7/11/12 - Check it out in Clarendon County

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Fourth of July, got their parade on and did not fall out in all this heat. This steel magnolia feels like she has wilted on the vine and is doing only indoor stuff.

There are still some great things happening in Clarendon County to put on your calendar.

There are several great events on July 14.

Did you know that Manning is the birthplace of world famous children’s author, Peggy Parish? She is most famous for her Amelia Bedelia series and a bronze statue was erected in front of the Harvin Clarendon County Library. In her honor, take a few minutes on Saturday to do a bit of reading and scoot over to the Library and have your photo made with Ms. Bedelia. Upload your photo to Main Street Manning’s Facebook page. Be sure to note Amelia’s pocketbook and cat, two items that Parish’s family requested be included in the statue. Clarendon artist, the late Jim Chaconas, did an incredible job of capturing not only the true essence of Amelia Bedelia, but Peggy Parish as well.

The Clarendon County Recreation Department will sponsor an Arts and Crafts Fair at the Clarendon Community Complex behind Weldon. Opening at 8 a.m. and running until 2 p.m., this is a terrific opportunity to score some early Christmas presents. All vendors will be selling handcrafted items and there are some very talented people in this area. Call 433-0103 for more information.

Later that evening, at oh, about dark:30 on the Turbeville Town Square, get a little Screen on the Green, this month with “Zookeeper.” Perfect for the whole family, this is also a free event! Bring a lawn chair and some mosquito repellant. The Turbeville Rec. Dept. will be selling drinks, candy and popcorn at extremely reasonable prices. A great way to entertain the family and not blow the budget.

Still looking for things to do for the kids this summer?

On July 30, the Clarendon Recreation Department will again host a British Soccer Camp at the ball fields on Raccoon Road in Manning. You know how we feel about football? Well, the Brits are equally passionate about their soccer and this camp provides something for every age and ability level, all under the tutelage of a true son of Ye Olde Sod (England). Call the Rec. Dept. at 473-3543 for more information or to register.

At 2 p.m. on Aug. 1, the Harvin Clarendon County Library will sponsor a program by the S.C. Aquarium. I’m sure there will be lots of squirmy, squiggly things that will delight the kids and make moms squeal. Call the Library at 435-8633 for additional information.

Don’t forget to clear some time for these two great upcoming events.

The Third Dancing with the Clarendon Stars will be held at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 4 at the Cypress Center. For 2012, this event will benefit Clarendon Habitat for Humanity, the Turbeville Children’s Home and the Cypress Foundation. We will have lot of details in the next few weeks, but for right now, log onto www.clarendoncountydancingwiththestars.comto see who is dancing and how you can easily support this wonderful event. You won’t believe who is on this year’s roster!

Then, on Sept. 6 at Weldon Auditorium, Clarendon County will welcome the world famous Gatlin Brothers! Larry, Steve and Rudy are still making great music across the nation and will bring their traditional country harmonies to our own Weldon Auditorium. These guys are classic entertainers and they provide very family-friendly fun! Again, more details as the time gets closer, but please do mark your calendars now.

If you are organizing an event to which the public would be welcome, please let me know and I will try to feature it here. Send all the details to news@clarendoncitizen.com.

Have a fabulous week and try and stay cool!