365 Days Around Florence: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

SC Watermedia Society Annual Exhibit - Day 242

The South Carolina Watermedia Society will bring its annual traveling exhibit from the South Carolina State Museum to the Cheraw Arts Commission Burr Gallery. The works in the exhibit were created by some of the most talented artists in South Carolina! The exhibit is accompanied by a DVD with commentary from the juror. You don't want to miss your chance to see this exciting exhibit in the Pee Dee. The gallery is open from 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday. The exhibit will be on display September 4-27th and admission is free.

For more information on this exhibit and other things to do in the Pee Dee, please visit our calendar.

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, August 30, 2012

Faculty Voice Recital - Day 241

Don't miss a recital given by Coker College music instructor Eric Kesler on November 6th. Kesler will perform at 7:30pm in the Watson Theater of the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center. He will perform works by celebrated European composers including Hugo Wolf, Maurice Ravel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and more.

Kesler is a previous first-place winner in the Advanced Men and Musical Theater categories of the National Association of Teachers of Singing’s Artist Awards competition. And his recital is sure to be enjoyable!

The recital is free and open to the public. For more on this event and others happening around Florence, check out our calendar.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Lakeside Music Room featuring Gal Friday! - Day 240

The Lakeside Music Room at Cheraw State Park will feature the award winning band Gal Friday! The group just took home the top honor from the Charlotte Music Awards and will be rocking the dock at the park. The doors will open at 7 and the concert is free! The Lakeside Music Room transforms the shelter at the boat dock at Cheraw State Park into a stage with seating and beautiful lighting. Refreshments will be available for purchase. You won't want to miss a concert from these talented ladies!

For more information on this event and more fun things to do in Florence, please visit our calendar.

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!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Taste of Dillon County - Day 239

If you aren't in the mood to cook dinner on Thursday, head up to Dillon for the 14th Annual Taste of Dillon County! Thursday evening from 5-8pm you can sample a variety of the finest cuisine in the area. The Taste of Dillon County will be held inside of the City of Dillon Wellness Center on Commerce Boulevard. Tickets are just $15 and can be purchased at the door or in advance from the Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the tasty event, please call the Chamber at 843.774.8551 or visit our calendar for more details.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Observatory Open House at FMU - Day 238

The Francis Marion University Observatory is scheduled to be open to the public for an open house on Thursday evening. Stop by from 8:30-10pm to check out Saturn, Mars, an almost full Moon, and other deep sky objects. The observatory open house is dependent upon the weather and clear skies, so please call 843.661.1355 to check the conditions and for updates. Guests should park in Lot D and will need to bring a flashlight. Please see the map below for more information on where to park. The Open House is free and open to the public.

For more information on the Observatory Open House, please visit our calendar.

Williams Muscadine Festival - Day 237

It's time for the 9th Annual Williams Muscadine Festival in Nesmith! Starting Thursday, spend the weekend with the Williams family at the vineyard experiencing early African American farm life. You can tent, camp, or bring your RV! Enjoy picking muscadines, wine tasting, and enjoying pit cooked barbeque. Don't miss fireworks and celebrating Mr. David Williams' 85th birthday. Tour the farm and vineyard and learn about the history and sustainability practices. It all starts Thursday evening with a pig roast and there is no admission fee.

Check out the WFXB promo spot here for more information, or check out our calendar.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Free Beginner Computer Course - Day 236

A beginner computer course will be offered at the Dr. John M. Thomason Public Library in Olanta on Tuesday. From 6-7:30pm new computer users and those who just want to brush up on their knowledge, will be taught about hardware components, software, the Web, and using email. Mouse and keyboard exercises will also be conducted. To sign up for Tuesday's class, just call the library at 843.396.4287 or stop by to register.

For more information on events happening throughout Florence and the Pee Dee, please visit our calendar.

Poker Run Benefit and More Fun in Marion - Day 235

Marion will be bustling with people enjoying plenty of activities throughout the day tomorrow, including the 3rd Annual Great Marion Golf Cart Poker Run! Tomorrow morning you can shop the Marion Market Place and Farmers' Market from 9am-1pm on Main Street. After the market is over, registration for the motorcycle poker run will begin in the alley behind 229 N. Main Street. Motorcycles will run through the county at 2pm. Bicycles and golf carts will register at 3pm and they will race around the historic district from 4:30-6pm. Other activities will be going on throughout the historic downtown area, including a fish fry from 4-7pm to benefit the City of Marion Police Department. There will be live music and entertainment as well.

For more information on registering for the poker run, please call Chuck at 843.423.9918. Don't forget to decorate your golf carts and bicycles! Prizes will be given for the best decorations.

For more information, please visit our calendar.

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, August 23, 2012

It's almost RAGTIME! - Day 234

The Florence Little Theatre will present Ragtime starting September 14th! Put this on your calendar now because you won't want to miss the musical that shares stories of three families living through contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and hope and despair. The story takes place during the turn of the century but its storyline is still relevant today. And the music, well it will have you moving in your seat with rhythms from Harlem to the sounds of brass band marches.

The show runs from September 14th - the 22nd and tickets go on sale to the general public on September 12th. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 843.662.3731. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students.

For more information, please visit our calendar.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Robert E. Lee Annual 5K - Day 233

The annual Robert E. Lee 5K Run/Walk will be held this Saturday at 8am! All ages are welcome to participate in the fundraiser to benefit the Robert E. Lee Athletic Department. If you aren't much for running, then you can still walk to participate and show your support. The entry form for the race can be found here. The entry fee is $30 and prizes will be given out for the best times. Please contact Greg Griffin at 843.229.6194 for more information. Meet at REL Academy in Bishopville the morning of the race!

For more information on this event and other exciting events in the Pee Dee, please visit our calendar.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Big Thursday Tailgate - Day 232

If you are a football enthusiast and can't wait to get football season started, then Burry Park in Hartsville is where you need to be on Thursday! Clemson fan? Carolina fan? Show your spirit and support your favorite team at the 1st Big Thursday Tailgate from 6-9pm on August 23rd. Wear your favorite colors, set up your tailgate chairs, tents and decorations! No need to worry about food and drinks, those are included with your ticket, which are $20 a person. You can get your tickets from the Hartsville Chamber. Music will be provided by Dan E. Lockemy and there will be a chance to win 2 tickets to the Clemson/Carolina game!

You must be 21 to attend this tailgate.

For more information, please call the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce at 843.332.6401. And for other events happening in the region, visit our calendar.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Florence Symphony Youth Orchestra Auditions - Day 231

The Florence Symphony Youth Orchestra will hold auditions for young musicians in grades 6-12 for the 2012-2013 concert season next week. Auditions will be held on August 27th at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. If you are interested in setting up an audition time for your child, please email Mark Jackson at markjacksonfso@gmail.com or call the office at 843.661.2541. For more information, please visit our calendar or visit their website.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Slow Food Pee Dee Monthly Potluck - Day 230

Tonight at The Clay Pot in Florence, join Slow Food Pee Dee for their monthly potluck dinner. At 6:30pm, join the Slow Food group and enjoy a meal of wholesome food created from local, whole foods. The group aims to bring an emphasis on local and sustainable food while preserving the local food traditions. The Pee Dee chapter of the group was created by people who share a passion and commitment for this movement. For questions about Slow Food Pee Dee, please join their Facebook group or send an email at slowfoodpeedee@gmail.com. For more on Slow Food USA, click here.

For more details on tonight's potluck, visit our calendar.

Intergenerational Empowerment Extravaganza - Day 229

Next Saturday don't miss the 6th annual "Intergenerational Empowerment 40-year Count Down Extravaganza"! From 8am-8pm at the CRC Vision Center in Darlington, you will find food vendors, exhibits, crafts, music and live entertainment! The event is designed for all ages and stages of life with a theme of Remembering Yesterday - Celebrating Today - Building for Tomorrow. The day will kick off with an 8am continental breakfast. The event is free and open to the public.

For further information, please call 843.393.9762 for Mrs. Wilhelmina P. Johnson or visit our calendar.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Tennis time! - Day 228

The 2012 Florence Tennis Association Girls High School Tournament begins today! The first matches of the tournament will begin at 5:30 at the Florence Tennis Center and will end on Sunday. 16 teams will be playing in the 3 day tournament representing private and public high schools in North and South Carolina. This will be the 8th year for the tournament! Head on over to the Dr. Eddie Floyd Tennis Center off of Cashua Drive to support our local schools in the tournament!

For more details, visit our calendar.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

NGA Pro Golf Tour ICE Recycling "Environmental Classic" - Day 227

The Country Club of South Carolina will host the NGA Pro Golf Tour ICE Recycling "Environmental Classic" August 20-26! The golfers will tee off each day at 7:30am and will start off the week with a qualifier. On Tuesday, don't miss the NGA Tour practice round, a shootout, and junior clinic. A long drive contest and Pro-Am play will be held on Wednesday and the tournament play will begin on Thursday with a final round on Sunday. Admission is free for the public so head over to the CCSC and enjoy watching quality golf right here in Florence!

Check out our calendar for more details on the NGA tournament.
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, August 15, 2012

SC Cotton Trail Opening Reception and Exhibit - Day 226

Join the Artisan's of the South Carolina Cotton Trail (ASCCT) for an opening reception for a gallery show of juried works at the Art Trail Gallery on August 30th. The reception will be from 5:30-7:30pm and the show will consist of a variety of media. The exhibit will run through the end of September. The opening reception is free and everyone is invited to come out to support the talented artists in our area.

ASCCT members include: MJ Martin, Barbara Mellen, Suzanne Muldrow, Walter Sallenger, Patrick Showalter, Manning Smith, Denny Stevenson, Gloria Turner, Beth Wicker, Blake Wright, Holly Beaumier, Carolyn Atkinson, Anne Baldwin, Greg Benner, Heidi Bond, Jennifer Borek, Pollie Bristow, Frankie Bush, Jim Fernandes, Patz Fowle, Mike Fowle, Mike Gann, Laurie Brown, Gaye Ham, Janis Hobbs, Linda Humphries, Rachell Hyman, Chris McJunkin, Janice Rozier, Brenda Branson, Allison Pederson, Bruce Douglas and Susan Griggs.

For more information on the opening reception, please visit our calendar.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Open Mic Night at Bean Groovy - Day 225

Stop by Bean Groovy tonight for a great cup of Joe and live entertainment! Tuesday nights are 'open mic' nights at the coffee shop off of Woody Jones Blvd in Florence and they welcome all performers! Open mic night is a great opportunity for any aspiring poets, singers or songwriters, or for those who just want to be in the audience! The fun starts at 7:30pm tonight.

For more information, please visit our calendar.
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!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Pee Dee African American Museum BBQ Fundraiser - Day 224

Enjoy tasty barbeque while supporting a great cause in Mullins. The BBQ dinner will help raise funds for the Pee Dee African American Museum on August 30th from 5-8pm. The dinner will be available for pick up at the future home for the museum and will be provided by O'Hara's in Mullins. The cost is $10 per plate and can be picked up at 146 NE Front Street. You can get your tickets at the door or from the Mullins Chamber of Commerce by calling 843.464.6651.

For more information, please visit our calendar.
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!

New art exhibit at FMU - Day 223

Starting August 21st, a collection of portraits entitled 'Layers and Passages: A Tribute to Seven Women of Courage and Compassion' will be on display at Francis Marion University. The portraits are a tribute to seven of Stephen Nevitt's female ancestors. Along with the portraits, check out 'Stacked' by Tom Herzog. 'Stacked' features sculptures of aesthetic arrangements of found natural materials (see picture). Exhibit hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30am-5pm and will be on display until September 27 at the FMU Hyman Fine Arts Center Gallery.

For more information, please see our calendar.

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!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Florence Symphony Orchestra Schedule - Day 222

The Florence Symphony Orchestra has an awesome lineup for the 2012-2013 season. Sure to be the best yet, conductor Terry Roberts will produce a five concert season with an additional Special Holiday Pops concert! Get your tickets now because prime seating in the FMU Performing Arts Center will go quickly!

Monday, October 8, 2012- Opening Night Concert

featuring pianist Dmitri Lebkovich

Monday, November 12, 2012- Fall Concert

with flutist Amy Porter

Monday, February 13, 2013- Winter Concert

featuring Terris Roberts, violin and Elias Latto, viola

Monday, April 8, 2013- Spring Concert Young Artist Competition

Monday, May 13, 2013- A Night at the Opera

featuring Baritone Greg Jebaily

Saturday, December 15, 2012- A Special Holiday Pops

Season adult tickets start as low as $112 with senior and student discounts available. The sixth concert is a Special Holiday Concert and can be added to the five concert subscription for a discounted price or it can be purchased separately later. Email, call 843.661.2541, or visit the web site for your season brochure and order form today!

For more details, visit our calendar.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Artist Lock In Exhibit - Day 221

Artists will lock themselves in today at Railroad Junction to explore the depths of their creativity! The lock in will begin at 11am and the artists will work for 24 hours. The artists will create three quality pieces of art during this time based on a mutual theme. Once they are finished with their artwork, it will go on sale Saturday evening at 6pm at the Lock In Exhibit! Admission is free and hors d'oeurves and refreshments will be served. Browse the exhibits, buy from our local artists, and contribute to Florence modern culture!

For more information, call Railroad Junction at 496.1670 or visit our calendar.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Registration for Fall Programs at the Library - Day 220

The Florence County Library is now registering for Fall Programs through August 24th. The library offers a variety of programs for children, tweens, babies and afterschoolers. Registration is required for all programs and you can do so by calling the Greenberg Children’s Library at 292-7382 or by emailing kids@florencelibrary.org. Some programs are limited on space, so give them a call today!

The fall lineup is as follows:

Monday Night Family Storytime

The Florence County Library will be doing storytime for children ages 2-5 on Monday Evenings. The storytime for ages 2-5 will begin Monday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. The programs will consist of stories, music and simple crafts.

Toddler and Preschool Storytime

The library will offer Toddler and Preschool Storytimes on Tuesday mornings. Your child must be two years old to register for toddler storytime and 3, 4 or 5 years old to register for Preschool storytime. The storytime will include stories, fingerplays, simple crafts and music for these programs. Toddler storytime will begin Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30 a.m. and last 20 minutes. Preschool storytime will begin on Tuesday, September 4^th at 10:30 a.m. and last 30 minutes.

Tweens Programs

The Library will offer programs for children in grades 3^rd –5^th on Wednesday afternoons. The programs will consist of movies, stories, crafts and guest speakers. The programs will begin on Wednesday, September 5^th at 3:30 p.m. and will last 30 to 45 minutes.

Baby Storytimes

The Library will offer programs for babies 0-23 months old on Thursday mornings. The programs will be divided into two groups, walkers and non-walkers. An adult caregiver will need to stay with the baby during the 15 minute program. The programs will consist of music, fingerplays and stories appropriate for these age groups. Baby Storytime will begin Thursday, September 6^th at 10:00 a.m. for non-walkers and Thursday, September 6^th at 11:00 a.m. for walkers.

Afterschool Programs

The Library will offer programs for children in grades 5K-2nd on Thursday afternoons. The programs will consist of movies, stories, crafts and guest speakers. The programs will begin on Thursday, September 6^th at 3:30 p.m. and will last 30 to 45 minutes.

Fine Arts Friday

The Library will be offering Fine Arts Friday for children in grades 5K-3^rd beginning September 7th @ 3:30 p.m. Children will be working with a variety of art forms. Registration is required and limited.

Bookworms Book Club

This is a book discussion group that enjoys crafts and games while discussing the book. The program is for grades 3-5 meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The first meeting is Tuesday, September 25 @ 3:30 p.m. Registration is limited.

Sunday Family Movies

The Florence County Library will be having popular movies for families on Sundays beginning September 9 at 2:30 p.m. The movies are rated either G or PG. These movies are sponsored by Friends of the Florence County Library.

Please visit our calendar for more details!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Carolina Fest - Day 219

With the back to school season revving up, it's not too early to mark your calendar for Carolina Fest in Chesterfield! The date has just been set for October 6th and the festival will provide a full day of fun activities for all. Arts and crafts, kids pavilion, pumpkin carving and decorating contest, pet parade, and a cornhole tournament! There will be cash prizes for the top two teams, so pick your partner and start practicing today! For more information on the tournament, contact Randy Rollins at 843.622.5549.

Check our calendar for more information on Carolina Fest as we get closer to October!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

CSA National Championship - Day 218

The Carolina Softball Association 2012 National Championship will be held this weekend in Florence! The championship will be at the Freedom Florence Recreation Complex August 10-12. Get out and show your support for the teams vying for the title! Great games are sure to be played, but don't miss the extra team and individual running, throwing and hitting competitions on Saturday evening!

For more information, please visit our calendar here or check out the CSA site.

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!