Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Animal Grossology: South Carolina State Museum

On exhibit now! Through September 5. Explore the disgusting side of science with some of the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth in this new blockbuster exhibition. Featuring sophisticated animatronics, interactive learning games, and imaginative animated characters adapted from the best-selling Grossology children’s book series by author/science teacher Sylvia Branze. Oozing with disgusting science and interactive learning games, this exhibit is sure to provide a unique perspective on the animal kingdom. More information.

Orangeburg Festival of Roses: Edisto Memorial Gardens

Attend the Orangeburg Festival of Roses Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st at Edisto Memorial Gardens along the Edisto River. The garden is one of 23 official test gardens sanctioned by the All-America Rose Selections, Inc. You can see award-winning roses among the 4,000 plants representing over 70 labeled varieties of roses. Arts and crafts as well as entertainment and activities are scheduled all weekend from a street dance and senior day on Friday. Special events for children are available Saturday and Sunday. The festival has been named a "Top Tourism Event in the Southeast." Free Admission and Free Parking! For more information on the Orangeburg Festival of Roses or for visiting Orangeburg use the following links: www.festivalofroses.com or the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce.

Santee Birding and Nature Festival: South Carolina Parks

Next weekend! - April 29 - May 1, 2011 - a fun-filled weekend of activities and field trips!. More than a birding event, this family-friendly festival has something for everyone! This 3-day festival offers over 30 different field trips and workshops throughout central South Carolina. SC Wildlife Federation will be hosting a "Backyard Habitat" workshop on Sunday with the opportunity for participants to learn to make their own suet to take home to feed the birds. The Santee State Park is again hosting the popular program, SSSSSnakes!!! Even if you are a little bit frightened of these slithery reptiles, you are bound to learn a thing or two at this 2-hour program on Saturday. Birding field trips abound and include the Manchester State Forest, Brosnan Forest, and Santee National Wildlife Refuge among others. Santee Birding and Nature Festival information!

Saluda Splash Grand Opening! Saluda Shoals Park

Save the date! Saturday, April 30. Saluda Splash is the perfect destination on hot summer days! It is an interactive zero depth water playground your children are sure to enjoy. Opens April 30, 2011 and closes September 6, 2011. Saluda Splash is located at Saluda Shoals Park off Old Bush River Road in Irmo. Details.

CELEBRATE SHANDON: Community Street Party

Sunday, May 1, 2011 – 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Shandon United Methodist, 3407 Devine Street
Join the fun. FREE Hamburger/Hotdog Cookout. Food Served: 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Moon Jumpers, Games, Face Painting, Magician, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, Funnel Cakes, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, and Shandon’s LifeLine Band in concert. For more information: 256-8383 or www.shandon-umc.org

50th Anniversary Gala: Columbia City Ballet

50th Anniversary Gala at the Township Auditorium on May 7, 2011, will feature an evening of dance from past and present stars of the Columbia City Ballet with performance highlights of the greatest moments from the past 50 years of ballets. In addition, Soloist Sarah Lane and Joseph Phillips of the American Ballet Theatre, will be performing the Black Swan piece from the recent Academy-Award winning film in which she danced as Natalie Portman's body double! The Gala will also feature dancers representing North Carolina Dance Theatre, Louisville Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the Chicago Opera Ballet. Make plans now to join us! Details here.

BBB Business Trust EXPO: South Carolina State Farmers Market

Come join us Saturday May 21, 2011 at the new South Carolina State Farmers Market for the first annual BBB Business Trust EXPO. The Better Business Bureau, a leader in advancing marketplace trust, and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture are partnering to present the first annual event. The BBB Business EXPO is free to the general public and all visitors of the South Carolina Farmers Market that day. During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with BBB Accredited Businesses and learn about local products and services. The mission of the event is to introduce consumers in our community to businesses they can TRUST! We anticipate a festive spring day, with lots of great information, valuable door prizes and a free "Shred Day" provided by SHRED 360 (*limit 2 boxes*) for the visiting public. The BBB will also announce the 2011 BBB Torch Award winner at the EXPO. For more information on the 2011 BBB Business EXPO/ Torch Awards, please visit our event homepage.