Things to do across the Midlands: Celebrate veterans during Wednesday event; annual Oyster Roast set for Nov. 19

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SUMTER COUNTY

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Sumter County Veterans Association announces its annual Sumter County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade starts at 10 a.m. down Main Street, and the ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on the courthouse front lawn, 141 N. Main St. There will be a vendor meet and greet on the back lawn of the courthouse after the ceremony. This year's event also celebrates America's 250th anniversary, and everyone is invited. For more information, contact Valerie Brunson at (803) 436-2303.

Pietas Coalition's Second Annual Communities Against Trafficking Walkathon will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at Dillon Park in Sumter, 1200 Clara Louise Kellogg Drive, Sumter. This year's theme is "Every Child Deserves to Bloom," and the walkathon will bring together families, community members, organizations and advocates to promote awareness, prevention, education and community involvement surrounding child trafficking and exploitation. There will be community safety posters, face painting, moon bounce, music and more. Reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/y4buxv88.

Fall means good times shared with family and friends, plus food. Enjoy them all at the annual Oyster Roast, held at Sumter Museum, on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is the 28th year this event is being held. "Eat 'em steamed and drink 'em from a boat." Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters and more with beer, wine and live music from Chappell Court Band. Tickets for museum members are $50, and tickets are $75 for nonmembers. For tickets and more information, visit sumtermuseum.org. The museum is at 122 N. Washington St.

The 2nd annual First Responders BBQ Cookoff & Car/Truck Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. Awards at 2 p.m. Free admission and parking, with raffles and door prizes. To enter the cookoff or show, or to be a sponsor, contact Lt. Mike McCoy at (803) 774-4098.

William Starrett's "Nutcracker," South Carolina's most loved holiday tradition, returns to Patriot Hall on Saturday, Nov. 21, to kick off the season. "This sumptuous production brings Tchaikovsky's magnificent score, exquisite dancing and the wonder of the season to the stage in a celebration that has become a cherished part of Christmas for families across South Carolina. A full-length production of exceptional scale and beauty, William Starrett's 'Nutcracker' features grand scenery, beautiful costumes and the artistry of South Carolina Ballet's professional dancers in a holiday classic filled with enchantment, warmth and theatrical splendor." Buy tickets at https://southcarolinaballet.com/calendar-tickets. Patriot Hall is at 135 Haynsworth St., Sumter.

Make room for all that turkey and sweet potato casserole. On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, run or walk during the Turkey Trot 5K and for kids the Gobbler Dash starting at 9 a.m. The YMCA's 44th year of the event includes the Gobbler Dash Fun Run for kids, back this year with T-shirts and trophies. This is a certified 5K course, with finish line and chip timers by Strictly Running. The dash will take place on a city trail for kids ages 6 to 9, supervised by YMCA staff. Register through Nov. 22 at the YMCA or online at https://tinyurl.com/4j6c263s. Late registration will open Nov. 23 with an additional $10 fee. Early packet pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25, from noon to 7 p.m. in the Community Health Room at the Y. Get there early to get your shirt. They are first come, first served. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 8 a.m., and race begins at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. For more information, contact Missy Corrigan at (803) 773-1404.

Rock around the Christmas tree with Sumter County during its annual tree-lighting ceremony, being held this year on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on the old courthouse lawn, 141 N. Main St. "Enjoy festive holiday musical selections performed by Sumter County elementary school student choral groups, then join us for the countdown to the official lighting of the Sumter County Christmas Tree! This is an outdoor event, so bundle up, wear layers, and come ready to enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer with our community."

Charleston Gospel Choir is coming to Sumter for Christmas at Patriot Hall on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. The performance will take place at the newly renovated Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St. It is a part of the SC250 Commemoration and will be conducted by Vaughn A. Richardson. Tickets for the event range from $16.50 to $38.50 and can be purchased online at www.sumterpatriothall.com, by phone at (866) 811-4111 or at the door one hour before the performance.

Sumter First Church of God's Craft Show is coming up Saturday, Dec. 5, at the church's fellowship hall, 1835 Camden Highway, Sumter, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop from more than 20 local and surrounding area artists for handcrafted goods and boutique items, including clothing and accessories, coastal decor, soaps, crochet items, ornaments, sublimation tumblers, shirts, baked goods and more.

Sumter Civic Chorale's Christmas concert, "Sing the Songs of Bethlehem" by K. Lee Scott, will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

CLARENDON

Don't miss the annual City of Manning Parade of Lights on Sunday, Nov. 29, starting at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., Manning. Get into the spirit of the season during this festive event. The parade will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Here's your chance to snag some famous biscuits. The Clarendon Pilot Club Bazaar returns this year at Manning Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Homemade biscuits, pies, cakes and candy will be available for holiday giving and eating. Help support the civic club through this annual fundraising event. The church is at 233 N. Brooks St., Manning.

FLORENCE

If you're an oyster aficionado, join Florence County Museum for the 2026 Museum Roast at Burch's Mill, 1604 Mill Branch Road, Pamplico, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. This year's menu will include roasted oysters provided by Tubbs Shrimp & Fish Co., barbecue provided by Elliott's Barbecue, Brunswick stew and hors d'oeuvres. All proceeds benefit the Florence County Museum Foundation Annual Acquisitions and Education Fund. Tickets are $75 for active members and $100 for non-members at https://tinyurl.com/2t56vbfz.

Need to find a special gift for someone this holiday season? The Gift Market might have just what you're looking for. On Saturday, Nov. 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., you can shop for anything you might need for the holidays at this night market. "Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by the fire. We also have live entertainment and a vast assortment of handmade crafts and gifts. Enjoy your shopping experience with locally made artisan goods, unique gifts, stocking stuffers and more." Find the holiday fun at City Center Market, 200 Sanborn St.

"Light the lamp, not the rat!" Join Timmonsville Public Library for a special showing of "A Muppet Christmas Carol" on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Snacks and juice will be provided. The library is at 298 W Smith St.

Have all the festive fun you could want at the Hometown Holidays Christmas festival. This special event in downtown Lake City includes dazzling light displays, a children's village, an after-dark Christmas parade and tree lighting, photos with Santa and plenty more. There will be more than 40 holiday-themed activities for kids and adults, from shopping to seasonal treats. Stroll through Jingle Bell Journey, a pint-sized Christmas village with themed shops and interactive fun. This three-day event also includes a Wine Stroll, so don't miss out. Enjoy live music, dance performances and more. The event will be Dec. 4-6 in downtown Lake City. Friday hours are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit the official event page at www.visitlakecitysc.com/festivals-events/hometown-holidays-2.

LEE COUNTY

Get out into nature this fall while the bugs and humidity finally take a break. Lee State Park is hosting several events in November, including a search for an artesian well, a guided off-trail hike to visit a beaver dam with a ranger and a journey to capture some critters in the wetlands to learn about them. Online registration is required for each event; deadline is one day before the program.

- Hike into the Boonies on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon to visit the fifth artesian well that's still flowing, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps but not on any map or on any trail. Meet at the Environmental Education Building, 487 Loop Road, Bishopville, to load into the open-air park tram and travel together to the non-existent trailhead. This hike is $10 per person. Book your spot at https://tinyurl.com/379chesv.

- Off Trail Series: To the Dam! will be on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. You'll see a beaver dam up close and learn about the creatures that build them. This event is $10 per participant. Reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/4dt3c65j.

- Life in the Water: Wetlands Edition will be on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. "Join a park ranger to capture and learn more about the aquatic animals that live in Lee's bottomland hardwood wetlands. Everyone gets to capture critters." Visit https://tinyurl.com/36kvnb5w to book your spot.

Need some new Christmas décor without spending any money? Join Lee County Public Library for its Christmas Decoration Swap on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the library. If you have holiday decorations you no longer want, bring them to the library the week before the event so they can be pre-set up by staff. Then swap with others at no cost. The swap will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, 200 N. Main St., Bishopville.

If you need to make a gift for a special person in your life, join the library later in the holiday season for its Gift-making Workshop on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop in to make gifts for your loved ones this Christmas. The library will have multiple tables set up geared for everyone from ages 0 to 100. The library is at 200 N. Main St., Bishopville. There is no fee or registration required.

COLUMBIA

This January, South Carolina State Museum is set to host the exhibition Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs & Babies. Opening Jan. 23, 2027, the new exhibition offers a rare look at dinosaur life through authentic eggs and nests collected from around the world. It explores the science behind dinosaur behavior, growth and development while introducing guests to the people and discoveries that have shaped what scientists know about dinosaur life. Entrance will be included with museum general admission or membership. General admission to the South Carolina State Museum is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $10 for kids aged 3-12. Infants 2 and under are free. For more information, visit scmuseum.org.