
On Saturday, March 12, naturalist Rudy Mancke will join the Friends of the Great Swamp Sanctuary in celebration of Great Swamp Sanctuary Day. Starting at 9 a.m., Mancke will share his love of ecosystems during a Walk and Talk in the Great Swamp Sanctuary. This is a free event that will begin at the entrance of De Treville Street.
Later the same day, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mancke will host a “What is This?” session where he will identify artifacts brought in by visitors. This event will be held at Waterfall Memorial Park, located in the 200 block on E. Washington Street. The fee is $5.00 per person. The evening will then come to a close with a program by Mancke titled “Love of the Lowcountry,” which runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Colleton County Auditorium. A reception will follow from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the S.C. Artisans Center, located at 318 Wichman Street. Tickets are $10.00 per person and include the cost of both the program and reception. For further information, contact Celeste Stone at 843-549-7658.
A month following, Dean Harrigal of the Department of Natural Resources will host a “Walk and Talk” at the Great Swamp Sanctuary titled “Outdoor Life.” This is a free event that will be held on Saturday, April 9, at 9 a.m. at the entrance of De Treville Street. For additional information, contact Celeste Stone at 843-549-7658.
On Saturday, April 23, the third annual Walterboro Wings n’ Wheels event will showcase over one hundred aircraft and show cars. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lowcountry Regional Airport. Admission is free. Donations will benefit the MUSC Children’s Hospital Fund. Additional information may be found at www.wings-n-wheels.org.
Meanwhile, the annual Colleton County Rice Festival is scheduled for April 29, April 30, and May 1. Held in downtown Walterboro, this three-day event featuring arts and crafts, food, fireworks, music, and other entertainment promises fun for the entire family. In honor of the festival, the annual Rice Festival Parade will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. Another signature event includes the 5K run and 5K walk, which begin at 8 a.m. that Saturday at the old Post Office on Washington Street. The Mile Fun Run will begin at the same location at 9 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to both male and female finisher at an awards celebration. For more information, visit www.scfestival-rice.com.
Later that week, the City of Walterboro will host the Downtown Walterboro Criterium, an international cycling competition that is part of the USA Crits Speed Week. This is a free event, and visitors are invited to watch some of the best cyclists in the world race through the streets of downtown Walterboro. The race will take place on Wednesday, May 4, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will also be a children’s race, and special needs bikes will be awarded through the Little Red Dog Foundation and the Walterboro Fire Department. For additional information, visit www.walterborosc.org.
For those seeking something a little slower paced, the 5th annual Walterboro Antiques, History & Arts Festival is planned for May 13 and May 14. To kick things off, a Pig Pickin’ will be held on Friday, May 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the South Carolina Artisans Center. Tickets for the barbeque cost $10.00 per person. Meanwhile, antique vendors will be on site both Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Washington and Lucas Streets, and the grand opening of the Walterboro Farmer’s Market is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be antique appraisals, carriage tours through the historic district, and an antique tractor show and parade.
Additionally, a Folk Art Celebration will be held that Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Carolina Artisans Center, located at 318 Wichman Street. Also, a S.C. Watermedia Society Show will be held at the Colleton Museum, located on Jefferies Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Lowcountry Juried Art Exhibition will open this weekend as well. This is a free event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. An awards reception will follow at 7 p.m. Visit www.scartisanscenter.com for more information.
On Saturday, May 21, an event in historic downtown Walterboro will be held in recognition of Police Week. This is a free event that will be held in the city parking lot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be K-9 demos, Safe Kids demos, finger printing, games, a raffle, concessions, and more.
Established in 1826, the City of Walterboro is hailed as the “front porch of the Lowcountry,” with its historic charm, plentiful natural resources and warm Southern hospitality. The area around the city, rich with forests and vast quantities of water, is also known as the gateway to the ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. Centrally located between Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head, and Columbia, the city is home to many historic buildings, antique stores, the Great Swamp Sanctuary and the S.C. Artisans Center, designated by the state’s legislature as the “Official South Carolina Folk Art and Craft Center.” In addition, the city is home to the largest general aviation airport in the state. Walterboro serves as the economic heart of Colleton County and maintains a small-town Americana atmosphere. For more information, call 843-549-2545 or visit www.walterborosc.org.
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