7/3/12 - Check it out in Clarendon County

I now completely understand that meteorological phenomenon – heat wave. I went outside and the 100-plus temperature literally sucked my breath out of my body. I hope y’all are staying in the cool and remembering to stay hydrated!

July is here with a vengeance and there are lots of fun thing to do.

Because we had an early deadline, I hope you are reading this on July 3. That means you still have some time to plan for some Independence Day fun!

Start off with the “world famous” New Zion Fourth of July Parade. It starts at 10 a.m. in beautiful downtown New Zion. Anyone can enter to be in the parade and there is no cost. They have cars, golf carts, four-wheelers, bicycles, you name it. If it can move in a forward direction, it’s eligible. It is also highly entertaining to watch, so if you don’t want to roll, bring your lawn chair and sit a spell. Hint: They’ve been known to go ‘round twice.

The Eagle Point community (off Highway 260, near the dam) will also have their “world’s smallest parade” which is a lot of fun. It also starts at 10 a.m. Put on something cool, bring a lawn chair and go wish America a happy birthday!

Later that day, the Makin’ Music at the Gazebo concert with Drivetrain has been moved to a different location … but for a VERY good reason. Take your lawn chairs or blankets to the Goat Island Restaurant, for both a terrific concert and a spectacular fireworks display. Can you imagine all those pyrotechnics reflected off the beautiful water of Lake Marion? Weldon Auditorium, Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, Clarendon County and the City of Manning have teamed up to provide this FREE live entertainment all for you. It’s a don’t miss event!

On July 7, the Zone Fitness Center and Clarendon Health System will sponsor the “Hot Dam” 5K and 10K races and a one-mile fun walk. Yes, it will be hot. But if you choose to participate, you will get one of the best views of the lake as the course goes across the Santee Dam. Call 435-5200 to register and get all the details. Please take a water bottle with you, even if you are going to be a supporter/spectator.

There are two great events on July 14.

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 homemade goods 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.

Mark your calendar now for two great upcoming events. Go … get the calendar and something RED with which to write! I’ll wait.

Welcome back!

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.com to 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 get 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!