Saturday, June 30, 2012

Fireworks! - Day 181

Ready to catch some fireworks? Check out the listing below of the fireworks and festivals happening around the area to celebrate America's birthday! Happy 4th of July!

June 30th

9th Annual Spirit of Florence at the American Legion Field (340 S. Stadium Rd). Gates open at 4pm. Fireworks will be after the baseball game.

July 3rd

Cheraw's Independence Celebration at Centennial Park (Downtown Cheraw). Festival starts at 10:30am and fireworks are at 10pm.
Oakdale Country Club (3700 West Lake Dr) in Florence at 9:15pm.
Broadway at the Beach at 10pm.

July 4th

Community July 4th Celebration at Great Commission Ministries (3503 W. Turbeville Hwy) in Lake City. Food at 7pm and Fireworks at Sunset.
Broadway at the Beach at 10pm.
Cherry Grove Pier at 9pm.
Barefoot Landing at 10:15pm.
Pier 13 in Surfside from 6-10pm.
Boat Parade & Fireworks at the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet. Parade is at 9am and fireworks are at 10pm.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

Friday, June 29, 2012

4th of July CD Spinners - Day 180

Tomorrow from 10am-2pm stop by the Environmental Discovery Center at Lynches River County Park for a very cool 4th of July project. Join in on the fun and make CD Spinners from recycled CDs and bottle caps. You can use your CD Spinner as a festive party favor at your 4th of July celebration. Just stop by anytime between 10am and 2pm to make your spinner. After you’re finished, head over to the splash pad to cool off. It is going to be a hot one!

For more details, check out our calendar here.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sankofa Festival - Day 179

The Sankofa Festival returns to Florence for a 12th year next weekend! Enjoy a cultural explosion from July 5-7 with a festival theme of "Connecting the Cultural Corridor". On Thursday, the festival will feature a dance production by Justine Roberts Performing Arts Academy at the FDTC Auditorium at 7:30pm. Friday will feature a cabaret style performance featuring jazz artist Karrin and R&B performance by The Finesse Band. Friday's performances will be held at the SiMT building at 7:30pm.

Saturday the family festival will be held at Timrod Park from 2-9pm. There will be plenty of entertainment on Saturday featuring African drumming and dancing, storytelling and more. For a complete list of events for the Sankofa Festival, please visit their website or our calendar for details.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Independence Celebration! - Day 178

On Tuesday, be sure to take the family to Cheraw for an Independence Day Celebration! The fun begins at 10:30am with a children's parade with decorated bikes, tricycles, and wagons. At 7pm the festival kicks-off with kids' games, good food, and live entertainment by the East Coast Rythym & Blues Band. The night will end with a bang with fireworks over downtown Cheraw at 10:00pm. Don't miss this fun 4th of July celebration!

Click here for more details.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Revive After Five! - Day 177

(Photo courtesy of visitbennettsville.com)

Join Bennettsville for a summer concert series, Revive After Five! This Thursday from 6-9:30pm enjoy live music from the Tim Clark Band at the Bennettsville Community Center. Admission is $5. Bring your coolers (no glass) and lawn chairs! Food vendors will be on site for your concert snacks. Take time out of your busy week to "revive" in Bennettsville!

The series will continue on July 26th and August 23rd. For more information on the summer concert series, please call the Bennettsville Visitor Center at 843.479.3941. You can also visit our event calendar here for more information.

Monday, June 25, 2012

The Army National Guard Band Concert - Day 176

On July 3rd, the Army National Guard Band will perform outdoors at the Florence Veterans Park. The concert is free and open to the public and you will want to bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating. On the eve of July 4th, enjoy a patriotic kick-off to the holiday.

The Florence Veterans Park is located on Woody Jones Blvd. behind the Florence Civic Center. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the lower level of the Civic Center.

More details here.

9th Annual Spirit of Florence - Day 175

Don't miss the 9th annual Spirit of Florence "A Family Celebration" this Saturday at Timrod Park! From 7am-4pm a community festival will be held with plenty of activities, vendors, carnival games, music, and plenty more for the entire family. The day will kick off with a 5k run/walk at 8:00am.

At 4pm, head over to the American Legion Field where the celebration will continue. A concert with Mid-Life Crisis will begin at 5pm. A parachute jump performed by the All American Free Fall Team from Ft. Bragg will follow the concert. At 7pm, catch the RedWolves vs. Morehead City. Be sure to stay for the big fireworks display after the game!

For more information on Saturday's celebration, please visit our calendar by clicking here.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Murder Mystery Dinner - Day 174

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Secret" is the name of the Murder Mystery Dinner to benefit the Florence Area literacy Council.The entertaining evening will take place at 6:30pm on Monday, the 25th, at the Carolina Ranch House in Timmonsville. Murder Mystery Productions of the Carolinas out of Myrtle Beach will be your host for an evening of entertainment and mystery as you try to figure out the killer! Dinner will be provided by Venus Restaurant and Catering. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Florence Area Literacy Council. To get your tickets, call 843.667.1908.

Visit our calendar for more information.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Saturday Concerts - Day 173

Downtown Florence will be bustling tomorrow with the festival in the Breezeway that we told you about earlier this week. (More on that, click here.) If you are heading downtown, don't miss your opportunity to hear William Gerald! Enjoy the sounds of cool jazz on a hot summer's day from 12-2pm.

Then, Blue Ridge Junction will play some Bluegrass tunes at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm at the Art Trail Gallery on S. Dargan Street.

At 8pm, you can catch another great jazz musician, Rick Paulus and country singer Taylor Nealy at Railroad Junction on W. Evans Street. All of the concerts on Saturday are free of charge! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a Saturday full of great entertainment.

You can find out more information on all of these concerts by visiting our calendar here.
365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Summer Pee Dee Artisan Market - Day 172

The Pee Dee Artisan Market will team up with the Art Trail Gallery for the first Summer Pee Dee Artisan Market! Mark your calendar now.The Summer Market will be held in Downtown Florence on Friday, July 27th from 5-8pm and Saturday, July 28 from 10am-2pm inside the Art Trail Gallery. On Friday night, you can enjoy Florence After Five with food and music, as well as shop the market.

If you are interested in renting a booth for this event, you will have to provide your own table. Please contact Maria Butler at pdartisan@sc.rr.com if you are an artist interested in the Summer Pee Dee Artisan Market. You can also browse the event website here for vendor applications.

Please visit our calendar for more information on this event and other things happening in and around Florence.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Summer Family Festival - Day 171

Join the fun on Saturday evening at the Effingham Presbyterian Church for a FREE summer festival! Rain or shine, bring the family to enjoy lots of summertime activities. There will be a free hot dog supper, a cake walk, water slide, bingo, trivia, and a bounce house! The festival will be from 6-8pm this Saturday and the church is located at 526 E. Effingham Hwy.The whole family will really enjoy this fun evening festival!

For more information, click here!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Cheraw Alive! - Day 170

If you need a pick-me-up to get you through the week, check out Cheraw on Thursday! From 2-6pm you can browse the Cheraw Farmers' Market, but bring your lawn chairs because at 7pm 'Too Much Sylvia' takes the stage for the Cheraw Alive! concert series. Enjoy the concert for free and bring the family for some great entertainment. The concert takes place at the Centennial Park at 200 Second Street. Before the concert, be sure to check out the Historic Cheraw Cell Phone Tour. For more information on the phone tour, visit their website.

For more details, visit our calendar here.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Fun in the Sun Summer Festival! - Day 169

The Fun in the Sun Summer Festival starts tomorrow in Downtown Florence! Activities are scheduled everyday though Saturday, June 23rd. Here's the lineup -

Tuesday, June 19 - Kreative Kids Action Painting class at Railroad Junction for $10, 5:30pm

Wednesday, June 20 - Downtown Farmers Market, 3-7:30pm + Kreative Kids Open Window at Railroad Junction, 4-7pm

Thursday, June 21 - Ladies Night Out Painting Stemware class at Railroad Junction for $15, 7:30pm

Friday, June 22 - Visualicious 2012 Exhibit (5:30-8pm) and Brass 5X5 (6:30-7:30pm) at the Art Trail Gallery + Railroad Junction Art Exhibit (admission $6), 8pm

Saturday, June 23 - Bazaar in the Breezeway (10am-4pm) featuring art demonstrations and merchant specials from Harvest Moon Soapworks, Railroad Junction Art Gallery, the Sweet Tooth, Ella's Boutique, Vintage Vogue, B&G Enterprises and more. Also, enjoy free brewed coffee all day long courtesy of the Claypot Coffee Shop.

For more info, please click here.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Ragtime Auditions - Day 168

Looking to the light up the stage? Don't miss your opportunity to audition for 'Ragtime' at the Florence Little Theatre! Auditions for ages 14 and older start today at 7:30pm. No prior experience is required.

Auditions continue on Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30pm. Call the Florence Little Theatre for all the details - 843.662.3731.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

9th Annual Spirit of Central - Day 167

On Wednesday, June 27th at 6:15pm join the folks of Central United Methodist Church for a casual, patriotic celebration of our nation at the 9th Annual Spirit of Central! The event kicks off with a rousing tribute to those who have served America over the past 236 years including service songs of all six branches of the U.S. military, the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward, children may go to the playground for games and treats from the ice cream truck. The Plaids, a fabulous vocal group that has performed across eastern South Carolina for more than 15 years, will make their 7th appearance on the Spirit of Central stage to entertain the adults with popular hits from the 50s and 60s!

The Spirit of Central is free of charge and open to the public. Child care is available. Dinner will be served prior to the event for a cost of $5 per adult and $2 per child (ages 12 and under). Please call the church office at 843.662.3218 by Friday, June 22 if you plan to have dinner.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the Visitors Center - located near the Florence Civic Center - we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days worth of things to do. Find more things to do on our online calendar, and enjoy!

Friday, June 15, 2012

FRAA Collection at Art Trail Gallery - Day 166

A portion of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) permanent collection is on display at the Art Trail Gallery until the end of June! Included in the works from the FRAA collection are pieces by Jack Dowis, Jane Jackson, Denny Stevenson, Greg Fry and Harry McFadden.

Stop by the Art Trail Gallery Wednesday-Thursday, 11:30am-2:30pm or Friday, 5:30-8pm to see these pieces and more in Downtown Florence! Admission is free.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Clay Brown & The Legends Band - Day 165

Don't miss your chance to hear Clay Brown and The Legends Band at the Florence Little Theatre this weekend. The group will perform hit songs from different genres including Motown and bluegrass. The concert will begin at 7pm on Saturday and tickets are $20 per person. You can reserve your ticket today by calling the FLT at 843.662.3731. Wear your dancing shoes because you might just boogie on out of your seat!

More info...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Beer Pairing Dinner - Day 164

Join Southern Hops Brewing Company tonight for their 3rd annual beer pairing dinner! The dinner begins at 6pm and the tickets are $35. The four-course dinner will be served with a different beer for each course. There will also be a tour of the brewing facility and an opportunity for you to learn all about the brewing process from brew-master Jimmy Deaton. If you are interested in attending, you will need to call ahead to reserve a space for this special event. To get your ticket, just give Southern Hops a call at 843.667.1900.

For more information, visit our calendar.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Acting up! - Day 163

Do you have an aspiring actor or actress at home this summer? If your child is interested in acting or being in the spotlight, you should check out Acting Up! Summer Camp at the Florence Little Theater. There is a camp currently running this week, but you can sign up for the next week of camp which will be July 23-27. The camp is geared toward theatre fun and will teach your child lessons designed to inspire their creative side and their imaginations. There will be classes in music, movement, arts, crafts and stage games! The camp is for children ages 5-10 and is from 9am-12pm.

For more details on registration, please call Lisa at the FLT at 843.662.3731 ext 14.

You can find a listing of summer camps in the area on our calendar. There are plenty of things to keep your little athletes, cheerleaders, dancers, or science enthusiasts busy all summer long! Just check out our calendar for more information.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Conferences bring thousands to Florence! - Day 162

If you were around the Civic Center yesterday you probably noticed a lot of cars and a lot of people in the area. There are 2 very large conferences being held this week that are keeping things bustling with movement and bringing thousands of visitors to Florence!

The first, The South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is currently taking place and will end on the 13th. The four-day event is the church's primary gathering in this state. Members pray, fellowship and ultimately decide the business of the church throughout South Carolina, including determining the statewide budget and voting on a host of resolutions before the body.

Then, on the 14th, the Christian Covenant Fellowship of Ministries Annual Conference will begin and go through the 16th. This conference will hold sessions at the Civic Center and at other locations throughout Florence with a theme of, "The Power is in the Message".

For more information on either of these conferences, please feel free to visit the Florence Civic Center website by clicking here.

You can also find out more information on our calendar, as well as more info on things going on this week in Florence.

Civil War Reenactment - Day 160

Sorry we didn't get to post our blog on Saturday! Here is Day 160.

If you are a historian or just someone that appreciates our local heritage, then you will truly enjoy the 54th Massachusetts Co. I, Civil War Reenactment. Head over to Cheraw to hear and experience the stories and activities on Saturday, June 16th. You can even get a sample of the camp food! Everything begins at 11am. There is a $15.00 activity fee for participation, but regular admission is $9.00. Kids should be at least 5 year old to attend. For more information, please contact the Southern African American Heritage Center at 843.921.9989.

More details...

Sunday, June 10, 2012

South Carolina Farmers Festival - Day 161

This fun festival kicks off on Thursday in Lake City at the National Bean Market Museum. Shop fresh, local produce, while enjoying live music. There will be plenty of activities for the kids, crafts, vendors, farm related demonstrations, reenactments and demonstrations. The festival will take place Thursday - Saturday from 8am-4pm. Be sure to head over to Lake City to celebrate our local heritage!

More info...

Friday, June 8, 2012

Land of the Sky Gun and Knife Show - Day 159

The Land of the Sky Gun and Knife Show will be at the Florence Civic Center on June 23rd and 24th.The show will return to Florence with a bigger and better selection of rifles, shotguns, handguns, knives, and more! If you are a hunter, a sportsman, a skill shooter or just like target practice, then you don't want to miss the selection at the show. Admission for adults is $7.00 and kids 12 & under are admitted for free. Saturday the hours are from 9am-5pm and on Sunday from 10am-4pm. Enjoy the show and browsing through collectibles and unique firearms, but please remember in order to buy, sell or handle a rifle you must be 18 and 21 to purchase, sell or handle a handgun.

You can find out more information on our calendar.
365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Breezeway Bazaar - Day 158

Saturday in Downtown Florence from 10am-4pm join local businesses for a super sale! You will find unique art, handmade crafts and soaps, fashions, hair care products, and more on sale for up to 70% off! Join the Art Trail Gallery, Harvest Moon Soapworks, L&G Bridal, Ella's Boutique, B&G Enterprises, Vintage Vogue, Lushawn's Beauty, and Swole's Barbershop for a day of family fun. Spend your Saturday browsing in Downtown!

More info...

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

RedWolves Action - Day 157

The Florence RedWolves will host the Gastonia Grizzlies tonight at 7:30pm. The RedWolves play at the American Legion Field and general seating tickets are just $5! Nightly giveaways and authentic ball park food make the RedWolves experience an enjoyable time for the entire family. The RedWolves are home tonight and then again on Friday against Columbia. Be sure to check out their season schedule so you don't miss any of the action! RedWolves Schedule

You can also have your child's birthday party at a RedWolves game, buy group plans and season tickets! To find out more, visit our calendar.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

'Pieces of Work' - Day 156

Stop by the Francis Marion University Art Gallery to see 'Pieces of Work' this summer. The art work includes pieces by Uschi Jeffcoat, Minnamie Murphy, Dale Worsham, Betsey Olsen, Sherry Williams, Jo Jeffers and Hugh Jeffers. You can stop by today until 5:00pm in the Hyman Fine Arts Center Gallery to enjoy this creative display. The exhibit will run through August 9th and the gallery is open Monday - Thursday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

More information...
365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!

Photo courtesy of http://departments.fmarion.edu/finearts/gallery.htm#Pieces.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Kick Off to Summer Reading - Day 156

Join the Timmonsville Public Library for a kick off to summer reading, the 'Dream Big Read!' event! Tomorrow from 5-6pm you can enjoy face painting, crafts, balloon sculpting, refreshments and story time. The kids will be able to make their own book markers for all of the books they will be reading over the summer. Dewey D. Fox, the library mascot, will be hanging out at the kick off for a meet and greet with the kids. Make reading fun this summer and kick it off with a party!

The Timmonsville Public Library is located at 298 W. Smith Street.

'Dream Big Read!' is part of the Florence County Library System's summer reading program. The theme will help children discover different cultures through reading. The summer reading club meets weekly and varies with each branch. For more information on the summer reading program at other branches, you can visit the Florence County Library's site.

More information....

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Kids Fest! - Day 155

Your kids will love Kids Fest 2012 at BRAVO! Event and Party Rentals. From 1-4pm this Tuesday your kids can bounce on plenty of inflatables, get their faces painted, get some tasty snacks, play games, and check out some animals up for adoption.This is a great way to kick off summer! For questions, please call BRAVO! at 843.413.0525.

You can find more information on our calendar.

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Seussical Jr. The Musical! - Day 154

Go ahead and put it on your calendar for next weekend! Seussical Jr. The Musical will be presented by the Lake City Community Theatre and is the first-ever youth production for the theatre. The show will run June 8-9 at 7:30pm and June 10th at 3pm. The tickets are just $5 for students and $10 for adults. Head on over to Lake City to support the talented kids and enjoy a really entertaining show. For questions, please call 843.374.8611.

More details here.

Friday, June 1, 2012

The Lonely Shadow - Day 153

The Lonely Shadow exhibit will open at the Florence Museum on June 5th and run through August 26th. The exhibit features original illustrations from the children's book, The Lonely Shadow, created by nationally known silhouette artist Clay Rice. The traveling exhibit is offered by the South Carolina State Museum. You can catch the exhibit Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and on Sundays from 2-5:00pm. The exhibit will be in town through the end of summer so be sure to stop in to admire the silhouette art work.

More information...

365 Days Around Florence is a blog written by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Visitor Center near the Florence Civic Center, we spend a great deal of our time in letting guests know how much is happening in Florence. We decided to share (blog-style) 365 days' worth of things to do. Find more things to do at http://www.visitflo.com/regional_calendar/%20... and enjoy!