Summerville's Flowertown Festival 2024 and A Lot More

Summerville is at present shimmering in a sea of magnificent multitudinous masses of magenta. It is the annual azalea bloom putting on its best dress for the upcoming Flowertown Festival hosted in Summerville's Azalea Park.

The flowers are the official doorkeepers of spring greeting all to the celebration of warmer days. Drive anywhere on the streets in the town's historic district between Central Ave. and S. Main and you will be convinced Summerville is rightfully crowned the "Flower Town in the Pines."

Rightfully called the "Flower Town in the Pines" because Summerville is also famous for its pine trees, but unfortunately, the pollen bloom that rains down from its branches when the weather warms is not enthusiastically embraced with happy celebration like the azaleas. With that being said, pine trees and azaleas are a perfect collaboration because azaleas grow well in their shadows.

The varieties of azaleas are as bounteous as its blooms thanks to hybridizing, or crossbreeding. They are native to North America, so it is likely they greeted our arriving ancestors in some form. All North American species are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves. The evergreen varieties come from Japan where they can be hundreds of years old. 

The azaleas that helped make Summerville famous are most likely the non-native variety. The first hybrids were planted in Charleston, South Carolina. John Grimke Drayton imported the Azalea Indica from Philadelphia where they were grown only in greenhouses by a nurseryman who also had a branch nursery in Charleston, and introduced them into the estate gardens of his rice plantation on the Ashley River. Marie Clinton Hastie wrote about the beginnings of her grandfather's garden, "it was somewhere in the mid 1840s that the Azalea Indica was introduced to Magnolia." His garden was the first in America to plant azaleas outdoors.

In 1932, Grange Cuthbert became the mayor of Summerville. He came up with the plan to take some of the land deeded to Summerville by the "Civic League" between Central Avenue and Magnolia Street and turn it into a mid-town paradise. George Segelken, a pioneer in azalea propagation, entered the picture. Thanks to his generosity Summerville became the place to see these prolific plants in all their abundant glory in 1935. People came from all over to view the lush beauty of the town's Azalea Park. Segelken named the salmon pink colored azalea "Pride of Summerville." The park is the predominant venue of the Flowertown Festival.

The Flowertown Festival ranks as one of the largest festivals in the Southeast with an origin that goes back to 1973. The three-day festival also carries the well-deserved distinction as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. One of the main features of this family-oriented festival centers on the promotion of arts and crafts. More than 200 craft artisans and vendors are given the opportunity to showcase their creative wares throughout Azalea Park.

The current festival was predated by a previous one in 1941, when Summerville celebrated the first Azalea Festival--a four-day event that included dances, concerts, a parade, and a formal ball. The festival promoted local business and celebrated the town's community pride, a pride as old as the trees. Summerville's rich history dates all the way back to the late 1600s.

Along with the Flowertown Festival, there will be The Southern Songwriter Festival--in collaboration with Summerville Dream, the Community Music Collective, and the Edisto Blackwater Boogie. 12 talented songwriters will perform in downtown Summerville on Short Central for a night of musical entertainment. It's free to the public, so bring a chair, the kids, and the pets. Time will be 6 pm to 10 pm.

Artists include: Sean Keefer, Lori Rinken, Scotty Oliver, Macy Crawford, Chris Rinken, Anna Crosby, Katie Lyon, Fleming Moore, Chris Roberts, Graham Whorley, Mark Yampolsky, and Dan Riley

If that is not enough, the 2024 Farmer's Market will begin on Saturday April 6, and will have extended hours of 8am-6pm. 

Well, that is Summerville—azaleas and the biggest festival in the Southeast. While visiting for the Flowertown Festival, when you see me walking around town be sure to say, "Hey." I am always interested in making new acquaintances.

Visit Summerville 

Summerville Dream

Azaleas, Sweet Tea, and the Largest Festival in the Southeast--Summerville, South Carolina

Summerville has been shimmering in a sea of magnificent multitudinous masses of magenta. It is the annual azalea bloom putting on its best dress for the upcoming Flowertown Festival hosted in Summerville's Azalea Park. The flowers are the official doorkeepers of spring greeting all to the celebration of warmer days. Drive anywhere on the streets in the town's historic district between Central Ave and S Main and you will be convinced Summerville is rightfully crowned the "Flower Town in the Pines".

Rightfully the "Flower Town in the Pines" because Summerville is also famous for its pine trees, but unfortunately, the pollen bloom that rains down from its branches, when the weather warms, is not enthusiastically embraced with happy celebration like the azaleas. With that being said, pine trees and azaleas are a perfect collaboration because azaleas grow well in its shadows.

The varieties of azaleas are as bounteous as its blooms thanks to hybridizing, or crossbreeding. They are native to North America, so it is likely they greeted our arriving ancestors in some form. All North American species are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves. The evergreen varieties come from Japan where they can be hundreds of years old. The plants and blooms are mildly toxic, but I can personally dispute this assumption as not likely to be a deterrent to consumption. When I lived in northeastern Ohio years ago, I planted extensive rock gardens and plant mounds on my property. I attempted to incorporate azaleas into my scheme, but was unsuccessful. It seemed the branches were a favorite delicacy of deer, who ate the plants down to a stub before having a chance to pop a bud.

The azaleas that helped make Summerville famous are most likely the non-native variety. These originated in China and Japan, and made their way to the U.S. via England, France, and Germany. According to azalea historian Fred Galle in the United States, Azalea Indica (specifically speaking about the group of plants called Southern Indicas) got its name because when it was discovered, Asia was known as the East Indies. The first hybrids were planted in Charleston, South Carolina.

John Grimke Drayton imported the Azalea Indica from Philadelphia--where they were grown only in greenhouses by a nurseryman who also had a branch nursery in Charleston--and introduced them into the estate gardens of his rice plantation on the Ashley River. Marie Clinton Hastie wrote about the beginnings of her grandfather's garden, "it was somewhere in the mid 1840s that the Azalea Indica was introduced to Magnolia." His garden was the first in America to plant azaleas outdoors.

Thanks to the generosity of George Segelken, a pioneer in azalea propagation, Summerville became the place to see these uncommon plants in all their abundant glory in 1935. People came from all over to view the lush beauty of the town's Azalea Park. Segelken named the salmon pink colored azalea "Pride of Summerville." The park is the predominant venue of the Flowertown Festival.

The Flowertown Festival ranks as one of the largest festivals in the Southeast with an origin that goes back to 1972. The three-day festival also carries the well-deserved distinction as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. One of the main features of this family-oriented festival centers on the promotion of arts and crafts. More than 200 craft artisans and vendors are given the opportunity to showcase their creative wares throughout Azalea Park. The Taste is another feature that offers festivalgoers a chance to sample appetizers, main courses, and desserts from local restaurants. For the young ones, there will be a Children's Jubilee/Kid's Fest, for the adults, a Saturday farmer's market. Admission is free and parking is free. The Robert Pratt Band will be sending musical vibes through the town's historic district.

The current festival was predated by a previous one in 1941, when Summerville celebrated the first Azalea Festival—a four-day event that included dances, concerts, a parade, and a formal ball. The festival promoted local business and celebrated the town's community pride, a pride as old as the trees. Summerville's rich history dates all the way back to the late 1600s. In those early days, coastal residents sought refuge from the heat and mosquitoes among the cooler pines of Summerville. One of the trees redeeming features was the turpentine scent it emitted, and even doctors considered it a cure for a variety of respiratory ailments. Many came all the way from Europe for the pine air and its believed benefits, but it was not just for the air, they also came for the southern charm and beauty.

Spring is a great time to experience Summerville's southern beauty, charm, and community pride. It is the season to celebrate the Flowertown Festival in The Birthplace of Sweet Tea beginning on April 1st, and this is no April fools. Speaking of sweet tea, allegedly, in 2003 as an April Fool’s joke, the Georgia House introduced a bill making it a "...misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature" to sell iced tea in a restaurant that did not also offer sweet iced tea on the menu. The bill never went to a vote. You can not accuse the Georgia House of lacking in humor. South Carolina adopted sweet tea as the state's Official Hospitality Beverage in 1995.

Of course, you cannot have sweet tea without a tealeaf, and Summerville owns the bragging rights for a particular variety. With French explorer and botanist Andre Michaux's planting of Oolong tea on the Middleton Barony in 1795, South Carolina was the only colony in America producing tea plants at that time. Later, Dr. Charles Shepard founded the Pinehurst Tea Plantation in Summerville in 1888, where he made tea growing a profitable reality. While Oolong tea could be your choice in making sweet tea, any kind can be used, though black tea is always a classic.

Well, that is Summerville—azaleas, sweet tea, and the biggest festival in the Southeast. While visiting for the Flowertown Festival, grab a glass of the best sweet tea at Sweetwater One Twenty Three. When you see me walking around town, be sure to say, "Hey." I am always interested in making new acquaintances.

Summerville's Sweetest Week of the Year Begins With Hold My Tea Bar Crawl--Join in on the Fun

The sweetest week of the year in The Birthplace of Sweet Tea is soon to begin. The annual Sweet Tea Festival hosted by Summerville Dream will take place Saturday, September 17th beginning at 2 pm. There will be plenty of sweet tea and food, and of course, the opportunity to explore the many unique shops, boutiques and vendor booths. Also, a full day of music is scheduled for your entertainment.

HUTCHINSON SQUARE STAGE:

2:00pm Summer Royalty (RandB, Pop, Funk, Jazz Fusion)

4:00pm Forty Mile Detour (Americana / Southern Rock)

6:00 Noah Grove and the Space Ark (Alternative Rock)

SHORT CENTRAL AVENUE STAGE:

2:00 Paul Stone Project (Blues)

4:00 Big Daddy Cade Duo (BB King Tribute)

6:00 Jig Wiggler and Friends (Rock / Classic Rock)

However, the celebrating will begin on the 12th, when participating local bars will compete in the Annual Hold My Tea Bar Crawl in conjunction with the 2022 Sweet Tea Cocktail Contest. You will have an opportunity to drink the competing bars special sweet tea cocktail presentation during the week and ending on the 17th. After, you can vote for your favorite drink on Visit Summerville's Instagram. 

A bingo card will be provided for the contest. You can pick it up at the Summerville Visitor Center or any of the participating bars when it begins on the 12th. The instructions for the contest is printed on the card. Get seven spaces in a row or diagonally, take it to the Summerville Visitor Center, and redeem it for a Summerville swag prize, while supplies last. Here is a picture of the bingo card.

Here is a list of the participating bars: Laura, Cambria Hotel Summerville, Five Loaves Cafe, Hilton Garden Inn, The Azalea Bar and Garden, Frothy beard Offworld, Montreux Bar and Grill, Day Drink Brunch Lounge, and Sweetwater One Twenty Three. Their address is on the back of the card. 

The winner last year was Five Loaves Cafe with a crafted cocktail called Summerville Sweetini by Gabby Owca. Other participants were Spilling The Southern Tea crafted by Amy Heid/Hilton Garden Bar, Cherry Tale crafted by Jacob Billings/Cambria Bar, Southern Rhoots by Rachel Enzaldo/Montreux Bar and Grill, and Sweetwater Raspberry Basil Mule by Laura Walling/Sweetwater One Twenty Three. Enjoy my pictures from last year.

Montreux Bar and Grill

Southern Rhoots

Sweetwater One Twenty Three

Spilling The Southern Tea, Hilton Garden Bar

Join me for the fun. I look forward to meeting you during the week. When you see me, say hi. We will clang glasses and share Summerville stories, like the Summerville Light or The Phantom Flight Over Summerville. See you then. 

Summerville Celebrates 175 Years with Concert 175 and the BritBeats

The British are coming. The British are coming. No, it wasn't the American Revolution and Paul Revere, it was BritBeats and Steven Doniger of Summerville Dream, celebrating the town's 175th anniversary.

First inhabited in the late 1700s as Charlestonians and other inhabitants of the South Carolina Lowcountry sought respite from the summer heat, mosquitos, and disease, pioneer residents from the nearby former colonial settlement of Dorchester, who were descendants of 1696 puritans also took up residence on the pine-forested ridge. The railroad's arrival in the early 1800s led to the village's incorporation. Soon after, the summer retreat became an official town in 1847. Now, 175 years later, it was time to celebrate with a festival.

Concert 175 was the festival of festivals. Three music venues were setup throughout the historic downtown district to entertain shoppers, diners, and visitors in town to celebrate its illustrious history, one at Hutchinson Square, another at Short Central, and the main event stage on W. Richardson Ave. It all started at 2 pm and culminated at 7 pm with the largest crowd I have seen for a downtown event, all gathered on W. Richardson Ave for the premier show of the day.

BritBeats is a Beatles tribute band home-based in Chicago. Their nationally acclaimed Beatles concert, with costume changes and a spectacular, stunning, and immersive multimedia backdrop accompanied by a large screen, successfully entertained Summerville's celebrating residents. The musical group was engaging and definitely a crowd-pleaser. Attendees, young and older, sang and danced to the catalog of Beatles' songs that were performed with precision and uncanny realism by the talented foursome. They began the show dressed in black suits singing I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and ended it outfitted in psychedelic colors to the lyrics of Hey Jude.

Congratulations to Steven Doniger and the Dream Team for their hard work in organizing these kinds of events that highlight the great things Summerville has to offer its residents and visitors and for bringing people to the downtown district in support of the town's much appreciated local businesses. Enjoy the pictures. You may see yourself having a great time.

Azaleas, Sweet Tea, and the Biggest Festival in the Southeast

Summerville is at present shimmering in a sea of magnificent multitudinous masses of magenta. It is the annual azalea bloom putting on its best dress for the upcoming Flowertown Festival hosted in Summerville's Azalea Park. The flowers are the official doorkeepers of spring greeting all to the celebration of warmer days. Drive anywhere on the streets in the town's historic district between Central Ave. and S. Main and you will be convinced Summerville is rightfully crowned the "Flower Town in the Pines".

Rightfully the "Flower Town in the Pines" because Summerville is also famous for its pine trees, but unfortunately, the pollen bloom that rains down from its branches, when the weather warms, is not enthusiastically embraced with happy celebration like the azaleas. With that being said, pine trees and azaleas are a perfect collaboration because azaleas grow well in its shadows.

The varieties of azaleas are as bounteous as its blooms thanks to hybridizing, or crossbreeding. They are native to North America, so it is likely they greeted our arriving ancestors in some form. All North American species are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves. The evergreen varieties come from Japan where they can be hundreds of years old. The plants and blooms are mildly toxic, but I can personally dispute this assumption as not likely to be a deterrent to consumption. When I lived in northeastern Ohio years ago, I planted extensive rock gardens and plant mounds on my property. I attempted to incorporate azaleas into my scheme, but was unsuccessful. It seemed the branches were a favorite delicacy of deer, who ate the plants down to a stub before having a chance to pop a bud.

The azaleas that helped make Summerville famous are most likely the non-native variety. These originated in China and Japan, and made their way to the U.S. via England, France, and Germany. According to azalea historian Fred Galle in the United States, Azalea Indica (specifically speaking about the group of plants called Southern Indicas) got its name because when it was discovered, Asia was known as the East Indies. The first hybrids were planted in Charleston, South Carolina.

John Grimke Drayton imported the Azalea Indica from Philadelphia--where they were grown only in greenhouses by a nurseryman who also had a branch nursery in Charleston--and introduced them into the estate gardens of his rice plantation on the Ashley River. Marie Clinton Hastie wrote about the beginnings of her grandfather's garden, "it was somewhere in the mid 1840s that the Azalea Indica was introduced to Magnolia." His garden was the first in America to plant azaleas outdoors.

Thanks to the generosity of George Segelken, a pioneer in azalea propagation, Summerville became the place to see these uncommon plants in all their abundant glory in 1935. People came from all over to view the lush beauty of the town's Azalea Park. Segelken named the salmon pink colored azalea "Pride of Summerville." The park is the predominant venue of the Flowertown Festival.

The Flowertown Festival ranks as one of the largest festivals in the Southeast with an origin that goes back to 1972. The three-day festival also carries the well-deserved distinction as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. One of the main features of this family-oriented festival centers on the promotion of arts and crafts. More than 200 craft artisans and vendors are given the opportunity to showcase their creative wares throughout Azalea Park. The Taste is another feature that offers festivalgoers a chance to sample appetizers, main courses, and desserts from local restaurants. For the young ones, there will be a Children's Jubilee/Kid's Fest, for the adults, a Saturday farmer's market. Admission is free and parking is free. The Robert Pratt Band will be sending musical vibes through the town's historic district.

The current festival was predated by a previous one in 1941, when Summerville celebrated the first Azalea Festival—a four-day event that included dances, concerts, a parade, and a formal ball. The festival promoted local business and celebrated the town's community pride, a pride as old as the trees. Summerville's rich history dates all the way back to the late 1600s. In those early days, coastal residents sought refuge from the heat and mosquitoes among the cooler pines of Summerville. One of the trees redeeming features was the turpentine scent it emitted, and even doctors considered it a cure for a variety of respiratory ailments. Many came all the way from Europe for the pine air and its believed benefits, but it was not just for the air, they also came for the southern charm and beauty.

Spring is a great time to experience Summerville's southern beauty, charm, and community pride. It is the season to celebrate the Flowertown Festival in The Birthplace of Sweet Tea beginning on April 1st, and this is no April fools. Speaking of sweet tea, allegedly, in 2003 as an April Fool’s joke, the Georgia House introduced a bill making it a "...misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature" to sell iced tea in a restaurant that did not also offer sweet iced tea on the menu. The bill never went to a vote. You can not accuse the Georgia House of lacking in humor. South Carolina adopted sweet tea as the state's Official Hospitality Beverage in 1995.

Of course, you cannot have sweet tea without a tealeaf, and Summerville owns the bragging rights for a particular variety. With French explorer and botanist Andre Michaux's planting of Oolong tea on the Middleton Barony in 1795, South Carolina was the only colony in America producing tea plants at that time. Later, Dr. Charles Shepard founded the Pinehurst Tea Plantation in Summerville in 1888, where he made tea growing a profitable reality. While Oolong tea could be your choice in making sweet tea, any kind can be used, though black tea is always a classic.

Well, that is Summerville—azaleas, sweet tea, and the biggest festival in the Southeast. While visiting for the Flowertown Festival, grab a glass of the best sweet tea at Sweetwater One Twenty Three. When you see me walking around town, be sure to say, "Hey." I am always interested in making new acquaintances.

Summerville Is Set To Fling Its Spring Doors Wide Open For Flowertown Festival 2015

Pack your wallets and put on a sweet tea smile, Summerville will fling its spring doors wide open on March 27-29 for its annual Flowertown Festival. Scheduled to ideally coincide with the yearly azalea bloom, the town's beautiful and historic Azalea Park on South Main Street will be transformed into a maze of tents and booths. It is estimated about 250,000 people from all over the Lowcountry and the Southeast U.S. attend this craft and food fare extravaganza.

Summerville's famous Azalea Park was started in 1933 and completed in 1935. All the flowers planted in the park, 33,000 of them, came from George Segelken's Summerville Floral Nursery. Mr. Segelken was a pioneer in the propagation of azaleas.

Azalea Park on a Sunday in Spring

During its early years, tourists flocked to the park. On any Sunday afternoon in spring, cars lining South Main Street bumper to bumper were a common sight. They not only came for the spectacle of beauty, but also because azaleas were an uncommon sight and relatively unknown in South Carolina, except in Summerville.

A scene in Azalea Park today

The flowers are the official doorkeepers of spring and turn Summerville into a shimmering sea of magnificent masses of magenta and various other colors of the spectrum. Drive anywhere throughout the town's historic district and you will be thoroughly convinced; Summerville is rightfully crowned the "Flower Town in the Pines."

Rightfully the "Flower Town in the Pines" because Summerville is also famous for its pine trees. But unfortunately the pollen bloom that rains down from its branches when the weather warms is not enthusiastically embraced with happy celebration like the azaleas. Having said that, pine trees and azaleas are a perfect collaboration because azaleas grow well in the tree's shadows.

The current festival was predated by a previous festival. In 1941, Summerville celebrated the first Azalea Festival--a four-day event that included dances, concerts, a parade and a formal ball. The festival promoted local business and celebrated the town's community pride--a pride as old as the pines.

With an origin that goes back to 1972, the Flowertown Festival ranks as one of the largest festivals in the Southeast. The three-day affair also carries the well deserved distinction as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. One of the main features of this family-oriented festival centers around the promotion of arts and crafts. More than 200 jury-selected craft artisans and vendors will be given the opportunity to showcase their creative wares throughout Azalea Park.

The Taste of Summerville is another feature that offers festival-goers a chance to sample appetizers, main courses and desserts from local restaurants. A Children’s Jubilee located at the corner of 6th Street and S. Main Street will be set up with activities and rides to entertain your little ones. There will also be plenty of live entertainment. Photographer, Susan Roberts, has been chosen as the artist to represent the Summerville Family YMCA's flagship fundraiser.

The new Kids Fest Blooming Artists, on Saturday, March 28, has been added to the festival. This will be a fun way for boys and girls ages 8-18 to express themselves visually and encourage the creative growth of young people. Blooming Artists will be located directly across from the Farmer's Market on 2nd and Main Street.

What do local residents have to say about the Flowertown Festival?
Carol--"Spring is here...and we see some people that we haven't seen since Fall. Also, means a weekend off."
James--"It means more yard art for us."
Maureen--"Having the opportunity to support small businesses and artists that offer handcrafted items! I have a definite love for handcrafted items, especially soaps - I remember, for a few years running, buying enough to last QUITE a while. Lol. My youngest (now 11) loves to come with me as well, and the $20 I normally give her to spend is quickly and happily put to use."
Vanessa--"Love, love, love it. It's Summerville's time to shine and we always do!"
Megan--"This will be our first! Can't wait!! Yay for Spring!"
Beth--"Traffic."
As for me, I enjoy the live musical entertainment. It is also a great event to meet new acquaintances and of course, people watch.

It was a cold season in the Lowcountry. As we wave farewell to the winter, we happily welcome the warmer days of spring and embrace its arrival with colorful enthusiasm. The azalea bloom, just getting underway, is setting the stage for the premier event of the year. Come and experience Summerville's southern beauty, charm, and community pride. Come and celebrate the Flowertown Festival March 27th to the 29th. Admission is free and parking is free. Times Friday and Saturday are 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

April In Summerville Is Jam Packed With Fun Festivals-How Sweet It Is

"Today is April 1st. Sweet tea in the afternoon to y'all. April Fool's day it is." Allegedly, in 2003 as an April Fool's joke, the Georgia House introduced a bill making it a "...misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature" to sell iced tea in a restaurant that did not also offer sweet iced tea on the menu. Needless to say, the bill never went to a vote. You can't accuse the Georgia House of lacking in humor.

In the early 1900s, sweet tea was an item of luxury due to the expensive nature of tea, ice, and sugar. A song has also been written by Cravin’ Melon called Sweet Tea where they sing, "Don't try to offer anything. What it comes right down to baby, don't tempt me; I'm where I wanna be, Cause on the eighth day, God made sweet tea." Listen to the complete song, cool.

Research has unveiled facts claiming Summerville as the "Birthplace of Sweet Tea", and that's no April Fool's joke. In honor of that designation, Summerville had its first Sweet Tea Festival in 2012. And speaking of festivals, April will be one of 2013's hottest months for festivals and events in Summerville. The traditional three day Flowertown Festival in Azalea Park begins on Friday, April 5th. It is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals and ranked as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast. Over 200,000 visitors and residents will descend upon this historic, southern town honored by antiquity as the Flowertown in the Pines.

Summerville at one time was considered one of the healthiest places in the world for people recovering from respiratory illnesses due to its pine filled woods. While many of the pine trees that graced the landscape surrounding the town have bowed to the axe and modern machinery, many still remain. The shadows of these tall trees are the perfect host for Summerville's other spring time attractions, the brilliantly colorful azalea and the purple wisteria. Vines of wisteria can be seen intertwined with the branches of smaller trees throughout the town's district.

It all begins with the usual Charleston Bagpipers marching four abreast down historic Main Street where over 200 talented artisans from across the country will be displaying their wares as well as throughout Azalea Park. There is always something new. Last year, a replica of the Hunley was displayed at the entrance of S. Main Street.

Of course, there will be the usual sights and sounds. The group that highlights a musician playing the wooden pan pipes are a familiar attraction. The Flowertown Players will be returning with acting demonstrations and short skits performed on their mobile stage at their booth. The Children’s Jubilee located at the corner of 6th Street and S. Main Street offers fun activities and rides for children. The Taste, which features a surprisingly sumptuous and varied cuisine will give festival goers a chance to sample appetizers, main courses and desserts from local restaurants. Finally, musical performances are scheduled on the main stage in the park throughout the three days.

Later in the month, on April 27th, you can be Italian for a day. The first ever Lowcountry Italian Festival 2013 will be held in Summerville, also in Azalea Park, featuring authentic Italian food, drink, merchandise, live music and a Bocce Tournament - click on sign up sheet to enter or call Joe Stringer at (843)-452-1333 for more information. The Lowcountry Festa Italiana is an independent non-profit organization created by four families to promote awareness of Italian-American culture in this area. Admission is free, festival starts at 10 AM and ends at 8 PM.

If you are not interested in being Italian for a day, that same day of April 27th the Southern Flame—Southern Food and Music Festival will be held in The Ponds of Summerville. The musicians and bands scheduled for this celebration of Bluegrass and Rock are Dee Dee Cumbee 11 AM-1 PM, Common Ground featuring Alan Bibey 1:30 PM-3 PM, Hugh Price 4 PM-6 PM and Eddie Bush 6 PM-8 PM. There will also be a BBQ Cook-off. Click on entry form to compete. There is no entry fee for this festival, but a $10 parking pass purchased at the gate is required or go to tickets to purchase a pass at a $2 discount.

We are not finished yet. The 2013 SC Humanities Festival will take place on April 18-21. The theme of the festival is "The Birthplace of Sweet Tea and Southern Hospitality." There are many exciting events planned, including lectures, tours, and performances. Many of the events are free and open to the public, but several require tickets and advanced registration. One example is the event A Southern Sweet Tea Lunch April 20th, 12PM at the Historic Timrod Library. Go to ticket information for details. A full schedule can be down loaded here.

The weather has finally taken a turn for the best. Sunshine and good times ahead. See you around town. Be sure to say hi when you see me. Oh, one last thing; Much Ado About Nothing opens at the James F. Dean Theatre Thursday, April 4th. For the complete schedule go to Flowertown Players.

Third Thursday In Summerville Is The Hottest Monthly Event In The Lowcountry-March's Edition Warmed The Chill

Hutchinson Square

The calendar indicates it is spring, but the temperatures outside remain uncharacteristically, southern chilly. Despite this annoying and persistent chill in the air, it could not keep residents and visitors of Summerville from enjoying one of the hottest monthly events in the Lowcountry, Third Thursday. This highly popular and acclaimed event affords attendees the enriching opportunity to experience and feel what is an everyday occurrence on the streets and in the shops of downtown Summerville, warm hospitality and uplifting community pride. I for one wouldn't miss it for all the sweet tea in the Lowcountry and D.R.E.A.M.'s March lineup of supporting amenities was shaping up to be very entertaining.

W.R.E.S. Music Ensemble

My first planned stop for the evening was at one of Summerville's fast-becoming the number one hot spot, Coastal Coffee Roasters. Don't let the name fool you into thinking it is strictly a place to get some top-notch roasted coffee. It is much more. Upon exiting my truck across from CCR's white, brick building on East 3rd North Street, I could hear the sound of a drum beat emulating from the building. Inside there was standing room only, mainly proud, smiling parents, and a group of 18 kids comprising a music ensemble from the Reeves and Joseph Pye Elementary Drumming Club. All were rhythmically beating in unison on drums and having a good time, including the brave teacher who cued and directed the talented group of youngsters.

My next stop was the heart of downtown Summerville, historic Hutchinson Square. Evidence of Summerville's predominant spring flower was everywhere. The colorful azaleas were in full bloom. The smell of freshly popped kettle corn laced the air. The usual tents and booths lined the walkways. The sounds of light conversation and laughter emanated from the tables outside of Accent on Wine. The music and words of "Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire" warmed the crowd that gathered around the wooden, wagon stage and Jimmy Buffets' "Margaritaville" took them momentarily to tropical places.

The Vistas

The Vistas, one of the area's favorite party bands, were center stage in Hutchinson Square and dressed in their usual black suits and sun glasses, Blues Brothers style. A definite crowd-pleaser who sing with passion, the Vistas overcame the cool nip in the air and played like pros, even after all warmth had fled the night with the setting of the sun.

Ernie Eliason

I happened to bump into a pirate named Don Pedro(Ernie Eliason) before leaving the square. The finely dressed buccaneer was on shore leave giving the land lovers a peek at what to expect for the Flowertown Players presentation of Much Ado About Nothing starting April 4th. I bid farewell to the villainous rogue and moved on.

The traffic police were busy directing the cars and crowds on W. Richardson where Moncks Corner's one and only ukulele band called the Hot Shots played outside of People, Places and Quilts. In the back of Guerin's Pharmacy another group of guitar players and a fiddler informally played popular tunes and even invited some passersby to join in, if they so desired.

Over on Short Central, the usual art and craft booths were set up and more home-grown talent dazzled the large crowds entering and exiting the restaurants and shops. A musical ensemble called The Padgett Band played jazzy music. I recognized the bass player, John Daniels. John is a multi-talented musician who also plays the keyboards and trumpet for the popular Summerville band called Busker, a group that performs on a regular basis at Coastal Coffee Roasters.

The Padgett Band

Fleming, Michael, Ricky, and Jessica

Flowertown Players

Dave Keller, the original Busker, took me on a four minute walk to his quaint home where I got a glimpse of what he called his man cave, a building nestled in a beautifully landscaped backyard just a few steps off a deck. It is the place where the five member band practices their songs. He graciously honored me with a new t-shirt with the bands logo on it. Summerville hospitality at its best. We returned to Short Central and the festivities.

While the band took a break, a group of youngsters from The Flowertown Players performed some small skits. Nearby, Jewel Sweeney, owner of Downtown Crossing, was tending her tent and table of handmade goods set up in front of her store where a screen door made famous by a Post and Courier article hangs at the front entrance.

Jewel Sweeney and Downtown Crossing

It was another successful night for the businesses and patrons of Summerville, and it is only a prelude of what is to come. The cool weather will eventually give way to warmer days. I would be totally surprised if three weeks into April the chill of March would still be hanging around. Come on over for a visit April 18th. Join the fun and experience one of the hottest monthly events in the Lowcountry. I'll be there and would like to meet you. By the way, don't forget the 2013 Flowertown Festival in Azalea Park will soon be upon us, April 5-7.