The Congaree Swampfest to celebrate 10 years of culture | Arts & Culture

The ever popular Congaree SwampFest is a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of Lower Richland County.  The tenth annual Congaree SwampFest will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 and Saturday, October 5, 2012. 

On Friday evening, October 5th, the weekend will begin with an Evening of BBQ, Blues & Jazz at the historic Harriet Barber House, 116 Barberville Loop and Lower Richland Boulevard, off Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins, SC.  Tickets for this fundraiser are $15.00 ($20.00 – day of event) V.I.P. packages are also available. Ticket prices include admission, entertainment and food. All proceeds will benefit SERCO’s educational component. 

The concert will begin at 7:00 PM and will feature Katrina Garvin of Columbia, SC Second Nature of Camden, SC, and Carlos Santan of Atlanta, GA - back by popular demand.

The celebration continues on Saturday, October 6th, 11:00 AM at the Congaree National Park and the festival site on the yard of Old Mount Moriah. A wide array of artists (singers, dancers, instrumentalists, etc.), will perform. Activities will run throughout the day, offering FREE admission and a great opportunity for visitors to experience the rich culture of the Lower Richland Heritage Corridor.  FREE shuttle buses will carry visitors from the festival site to the national park. No matter the age or interest, there are activities for everyone!  Bring your family and friends and enjoy a day out in Richland County. 

FREE parking will be available near the festival site, Old Mount Moriah, 1000 Old Bluff Road, with some limited free parking in the Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Drive, off Old Bluff Road, Hopkins, SC.

Activities at this year’s Congaree SwampFest include:
Opening Ceremony - Lower Richland Veterans Formation        Dr. Kaize Adams and other local performers

SwampFest Youth Art Contest                                                         Children’s Scavenger Hunt        

Lower Richland High School Drill Team                                        Children’s Carnival Rides

Walkathon – New Wateree Retreat Center                                    Guided Tours – Congaree National Park

Canton Spirituals  – Performance                                                  Food Vendors                        

Kierra KiKi Sheard - Performance                                                Hayrides

Daniel Davis (Violinist) - Performance                                                         

Shameka Dwight - Performance                                                     

The full schedule of events will be available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cong and at the official SwampFest site: www.congareeswampfest.com.  SwampFest is sponsored by the Southeast Rural Community Outreach (SERCO), and the Richland County Hospitality Tax Fund. For further information on the event, please contact (864) 205-0767. To schedule an interview call Harry Hunter at 803-414-0999.