Photos Of Summerville's Sweet Tea Festival Celebrated On Third Thursday, September 18, 2014--It Was Sweet Tea-rific

It was Third Thursday in Summerville. The Birthplace of Sweet Tea celebrated its highly anticipated, ever popular Sweet Tea Festival. It was sweet and it was historical.

Summerville restaurants presented a sampling of their popular culinary delights and participated in a sweet tea challenge. Festival attendees purchased commemorative Sweet Tea Mugs for $5, sampled the various restaurant's original sweet tea drinks, and voted for their favorite.

Live music was at every turn of the corner from Hutchinson Square to Short Central and in between courtesy bands from around the Lowcountry. It was a huge success thanks to the tireless efforts of Summerville DREAM, the Town of Summerville and the residents and visitors who filled the streets and businesses. Great fun was had by all. Enjoy the photos.


Visit and discover the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. Check out Summerville's Trolley Tours, Festivals and Celebrations, Culinary Events and Summerville's informative museum--be sure to check out its new outdoor mural.

Trolley Tour reviews:
Sip And Savor Summerville's Popular Drinking Establishments--The Newest Addition In The Trolley Tours

It Was A Sweet-ride And Tea-rific Fun-Summerville's "Good Eats On The Sweet Tea Trail Tour"

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.

Third Thurday in Summerville: "The Wizard of Oz" Delights and Lots Of Fun For Summervillians

With all the thunderstorms lately, it's surprising nobodies house has gotten sucked up by a twister. July's edition of Third Thursday was to be no exception. Around 4pm the skies over Summerville were looking darkly ominous. But thunderstorms are pretty much routine in the Lowcountry this time of year, when the temperatures soar and the humidity spikes. Experienced residents take them in stride and know they come and go as quickly as you can say "Somewhere over the Rainbow". In fact, the James F. Dean Theater has issued a tornado warning for August 2nd and continuing to the 12th. "The Wizard of Oz" is expected to blow into town and when that happens, things will get wicked in more ways than the weather. There is a 100 per cent chance of a twister and somebodies house is going to get sucked up.

The Flowertown Players have been working hard to present what promises to be a delightfully entertaining show. The large cast, including a large group of local kids, have spent many hours learning their lines and choreography. The logistics involved in this musical production are challenging for the set designers, but they are proving themselves up to the task, and the rewards will be great for the audience. The numerous stage settings will whisk away to the Land of Oz and Munskinville putting you on the journey down the yellow brick road to the gates of the Emerald City. The cast made a preview appearance in full costume in Town Square and mingled among the Third Thursday crowd.

Dorothy and Tin Man

Cowardly Lion looking brave

Summerville's royalty, Bill Summers, was in court-the courtyard of Aura Lee's Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories to be more exact-handing out handshakes and Yuenglings. By the time my group arrived, all the Yuenglings were gone, supporting evidence Aura Lee's shop is a favorite Third Thursday stop. Bill was joined by Brad Mallett, owner of Coastal Coffee Roasters. Coastal Coffee Roasters has quickly become one of Summerville's busiest hot spots serving up their signature blend of roasted coffee accompanied by weekly scheduled events for your entertainment. If you have some musical talent, contact Brad and he will be happy to give you consideration. Danny Trump's amazing cheesecakes are also featured at Coastal Coffee along with craft beers and wines. Due to the scattered showers lingering around at the start, Chelsea Summers had to cut her usual Third Thursday singing appearance short at Aura Lee's. You can catch Chelsea performing at various venues around Summerville and surrounding areas. For a complete list of her appearances click on Chelsea Summers.

Bill Summers and friends

When we first arrived, our first stop was to be the Eclectic Chef on Short Central, but had to wait for the arrival of the rest of the party. We milled around the shops sipping on wine and eating pretzels provided by the various establishments, a tradition of Third Thursday. There was a man in the courtyard of Short Central, I didn't get his name, singing old tunes like "Garden Party" by Ricky Nelson. When we finally sat down to eat, the raindrops began to fall, but the umbrella on the table protected us-to some degree. My back got a slight soaking, especially when a certain someone would shake the umbrella.

Live entertainment

Kathy, Hanna, and Glen

White Gables well represented

Our planned, final destination for the evening was to be Accent on Wine. We were briefly sidetracked by some old vehicles on display at the end of the Town Square at W. Richardson. The temptation to take pictures of the old cars with someone posing next to them could not be resisted. Some dreams never fade. We pressed on. Accent on Wine was packed-no surprise. Filling an available stool immediately upon vacancy is a must. We chose the bar to sit at, the heart of the shoppe. Stephane filled the place with his usual humble smile, explaining wines and offering tips with a colorful French accent.

My attention was diverted to one of the wine advisers who was pouring a double mixture into a tall, slender glass. I inquired about it. Stephane informed, "If you are looking for something light and refreshing, the Belini is a good choice." The wine adviser, sporting a British accent, poured the mixture and I tried my first $3 Belini. I downed  the bubbly blend of champagne and peach schnapps while pondering this paradox: A Brit and a Frenchman behind the same bar. Miracles never cease to amaze. Time passes by quickly when you are sipping wine and making with the chit-chat, and that is what Accent on Wine is all about. There is no loud music in the background. Just the pleasant sound of laughter and friendly talk.

Keri living a dream

There will be one more last summer evening Third Thursday August 16th before the kids go back to school. Live music will be all over town and the usual Art Walk. The following Saturday, August 18th, Summerville's residents by the thousands will gather for the "Summerville Night at The Joe". There will be pre-game festivities to partake in and then watch the Riverdogs take on Augusta. August 25th will be the 13th annual "Race for the Ark". The 5K race is held in historic Summerville winding through its beautiful streets. It benefits the Ark services.