The event takes place in downtown Myrtle Beach on Ocean Boulevard, between 8th Ave and 11th Ave). Click here to see the map of the event area.

The event takes place on March 13, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Admission is free.

You can enjoy authentic Irish food and beverages. Live Music on stage with Cracker, Drivin’N'Cryin’, The Blue Dogs, Mark Bryan (from Hootie & The Blowfish w. special guests), Pamalee, Jonas Sees Colors, Lee Travis & The Bounty Hunters, Root Soul Project. Street Performers: Myrtle Beach Pipe and Drum Corps

For more information visit www.mbdowntownstpats.com

Once again  Myrtle Beach welcomes its visitors from the North to the Canadian-American Days.  From March 13-21, 2010, the Myrtle Beach area will welcome visitors with a expressive lineup of events, giveaways, and concerts throughout the Grand Strand.

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of events and activities, many free, including band concerts, the kickoff celebration expo, St. Patrick’s Day parade and dance, festivals and much more.

“Can-Am Days celebrates our snowbird visitors, who escape the cold and snow for the moderate climate and wealth of attractions of the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, MBACC president and CEO. “Many of these visitors have been traveling to our destination for decades, and we strive to create new memories for each generation through our festivals.”

Canadian-American Days draws as many as 100,000 Canadian visitors and snowbirds. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce introduced Canada Days in 1961 to attract Canadian families during their spring school break. The name was changed to Canadian-American Days in 1963. It is regarded as the first international festival organized in South Carolina.

The 49th Annual Canadian-American Days will feature a variety of events. Here are some of the highlights:

March 15
The 282nd Army Band
7 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.)
– Beach Church, 557 George Bishop Pkwy., Myrtle Beach. Free but tickets are required. Tickets available 8:30 a.m. March 8 at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce visitor centers at 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, and 3401 U.S. 17 Business S., Murrells Inlet.

March 16
Canadian-American Days Kickoff Celebration Expo
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
– This expo officially kicks off Can-Am Days and features exhibitors, musical entertainment, prizes and giveaways. Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C, Myrtle Beach. Free to the public.

March 17
16th Annual South Strand Wildlife and History Day
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, exhibits and activities. The Taste of Murrells Inlet, a culinary extension of the event, will boast specialties from some of the finest restaurants in the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy., Murrells Inlet. Free for Canadians with valid ID. Adults: $5, S.C. senior citizens: $3.25, children 6-15: $3 and children 5 and under: free. SouthCarolinaParks.com/(843) 235-8755

March 18
Battle at the Beach presented by RBC Bank
11 a.m.
Second annual Canada vs. U.S.A. Friendly Competition for the RBC Cup, four-person scramble format. Greens fee, cart fee and prizes included. All tournament profits will be donated to Myrtle Beach Haven. Pine Lakes Country Club, 5603 Granddaddy Dr., Myrtle Beach. Fee $125 per person, $400 per foursome. CanAmDays.com for registration form and more information.
2010 RBC Bank Presents the 208th Army Reserve Band, 7 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.) March 19 – Christ United Methodist Church, 2901 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach. Free but tickets are required. Tickets available 10 a.m.

For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.

In Old Santee Canal Park it’s again time for the 11th Annual Shuckin’ in the Park Oyster Roast on Saturday March 13, 2010 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
There will be lots of fun for the whole family. Enjoy oysters, food tickets can be purchased inside the gate.
But great food  is not the only thing offered, you can also enjoy live music. The Custom 4+2 Band will be performing featuring beach music, oldies and popular music.

There is also fun activities for the children, including a jump castle. The fee is $5.00

The Old Santee Canal Park is located in Moncks Corner, SC.
Click here for directions.
For more information, visit Old Santee Canal Park website

Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Gates Open
at 7pm. Live music begins at 8pm. On Saturday, March 13, 2010, the band 17 South is performing. 17 South’s music range from Motown, Beach cover tunes, and R&B.

Only 800 tickets will be sold, no advance purchase. But tickets ($10 per person) will be available for purchase at the Pier shop beginning at 4pm on the day of each event.

For more information, visit www.ccprc.com

At the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival you get an opportunity to sample and learn about Southern cuisine as well as Lowcountry cuisine. The Lowcountry refers to the low-lying coastal region stretching from Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia. This area is known for its regional cooking style that evolved from a multitude of influences from early settlers. The English, French, Spanish, Irish, Italians, Africans, and Caribbean Islanders settled across the South beginning over three centuries ago and they brought influences from their native lands. This created what we know refer to as Lowcountry cuisine.

“The goal for our fifth year anniversary was to expand our events beyond the downtown area,” said Executive Director, Angel Postell. “Guests will have the opportunity to see one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Plantation, enjoy the city skyline from the new waterfront park in neighboring Mt. Pleasant, and take a culinary journey through Wadmalaw Island.”

Thursday March 4, 2010
Wine Pairing Luncheon and Opening Night
Start the weekend off early with a new event on this years’ schedule, The Perfect Pairing Winemaker Luncheons. Already on Thursday afternoon, two of Charleston’s premier downtown restaurants, MUSE and 82 Queen, will host a three-course lunch paired with carefully selected wines. Here wine professionals share the art of pairing wines with food in a casual setting.

The Food and Wine Festival goes into full swing at the Opening Night Party with Salute to Charleston Chefs, on Thursday, March 4, from 7-10 pm. This soiree features 19+ local culinary icons serving small plates from their restaurant specialties, as well as a sampling of wines from across the country. The Opening Night Party will be a foodie’s delight, with interactive food stations, followed by the sounds of The Quentin Baxter Jazz Septets. This celebration will feature hand-rolled cigars, a cabana lounge with a silent auction, and black-and-white contemporary décor.

Friday March 5, 2010
Tea, Wine, Vegetables and Gullah Traditions
On Friday March 5, the Wadmalaw Farm-to-Table Excursion will begin at the Charleston Tea Plantation where travelers will enjoy a tour and farm-to-table luncheon made from vegetables from Wadmalaw Island. Guests will then travel on to Irvin-House Vineyards, the only domestic winery in Charleston, South Carolina, where they will stroll through the vineyards and have a private tasting with the owner. The final stop is Thackery Farms, where local farmers will give guests a tour of their fields, share insight about organic farming and their relationship with local restaurants.

On Friday afternoon the Gullah community is honored with a Gullah Tribute Luncheon in Marion Square Park. This special fifth year anniversary gathering, from 12-2 pm, will recognize the Gullah culture that began with the migration of African slaves to the Sea Islands of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Coming from different regions of Africa, they brought with them their languages, cultures, traditions and cuisines, and these creolized into one form known as Gullah, which has been integral to the Lowcountry ever since. During the luncheon, the best local and regional Gullah cooks will partner with national chefs to create a menu that pays homage to traditional Gullah fare. Guests will have the opportunity to taste and learn about this indigenous cuisine from the cooks themselves, while they enjoy Southern-style cocktails and beverages, live entertainers, and more.

The Culinary Village
On Friday afternoon, the Culinary Village + Grand Tasting Tents, will officially open its doors. The culinary village is the heart and soul of the festival, and a visit is an absolute must. The village will feature two exclusive Grand Tasting Tents, each highlighting delectable cuisine, wine, and spirits from across the country, an SCE&G Celebrity Kitchen Demonstration Tent, Charleston Cooks! Book Signing Tent, Certified Angus Beef & Piggly Wiggly Outdoor Living + Grilling Area, a BB&T Hospitality Tent and live musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday. This year’s FedEx Grand Tasting Tents are set to be the best yet, with guests benefiting from fewer tickets sold per session, the “Taste of the Festival” Signature Charity Tent and one-on-one interaction with esteemed chefs and beverage professionals.

Wine Around The Garden
There’s also an opportunity to explore beyond the downtown area and venture beyond Marion Square during the “Wine” Around the Garden” event at Middleton Place. Here you can stroll through the historic, charming gardens of Middleton Place, America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Old world meets new as winemakers of the modern era pour varietals reflective of European wine-making traditions. Wine professionals will be stationed at designated locations throughout the gardens. Guests will finish their stimulating tour with a spread of farm-to-table dishes from local chefs.

Restaurant Dine-Around
The evening comes to an end at one of most relished events throughout the Festival weekend, the Restaurant Dine-Arounds. Treat your taste buds to a luscious once-in-a-lifetime culinary indulgence at one Charleston’s eighteen finest restaurants- Ben Berryhill’s Red Drum, Carolina’s, Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Cypress Lowcountry Grill, FIG, Fish, Hominy Grill, High Cotton, Introdaqua, Lana, Magnolias, McCrady’s, Monza, Oak Steakhouse, Peninsula Grill, Slightly North of Broad and Tristan- many known for their 4-star reviews and James Beard Award winning talent. In the ambience of these restaurants each local chef will unite with a national chef to create a unique five-course meal that partners the culinary styles of each chef for a menu unlike any other, highlighted by wines carefully selected by a winemaker to enhance your dining experience.

Saturday March 6, 2010
Iron Chef Competition at the Village
On Saturday, March 6, it’s time for the ever popular Iron-Chef style Cooking Competitions, starting at 12 pm at the culinary village. It’s a competition where local culinary chefs face off against national chefs in a fierce Iron Chef cooking contest. Members of the audience decide the winner. The Season Five Next Food Network Star Runner-up, Jeffrey Saad, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and a special fifth anniversary grand finale surprise will leave audience members on a high note.

Winemaker and Celebrity Authors Receptions
For the first time in the history of the festival, the Winemaker Receptions in Private Homes also goes to sea.
Guest can enjoy the Charleston’s unique architecture by visiting one of the historical downtown homes or view the city skyline as they dock-hop aboard private yachts. Each location will be hosted by a wine professional pouring samples of wines and a local chef or caterer serving creative small plates.

New for this year is the Celebrity Authors Reception, taking place from 4-6 pm on Saturday. Join the Festival’s featured guest authors in a private residence and garden in historical downtown Charleston for wine, and hors d’ oeuvres from MUSE restaurant.

Food and Wine with Daniel Boulud
The most exclusive event of the Festival weekend is: Food + Wine with a View: A Night with Daniel Boulud. This event brings sixty privileged guests together for the ULTIMATE dinner, set in a private penthouse downtown. The city skyline is breathtaking as the stellar talent of the one of the nation’s top chefs/restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud, of famed Daniel, are presented to create an intimate five-course dinner matched with the finest wines in the world.

Bubbles and Sweets!
Saturday night will come to a sweet finish as Marion Square is transformed into Bubbles & Sweets…with a Twist, sponsored by The Art Institute of Charleston and Charleston Magazine. This soiree is sure to be the hottest of the weekend with oases of delightful confections created by top local and celebrated pastry chefs, sparkling and dessert wines, and–new to the event–guest bartenders pouring their signature cocktail creations! Four mixology bars, a bubble bar, a ”candylicious” theme, and music are sure to make this event the talk of the town.

From Gullah Gospel to BBQ, Blues and Brew
Sunday morning, March 7, brings the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch, at 11am to the Holy City. The sounds of Gullah Gospel Ensemble fill the air as some of Charleston’s top restaurants and caterers serve the best brunch in town. A special blessing will welcome guests as traditional cocktails are served along with a three-course menu of miraculous adaptations of a true Lowcountry brunch.

The grand finale of the weekend, BBQ, Blues & Brew, from 5-8 pm, is a local’s favorite way to end the weekend. Top southern pit masters and “que” professionals serve a variety of barbeque favorites–whole hog, brisket, ribs, shoulder and chicken alongside all the fixin’s. The Blue Dogs are back to rock the main tent as guests enjoy cold libations and a true Southern celebration while seated at community tables. Our special Fifth Year Anniversary celebration will include the return of the pitmaster’s rigs!

For the entire event schedule, more information or tickets to the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival, please visit the web site, www.charlestonwineandfood.com or call (843) 727-9998 ext. 4.

The evening will begin with Megan Westmeyer, the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Coordinator, who will provide information on fisheries, seafood sustainability, as well as useful tips on how to buy fresh fish.

This is not your traditional seated dinner, instead there are  six sustainable seafood stations, and food can be paired with an organic and sustainable wine. To set the right atmosphere there will be roaring fires inside and out, and music by Charleston-based singer and blues rock guitarist Graham Whorley.

Dinner reservations are $45 per person in advance (all inclusive) or $50 per person at the door (based on availability), and this is really not a bad deal if you consider what you get for the money. Just take a look at the menu below.

At the six stations, you can enjoy:

• Station 1: seared scallops with coined fingerling potatoes, caramelized onions, crispy lardons  and a balsamic-cherry glaze paired with a Mommessin Pinot Noir
• Station 2: oysters on the half with Boursin cheese, teardrop tomatoes and micro arugula paired with a Chateau Recougne Blanc
• Station 3: benne seared yellowfin tuna with pineapple-basil chutney over wild rice paired with a Bishop’s Peak Pinot Noir ‘07
• Station 4: Prince Edward Island mussels with country ham cracklin’s and scallions in a coconut-saffron broth paired with a Chateau de la Muscadet ‘07
• Station 5: buttery local shrimp with southern succotash and white truffle corn puree paired with a Villa Wolf Gris ‘07
• Station 6: yellowfin tuna tartar with wasabi aioli, crisp taro root and a citrus soy drizzle paired with a L.D. Petit Chablis

A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative. Space for the event is limited. For reservations, contact Middleton Place Plantation at (843) 266-7477 or purchase online at MiddletonPlace.org.

After months of anticipation and planning, Charleston Fashion Week® proudly announces the schedule of events and runway show participants for the fourth annual event “Glam Rocks!” March 16-20, 2010. Hailed by industry leaders as the next Bryant Park, Charleston magazine has confirmed that among the list of this year’s highlights, Project Runway’s finalist Carol Hannah Whitfield and Mychael Knight will both be debuting collections. Other CFW alum, featured designers, and celebrity judges to return to the tents in Marion Square this spring include: designer Cynthia Rowley, ELLE magazine’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, Project Runway’s Gordana Gehlhausen, and 2009 Emerging Designer Competition winner Marysia Reeves, whose Spring/Summer 2010 line has been picked up by Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

The premier fashion event tucked in historic Charleston, SC, will also include the 1st annual Rock the Runway competition in which the top models will strut their stuff to win a fashion spread, modeling contract, and the opportunity to appear before the top modeling scouts in the country. With a cast of celebrity designers in attendance, live entertainment, chic after parties, on-site shopping in the Style Lounge, more than 30 retail runway shows, plus an afternoon of Bridal Couture, Charleston Fashion Week® is ready to prove why “Glam Rocks!” for 2010. Charitable partners for the week long fashion extravaganza proudly include: MUSC Children’s Hospital, The Center for Women, and Lowcountry AIDS Services. To catch all the action and drama of the 2010 Emerging Designer Competition LIVE and check out the latest looks in stores for spring 2010, visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com and purchase your tickets soon. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, a guaranteed seat at this event could possibly be one of the hottest tickets of the year!

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is traditionally held in the weekend before President’s Day. The popular event attracts over 35,000 attendees to Charleston, South Carolina. During the event attendees get the opportunity to enjoy world-class original art, a wide variety exhibits and presentations.

For more information, tickets and detailed schedule, visit www.sewe.com or call 843-723-1748.

– Southeast region leads the country in contributing disproportionally to rising levels of carbon dioxide;
South could suffer most from global warming, with low-lying coastal zone the hardest hit –

–Two endangered areas, in South Carolina and Alabama, gain needed protection and drop off list –

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), the largest environmental advocacy organization dedicated solely to protecting the Southeast, today announced the top ten places in the South that face immediate, potentially irreparable threats in 2010.

“The major environmental threats we face in this country are playing out in the Southeast,” said Jeff Gleason, SELC’s Deputy Director. “Our region is contributing disproportionately to global warming, and in fact, our six southeastern states, if viewed as a single country, would be the world’s seventh largest source of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions.”

Gleason pointed out that “Common themes on this year’s list include uncontrolled growth, flawed energy policy, and lax environmental enforcement, particularly as it relates to our heavy reliance on coal to produce electricity. Specifically, this year’s list shows that the South’s waterways and wetlands—critical areas that protect and define the South—are experiencing some of the most negative impacts from these trends.”

As the Senate gears up to tackle climate change legislation and the EPA moves to mitigate GHG emissions through enforcement of the Clean Air Act, Gleason points out that the South stands to suffer most from the resulting effects of global warming. “As ice melts and sea levels rise, it’s the South’s low-lying coastal zone that will be the hardest hit,” he said. “We hope that our Top 10 list will serve as a wake-up call—a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose.”

Top Ten Endangered Areas in the South for 2010

These endangered areas were chosen among hundreds that are impacted by SELC’s law and policy work throughout the six states of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

Right Whale Calving Waters, GA: The last 300 right whales left on Earth are threatened by a U.S. Navy plan for a 500 square-mile undersea training range.

Blackwater Streams (Washington County), GA: Air and water are threatened by conventional coal plant that would increase mercury pollution in two rivers and increase global warming emissions.

Chesapeake Bay, VA: The largest estuary in the U.S. is getting hit from all sides: air, land and water. A proposed conventional coal plant for nearby Surry County threatens to add even more mercury and nitrogen pollution to bay waters

Roanoke River Basin, VA: Drinking water supplies are threatened by uranium mining, and the possibility that Virginia’s Piedmont countryside could open up to even more large-scale mining projects.

Southern Appalachian Mountains, VA/TN: Weak laws on mountaintop removal coal mining threaten headwater streams, wildlife, communities, and scenic beauty.

Black Warrior River, AL: Two proposed strip mines would dump polluted wastewater into the river, threatening drinking water supplies and aquatic life.
Cape Fear Wetlands, NC: 1,000 acres of wetlands are threatened by proposed Titan cement plant, which would also send toxic mercury into the already-polluted Cape Fear River.

Catawba-Wateree Basin, NC/SC: Threats include a low-flow scheme for hydroelectric dams that would restrict the flow of water essential to a healthy river system, and the lack of an overarching and coherent plan to protect the ecological integrity of the river from over allocation.
Freshwater Wetlands, SC: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wrongly determined that the Pine Hill tract northwest of Charleston falls outside the scope of Clean Water Act protection. If allowed to stand, this ruling would put thousands of acres of wetlands and hundreds of miles of streams in the state’s coastal plain at risk of development or destruction.

Ocoee Region, TN: A string of unnecessary four-lane highways would devastate wildlife habitat, and bring traffic and polluted runoff to forests, recreation and wilderness areas.

Two Victories in 2009
“Two areas on our 2009 list fell off after resounding victories: The Great Pee Dee River in South Carolina, and Weeks Bay in Alabama,” noted Gleason.

#1: The Great Pee Dee River in South Carolina was saved when Santee Cooper suspended its plans for the 1,320-megawatt facility, an old-style, coal-fired plant which would have pumped out more than 10 million tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide each year, as well as toxic mercury pollution and other harmful emissions. SELC and its partners had battled against this plant for many years.

#2: By a unanimous vote in May 2009, the Town Council of Magnolia Springs adopted a runoff control ordinance SELC helped draft that is one of the strongest of its kind in Alabama, helping Weeks Bay. The new law promotes low-impact development design and requires effective measures to control erosion during and after construction activity, protecting the Magnolia River, which is one of two rivers that form Weeks Bay, a biologically rich estuary that has been designated an Outstanding Natural Resource Water.

For more detailed descriptions of each endangered area, photographs a list of the top threats by individual state, and video, visit http://www.southernenvironment.org/topten_2010

About the Southern Environmental Law Center
The exclusive mission of the non-profit Southern Environmental Law Center is to protect the environment and health of the Southeast. For more than 20 years, SELC has worked successfully in all three branches of government, leveraging the power of the law to inform, implement, and enforce environmental safeguards. Their major programs range from global warming and air quality to forest protection, coast and wetland conservation, and preservation of countryside and community character. SELC has approximately 80 staff members and offices in Charlottesville (SELC’s headquarters) and Richmond, Virginia; Chapel Hill and Asheville, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Washington, DC. Visit SELC online at www.SouthernEnvironment.org.

Murrells Inlet, SC- In observance of Black History Month, Brookgreen Gardens will present two program opportunities that are free with garden admission.

On Saturday, February 13, at 1:00 p.m., The Healing Force, a four-member performance troupe from Winston-Salem, NC, offers a lively celebration of Africa with stories and songs, in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium. The program is free with garden admission. A special cultural menu in the Pavilion Restaurant will be offered the day of the performance.

On Wednesday, February 17 and 24, Ron Daise, Brookgreen’s Vice President for Creative Education, will present a program of selected readings, songs and photographs from his book Gullah Branches, West African Roots at 1 p.m. in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium. This participatory presentation tells about the journey of enslaved Africans to Gullah communities and culture. The program is free with garden admission.

Please Note: 2010 admission prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 and up), $6 for children (4-12) and free for children three and under.

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily. For more information, visit our web site at www.brookgreen.org or call 843-235-6000.

This festival is produced by Theatre 99 and the Charleston City Paper.
Several artists are slated to perform in this year’s festival, including Cook County Social Club, an improv and sketch comedy group from Chicago that played to packed houses in 2009. Cook County will team up with The Dangerous Strangers of Cabaret Kiki, the band behind Charleston’s favorite burlesque show who will reunite for a one-night only performance.

Another Comedy festival favorite is Elephant Larry, an NYC sketch comedy troupe who debuted at the Comedy Fest in 2006 and returned for that year’s Piccolo Fringe Festival in May. The Uprights Citizen Brigade Touring Company makes its semi-annual performance with Pangea 3000, a four-man sketch comedy group comprised of writers and contributors to The Onion, and Sidecar, a group that will perform a compilation of their greatest sketches.

Many stand-up comedians will be taking the stage during the festival. Kenny Zimlinghaus, a former 96Wave deejay who is now on Cosmo Radio on XM and Sirius, will return to perform and emcee the annual Charleston Stand-Up Competition.

Venues for the festival this year include Theatre 99 (280 Meeting St. above the Bicycle Shoppe), The American Theater and Stars Bar (446 King St.), Charleston Ballet Theatre (477 King St.), Trio Club
(139 Calhoun St.), the Music Farm (32 Ann St.), and Eye Level Art 103 Gallery (103 Spring St.). The festival has expanded to the suburbs with two new venues: the Charleston Pour House on James Island (1977 Maybank Hwy.) and Centre Pointe Bar & Grill in North Charleston (4950 Centre Pointe Dr.)

Ticket prices range from $5 – $20 and are available at www.charlestoncomedyfestival.com or by calling Etix at 1-800-514-ETIX. Tickets will be sold at Theatre 99 (280 Meeting St.) the week of the festival.

The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association is hosting the Lowcountry Oyster Festival’s on the grounds of historic Boone Hall Plantation on Sunday, January 31st. This festival is an oyster-lover’s dream. About 65,000 pounds of oysters will arrive at Boone Hall Plantation to be served at the festival. Highlights of Sunday’s “rain or shine” event include the famous “Oyster Shucking & Eating Contest”, live bands on the Main Stage and a Kids Corner complete with pony rides and jump castles.

The city has an impressive culinary scene worthy of showcasing, so we think it’s a great idea. Those who participate will have an opportunity to sample special discounted dinner menus from over 30 participating Charleston area restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining.

Tickets are not required; however, reservations are strongly advised. For more information and list of participating restaurants, please visit www.restaurantweekcharleston.com.

The Winter Fest features the largest oyster roast in the area, chili, soups, and a variety of seasonal beers. And to top it off, you can enjoy live music with the Paul Grimshaw Band and the PotatoHeads.

Admission is free, but tickets are sold for beer and food.Oysters will be sold by the dozen with cocktail sauce and crackers.
Serious oyster eating participants are encouraged to bring their own oyster knives and gloves.

Start out with a Scavenger hunt in downtown. Explore the downtown in search of the Beach Ball Icon and complete five types of tasks. More information is of the back of the “Scavenger Hunt” Card. Get your card stamped at participating location and move on. You can drop off your completed card at our Rock’n the Beach Booth by 10pm. Drawings will take place sometime after 10 pm.

Parking
It’s recommended that you use the Pavilion Parking Garage because then you will receive your special NYE gift bag. The parking garage also sells the NYE VIP Card which gives you super fast passage in the beverage lines. So to ensure that you get in the NYE VIP beverage line, get the card, and get quick service and no delays.

Fun for the Younger Ones
Your kids will enjoy the Plyler Park Area filled with lots of fun such as face painting, characters and performers and “Chalk the Walk”.

Music on Stage
Get into a festive mode with live music. Enjoy Jazz, R&B, Beach Music, Country, and Gospel. There’s even a real Dixie Strolling Band walking through the crowd.

Send a Message
Make this New Year’s Eve a special night to remember. Why not take a carriage ride with the family or that special someone and enjoy the lively entertainment. But most importantly be ready to record your New Year’s Eve message and have it aired on the Jumbotron.

Horry County Arts and Cultural Council Champagne Toast
It’s not really possible to ring in 2010 without a champagne toast and the traditional singing “Auld Lang Syne” with friends. Horry County Arts and Cultural Council Team arranges the champagne and cheer.

Up in the Air
Many places watches the ball drop, but in Myrtle Beach things are different. Just keep your eye on the ball as we count “up” to 2010. The sky will explode with colorful fireworks reflected in the ocean. There are great spots for watching the fireworks all around the downtown area, along the ocean and from Kings Hwy.
Rock’N the Beach will take place between 9th Avenue North and 11th Avenue North in Downtown Myrtle Beach.

For more information call Global Attractions Development and Management 843-213-1094 or visit www.rocknthebeach.com

On the main stage – entertainment from drumming to sing-a-longs and at 8:00 pm the headliner “Total Package” takes the stage.
Fireworks at 10:15 pm!!

Kidsfest Under the Tent
There’s a special tent at Marion Square for kids with everything from face painting, arts and crafts, balloon art and sing-a-longs.

At 4:50 pm a bagpiper will lead the way to the Second Presbyterian church for free concerts. At 5:00 pm there’s a special concert for kids called “The Velveteen Rabbit”

• 6:30 pm Baroque Splendor: music of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi
• 8:00 pm Chamber Music of Charleston
• 9:00 pm, Brass Concert performed by Charles Towne Brass with Julia Harlow

This event is presented by the City of Charleston.
The concerts take place at Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting Street.
For more information call (843) 724-7305

Crazy quilts are characterized by the use of lavish fabrics such as velvets, satins, and silks, as well as commemorative pieces, symbols, and needlework embellishments.

“Crazy quilts were not unlike modern day scrapbooks,” notes curator of textiles Jan Hiester. “They were highly personalized, marked special moments in the maker’s life, and preserved memories.”

Crazy quilts were comprised of an array of colors, elaborate embroidery, and were usually fairly small and decorative rather than functional. Oddly shaped scraps sewn to a foundation fabric with diverse stitches are the basics of crazy quilt manufacture. The random, irregular shapes throughout the quilts are “crazed” to resemble
cracked ice and crackled Japanese and Chinese ceramics popular with Victorians. Crazy quilts were also known as kaleidoscope and Japanese patchwork.

For more information about the Crazy Quilt exhibit, please visit www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 722-2996.

The Charleston Museum will offer special programming in conjunction with the crazy quilt exhibit. Quilters and non-quilters alike can explore the basics of crazy quilting with Museum staff during a one-day workshop. For a twist on crazy quilting, the Museum will partner with Blue Heron Glass once again for a fused glass workshop. Program details will be available at the beginning of the year. Please visit www.charlestonmuseum.org for more information.

Photos courtesy of The Charleston Museum, Charleston, SC.

Sat. Dec. 5, 2009 from 4:30-6:30p.m.
Marion Square, Calhoun & King Streets
Admission is free!

COCO VIVO Fine Art & Design will highlight a special art show featuring the work of plein air artist Roger Milinowski of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Hamlet Fine Art Gallery will feature new paintings by Stephanie Shuler Hamlet, Kellie Jacobs and Melinda Lewin of St. Simons Island. The mother and daughters spent a week recently at St. Simon painting on site or en plein air with renown pastel artist, Albert Handell from Santa Fe, also featuring new copper frogs by Charles and Zan Smith.

Edward Dare Gallery will be featuring new work by Beth McLean during the month of December. The gallery will also be showcasing new pottery tableware and garden accessories for the holidays.
The Spencer Art Gallery at 55 Broad street will be hosting a reception for an exhibit of new art works by Marlene Rosenthal entitled “Charleston Shadows” and The Spencer Art Gallery at 57 Broad Street will be hosting a reception for Anne Thames exhibit entitled “New Works”.
Mary Martin will be hosting a workshop for Randall LaGro on Dec 1,2,& 3rd. LaGro is known for his intuitive poetic expressionism.

Participating merchants for Historic Broad Street on December 4th, 2009 from 5 pm – 8pm.include: Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, Hamlet Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery, COCO VIVO, Mary Martin Fine Art, UTOPIA, Atmah Ja’s, Spencer Galleries, Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Martin Gallery, SCOOP Studios, Jake’s, Blind Tiger and the Oak Steak House.

For information please contact Charlestongalleryrow.com or for questions, please call Stephanie Hamlet at 843-722-1944.

The name Secessionville did not come from the secession of South Carolina, but for an earlier attempt of some plantation owners to rebel.

The re-enactment, serves to remind visitors about this pivotal battle and to honor the lives lost. Proceeds from the battle re-enactment go to preservation efforts for the H.L. Hunley submarine and other projects initiated by the Confederate Heritage Trust.

Living History Weekend is also known as a fun and educational experience for families as Boone Hall Plantation is transformed into the color and lifestyle of the antebellum era.

The Re-enactment of The Battle Of Secessionville
Sat. Nov. 14, 2009 – 3PM
Sun. Nov. 15, 2009 – 2PM

Click here for a discount coupon on admission.  At the bottom right of the webpage there is a coupon for $5.00 off admission for this event.

TICKETS TO THE RE-ENACTMENT ARE REGULAR ADMISSION PRICES TO BOONE HALL PLANTATION
Regular Adult Admission – $17.50

Schedule of Events

Friday, November 13, 2009

9am-3pm   School Day Presentation

Saturday, November 14, 2009

8:30 am      Parade / Colors

9:00 am      Infantry Drill – Drill Field

9am-Noon  Black Confederate – Oak Tree

9:30 am      Medical Presentation – Confederate Camp

10:00 am    Provost Presentation – Oak Tree

10:00 am    Officers Call – Fort Lamar

10:30 am    Infantry Demonstration – Oak Tree

11:00 am    Confederate Army stacks arms on Sutler Row

11:30 am    2:00 pm – Black Oak Ladies Feed the Troops

12:30 pm    Confederate Army leaves Sutler Row

12:30 pm    Federal Army leaves Camp for Sutler Row

12:30 pm    Ladies Dress Presentation – Wall in front of mansion

1:30 pm      Weapons inspection – Confederate Camp

2:00 pm      Federal Army falls in for Weapons Inspection – Sutler Row

3:00 pm     Battle of Secessionville

4:00 pm     Armies pass in Review – Battlefield

6:00 pm     Camps close to public

Sunday, November 15, 2009

8:30 am      Parade / Colors / Change of Command Ceremony

9am-Noon  Black Confederate – Oak Tree

9:30 am      Medical Presentation – Confederate Camp

10:00 am    Provost Demonstration – Oak Tree

10:30 am    Infantry Demonstration – Oak Tree

11:00 am    Church Services – Front Porch of Mansion

11:00 am    Ladies Dress Presentation – Oak Tree

12:30 pm    Federal Army Weapons Inspection – Avenue Of Oaks

12:30 pm    Weapons Inspection – Confederate Camp

2:00 pm     Battle of Secessionville

3:00 pm     Armies pass in Review – Battlefield

But the Festival of Lights is more than a driving tour. Make sure to park the car and experience the other holiday attractions. This event is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd.

Santa’s Village

Take an evening walk through Santa’s Village to see the meticulously crafted holiday sand sculpture. This sculpture has been constructed by hand with 50-tons of sand. Pretty impressive! You also don’t want to miss the amazing gingerbread house competition.

The aroma of coffee, cookies and fudge fill the air, you’re just going to have to stop by Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. After all, it is the holiday season, and isn’t that the time of year when parents are nice? You can also make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, take a snapshot with Santa and then hop aboard the train for an up-close look at the light displays.

Winter Wonderland

In Winter Wonderland there is a traditional 18-animal carousel ride. Also, take a look at the beautiful gigantic 4-by-8 foot holiday cards designed by local school students.

20 Nights of Celebrating 20 Years

This is a special 20th Anniversary series of activities featuring a variety of events and live entertainers during the first 20 days of December. Kick off takes place on December 1 with the Tree-Lighting ceremony. The rest of the schedule is listed below.

December 1
Mrs. Claus Storytelling 6pm-9pm

December 2
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Santa Paws Bring your favorite furry friend to have a photo taken with Santa Claus.
6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 3
Outdoor Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Grab a chair and a warm blanket to see one of your favorite holiday flicks.
6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 4
The Cooper School Choir featuring The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 5
The Palmetto Bronze Handbell Choir
7pm-9pm

December 6
The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 7
Lowcountry Power Brass
7pm-9pm
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of theLowcountry.

December 8
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 9
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Santa Paws Photo Sessions 6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 10
Outdoor Movie: A Christmas Story
6pm and 8pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 11
Mrs. Claus Storytelling
6pm-9pm

December 12
Lowcountry Power Brass

7pm-9pm

December 13
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 14
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

December 15
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 16
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

Santa Paws photo sessions
6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 17
Outdoor Movie: The Polar Express
6pm and 8pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 18
Lowcountry Power Brass
7pm-9pm

December 19
The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 20
Mrs. Claus Storytelling
6pm-9pm

Don’t forget to comment on the video! Just scroll down the page below the video for the comment form. Thanks!

We produce three different shows every week, one for each state. To find out more about the show, visit the weekly show page.

Summerville’s 8th Annual Taste of the Town on November 8, 2009
12:00 Noon to 4 pm in Azalea Park

Click here to view or print the program PDF file

Come on down from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lend your ears to foot-stompin’, live blue-grass music from five local bluegrass bands. There is plenty of fun things to do for the whole family from hay rides, a stick pony corral, pumpkin decorating, penny diving, lasso demonstrations, and scarecrow making contests. Feast on finger-lickin’ Carolina barbeque, turkey legs, roasted corn on the cob, kettle korn, and creamy stone-ground grits.

Admission is $5 per person. Kids 12 and under and Annual Gold Pass holders are admitted free. For more information, please call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance top honor, “Best of Show,” was awarded to a 1933 Rolls-Royce Coupe owned by Frank & Milli Ricciardelli of Monmouth
Beach, NJ.  First Owned by Sir Hugh Cunliffe-Owen, Baronet of Brey, County of Berkshire, Chairman of British American Tobacco Company and Director of Midland Bank, this car is a one off example with a PII Continental High Speed Chassis.  It was built specially for demonstration purposes. Other
significant awards on Sunday included “People’s Choice” awarded to a 1932 Packard Opera Coupe owned by Grace Clark of Yonges Island, SC.  The car was restored by her father 17 years ago.  Most Outstanding Car – Pre-1948 went to John W. Rich Sr.’s 1914 Renault EF and Most Outstanding Car – Post 1945 went to a 1957 Ford Thunderbird owned by Vernon Smith.  Philip Capossela, Event Chairman for the Hilton Head Island show, said, “we certainly had a tremendous show this year with more entries.  This year’s top honors were well deserved and we’re proud to have them in the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival’s history book.”  Added to that sentiment, Dr. Paul Doerring, one of the founding members of the Hilton Head Island event, stated, that “because we are able to display such outstanding cars, we had to showcase more of our remarkable entries with additional top awards over the past two years.  We’re proud that selecting a single “Best of Show” has becoming nearly impossible.”

Saturday’s top honors for the Car Club Jamboree were the “Best of Show Award” given to a 1967 Ferrari owned by Reinhold Preik, “People’s Choice
Award” given to a 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster owned by Ray Morgan, and the Chairman’s Award awarded to a 1950 Chrysler Town & Country Woodie Wagon owned by Aiken Ryan.

More than 600 automobiles made their way to the Hilton Head Island, SC/Savannah, GA Lowcountry this weekend to participate in the 8th
anniversary event. Dennis Gage of the SPEED Channel’s My Classic Car was on-site filming the Savannah/Hilton Head Speed Classic track event on
Savannah’s Hutchinson Island for his 2010 season.  Plus, Gage, was on-hand to select his favorite motorcycles from the Motoring Midway including “Best
Midway Motorcycle” awarded to a 1966 Honda CA 77 owned by William Aldrich of Lake City, FL and runner ups H.C. Morris for his 1967 Triumph T120TT and Robert O’Kelley for his 1970 Norton Commando S.  Michael Spezia, Executive Director and CEO of The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, served as the 2009 Honorary Chairman.

Carolyn Vanagel, Executive Director for the Motoring Festival today remarked, “The event was better than it’s ever been – higher quality, more
variety, larger exhibits – , the crowds were engaged, and I think we have had a record year.  There was a lot of excitement on the show field.”
Vanagel stated that the combination of the four glorious events, the Savannah/Hilton Head Speed Classic, the newly established Motoring Midway, the Car Club Jamboree and, of course, the pinnacle, the Concours d’Elegance, as well as the increased number and variety of sponsors, all helped to boost this year’s success.

Positioned as one of the last Concours in the national annual show circuit, the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival has quickly
climbed the ranks among national Concours events.   In just eight short years, Hilton Head Island is already considered by many as being among those elite USA events with the likes of Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook and Amelia Island.
Hilton Head Island Concourse d’Elegance 2009 – our previous post