Food Festivals Fill Calendar, Plates in South Carolina in 2009

01-14-2009

SOUTH CAROLINA – January 14, 2009 – A smorgasbord of food festivals again highlight the calendar of “what to do” in South Carolina this year. The offerings range from local favorites such as Lowcountry oyster roasts, peach parties in the central part of the state and apples in the Upcountry to music, wine and gourmet gatherings in such hot spots as Hilton Head Island and Greenville’s trendy Main Street. And that staple of staples, barbecue, gets a category of its own. Below is just a piece of the menu. A more complete list is at www.SavorSouthCarolina.com.

 

SEAFOOD

 

Lowcountry Oyster Festival – Mount Pleasant – Jan. 25

One of South Carolina’s oldest known signs of human habitation is a 4,000-year-old mound of oyster shells on Edisto Island. Find out what the fuss is at the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival on Jan. 25 at historic Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. Along with about 65,000 pounds of oysters, the festival will offer a wide variety of activities, including live entertainment, contests for kids and oyster-shucking and oyster-eating contests, and even a best-dressed oyster contest for children.  www.charlestonlowcountry.com/specialpages/oysterfestival.html,

 

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Mount Pleasant – April 26

Each year, folks in Mount Pleasant and nearby Charleston gather to celebrate the thriving shrimping industry and ask for a “divine blessing” for the safety of those at sea and another prosperous year. The body also is nourished with a sampling of dishes from local seafood restaurants accompanied by live music.  A smaller stage hosts the actual blessing of the fleet at 1p.m. This traditional blessing includes two local clergymen who bless each individual boat as it passes down the creek to the harbor. www.charlestonlowcountry.com/specialpages/blessingfleet.html

 

Lobster Race – Aiken – May 1

It started in 1985 in downtown Aiken as a spoof of the Kentucky Derby, and now 24 years later the crustacean combatants still creep for glory in a race held each year as a benefit for local charities. www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/1994.aspx.

 

Lowcountry Shrimp Festival – McClellanville – May 2

This charming old fishing village has been hosting its own Lowcountry Shrimp Festival since 1976. Sample selections of shrimp prepared in myriad ways. There is also a children’s area and arts and crafts. www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/887.aspx

 

Ware Shoals Catfish Feastival – Ware Shoals – May 22-23

Some 4,000 pounds of catfish go down the gullet – in the form of filets and stew – at this annual gathering in peaceful little Ware Shoals. Bluegrass, oldies and country music entertainers also are on hand, along with community booths and other offerings. A vintage car show also is a highlight each year. www.catfishfeastival.com

 

Yemassee Shrimp Festival – Yemassee – Sept. 17-20

A key community in the evolution of shrimp baiting, Yemassee invites visitors and locals alike to celebrate everything shrimp! Highlights include a lighted boat parade, mud run fireworks and, of course, local-caught shrimp. www.yemassee.net/festival.html

 

Beaufort Shrimp Festival – Beaufort – Oct. 2-3

Patrons find a big taste of the Lowcountry at this festival, which is set against a backdrop of lighted shrimp boats. There is a “Popcorn Shrimp Race” for children and a best recipe contest for adults. The setting is charming Beaufort, voted the “best small town in the South” recently by Southern Living readers.  www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/2185.aspx.

 

Society Hill Catfish Festival – Society Hill – Nov. 7

Boasting fried catfish, arts & crafts, a parade and an auto show, this historic little community in northeast South Carolina puts on its best each year for this family friendly feast. www.discoversouthcarolina.com/products/3024.aspx

 

Elgin Catfish Stomp – Elgin – Dec. 5

A Christmas parade helps kick off the season each December at the Elgin Catfish Stomp, held in the town of the same name on U.S. 1 between [Back to Press Releases Main]