The 3rd annual Festival brought visitors from near and far to experience the unique culture and history of the “Flowertown in the Pines.â€
April 29, 2008, Summerville, SC – The third annual Golden Age of Summerville Festival held Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27 attracted visitors from across the nation, and in some cases, the ocean. Hosted by Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management) and brought together by a steering committee comprised of residents, merchants and community leaders, the festival strived to raise awareness of Historic Downtown Summerville.
This year’s theme “Summerville’s Architectural Heritage” recognized the rich history of the town with its procession of distinctly American styles, from Greek revival to present day and was demonstrated throughout the festival through a three part lecture series as well as Bed and Breakfast open houses and guided trolley and walking tours.
The festival officially began on Friday night with an opening reception and the first of the lecture series at the Kings Inn Bed and Breakfast and continued with a successful Art Walk on Short Central Avenue that featured the Josh Padgett Jazz Quartet. Alexandra Kassing, a committee member for the festival and artist at Art Central, organized the Art Walk, which brought approximately 500 people to Short Central walking in and out of the shops as well as looking at the art displays and meeting with local artists.
“Friday night was just a pre-cursor to the excitement that ensued on Saturday. There was something for everyone,†said Katie DePoppe, media relations chair. “Saturday’s events began with the Summerville Farmer’s Market and continued with an outdoor Antiques Fair on Hutchinson Square with professional appraisers. When asked if anything particularly rare had been found out of the items that were brought by patrons for appraisal on Saturday, Lesley Johnson, president of the Greater Summerville Antiques Association and chair for the Antiques Fair said that they had a gentleman who showed up with what seemed to be a real photograph of Abraham Lincoln. It had been in his family for years, and he was curious about its history and possible value. That definitely generated quite a bit of buzz among the patrons that day.â€
The weekend activities also included two additional lectures, the Bed and Breakfast open houses, trolley and guided walking tours, the Summerville-Dorchester Museum open house and plant sale, music on the square provided by Kristen Leigh and the Summerville High School Jazz Band, an antique car show, demonstrations by students of the College of Building Arts, an afternoon tea with a watercolor demonstration by festival artist Helen K. Beacham and the “Spring by Design†Festival Gala held at The Summer House.
“This event was a great coming together for Summerville residents and visitors alike. We had the opportunity to showcase our lovely town and all that it offers for which we have limitless pride. Visitors came from as far away as England, Poland, Canada, Texas, Vermont and Savannah. We were delighted also to meet visitors from as nearby as Kingstree, Charlotte, Mount Pleasant and, of course, Summerville,†said Kate McCaw, committee member and vice president of Summerville D.R.E.A.M., “In speaking with local residents of many years, they were thrilled to have the opportunity to appreciate the historic sites and gardens of their hometown through the tours that were offered, many for the first time! We are enormously grateful for the support of all who attended and those who volunteered their time and energy with good cheer. Next year cannot get here fast enough!â€