The first Clarendon County Striped Bass Festival was held in 1980, the result of long hours and hard work by Chairman Jerry Robertson and a supporting group of dedicated volunteers.
The original event was only three days long, but those days were packed with events. Some - such as the parade, golf and fishing tournaments, and the arts and crafts booths on Courthouse Square - continue, but many of the original activities are now only memories.
The souvenir program of the original festival includes an all-day flower show, a skeet shoot, a black history events display, a beard judging contest and a performance by the Morris College Choir and Gospel Choir at the Weldon Auditorium. In addition to the arts and crafts exhibit and sales, Saturday was a full day of activity on the Courthouse Square, where films, an archery demonstration, gospel singing, guitar picking and dancers all entertained the public. There were many children’s activities, including storytelling, a puppet show, films and a pet show at the Library. On Saturday evening, there were bands and dancing in the street.
This year's festival will begin with the Lion's Club Fish Fry at 4:30 p.m. April 21 at the Manning Restaurant.
Opening Ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. the same day at the Clarendon County Gazebo on Keitt Street, followed by a free concert by Riptide at 7 p.m.
As always, amusement rides will be on Keitt Street from 7-11 p.m. that day.
Super Saturday will start with the Hometown Parade at 10 a.m., and two new events will be featured this year.
The Patty Plot will be held at the vacant lot beside the Department of Social Services on Church Street. Contestants will bet on squares, and win prizes based on where cows do their business
The Firefighter Combat Challenge will be held at noon on the corner of Brooks and Boyce Streets.
There will be a Truck and Car Show sponsored by Sumter Cruisers after the parade, and the Children's Art Show will be held at the Billie S. Fleming Protective Services Building, which houses the fire and police departments.
Dance groups will also be featured at the gazebo throughout the day. The Dancer's Workshop will perform at 11:30 a.m.; Carolina Dance Academy will perform at noon; and The Dancing Machine will perform at 12:30 p.m.
Finally, the Santee Cooper Open Team Tournament will hold weigh-in at John C. Land III Sport Fishing Facility at 3 p.m.
For more information about Striped Bass events, call Ericka Sexton Floyd at (803) 435-4405.
