Photographic Opportunities
Around South Carolina throughout the year

Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens: Get there when they open and you have a good chance of seeing the Koalas awake as they change out the food every other day. In the Spring and Summer the Gardens offer many opportunities for Macro-photography work and if you look closely you may find some animals that were never in changes creeping around in the plants and flowers. $11.75 admission for adults.

Battle of Aiken Re-enactment: Check http://www.battleofaiken.org for dates but it is usually one of the last 2 weekends in February. There are opportunities not only to take photos during the battle but also around the different camps. $10 admission for anyone over 13.

Sumter Hare Scramble: Check http://www.sermaclub.com for details but it has been held the next to last weekend in January. Starting at 9am on Sunday is the Peewee and Super Peewee class racers followed by the Junior racers at 10am. The Adult races start at 1pm and can have as many as 100 riders racing dirt bikes through the woods on a short course for multiple laps. $5 admission.

Sumter Enduro: Follows the Sumter Hare Scramble and is the last weekend in January. Saturday night is the pit bike race which has adult and teen riders on bikes the size of peewee and super peewee riders. Get there before 7pm and have some dinner for a donation the the Wedgefield Volunteer Fire Department. Sunday at 9am the Race starts and between 400 and 600 riders will embark on a course for up to 90 miles through public and private land around Manchester State Forest. Free!

Carolina Cup: The last weekend in March. Steeplechase Horse racing in Camden. General Admission Ticket $35 at the gate ($25 purchased early) and $10 parking.

Camden Cup: Fundraiser polo match held the first weekend in May to benefit the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County. $10 admission.

Colonial Cup: Third weekend in November at the same track as the Carolina Cup. More of a family event than the Carolina Cup and in addition to the horse races there are Jack Russell Terrier Races held in the infield. Tickets the same as Carolina Cup.

Rugby: Various Teams around the state with both Men’s and Women’s teams and sometimes high school teams. Some of the local team web pages will have their schedules posted including the pitch(field) they are playing on. http://www.sumterrugby.com, http://www.columbiarugby.com, http://www.columbiawomensrugby.com. Free!

Airshows: Various Military Airbases around South Carolina hold airshows, usually every other year. Charleston, Beaufort and Shaw usually bring in one of the military demonstration teams as well as other performers. Check the internet for performance dates and schedules. Free!

Camden Antique Aircraft Fly-in: First Weekend in October. Mostly old but some new aircraft fly in from around the US for a weekend of talking shop and doing a little flying. While the planes are on the ground you can talk to the pilots and take a look inside at the cockpits, engines, and any other piece of the aircraft. Make sure to take note of any signage on the aircraft related to touching it. Free!

Armies Through Time: Second Weekend in April. A look at how military uniforms have changed through the centuries. http://historic-camden.net Parking is Free, Daily Admission fee.

Revolutionary War Days: First weekend of November.  Camps with reenactors demonstrating camp life and military tactics of the Revolutionary War.  Parking is Free, Admission fee of $10.

Carolina Down Home Blues Festival: First Weekend of October. Stages throughout Downtown Camden. The outdoor stage is a nice place to take pictures, but remember to bring a tripod. Outdoor Stage is Free, all others require admission.

Battle of Camden Remembrance: Middle of August. Some reenactors come in and do a short skit in period clothes. There is usually a tent set up and at least one musket on the field as well. Donations Welcome.

Races at Kershaw Motorsports Park: Throughout the year. Check http://www.carolinamotorsportspark.com/ for events going on to include motorcycles, cars, and go-carts. $15 track admission.

Jammin’ July 4th: 4th of July Weekend in Sumter. Live band and fireworks display celebrating Independence Day.

Sumter Scottish Festival: Third Weekend in March. Highland games and Activities.

Sandhills Sandblast Rally: First Weekend in February. Rally Cars and bikes Racing on the forest roads of Sand Hills State Forest in Chesterfield County, SC. Free

Shows

Sumter County Fair: No fee to enter, and a minimum size of 8”x10” printed. Two levels to choose from, Hobbyist or Professional. Entry level is up to the entrant but they do ask that anyone with an educational background in art or that teaches art enter as a professional. Entries must be framed with a wire for hanging across the back.

South Carolina State Fair: No fee to enter if entry is made during the month of August, $25 entry fee if you have a late entry. Amateur or Professional levels with a minimum size of 16” on the smallest side and a maximum size of 45” on the longest side Entries must be framed and ready to hang with wire across the back.