Things to do around the Midlands: Catch a play that's back by popular demand at Weldon, watch races at Summer Sizzler and more in the area this weekend

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SUMTER COUNTY

Military ID card holders are welcome to the Rewind: '80s Deck Party on Shaw Air Force Base on Friday, July 19, at 6 p.m. Meet at Carolina Lakes Golf Course for classic arcade games, karaoke with KJ Bill Eaker with all the decade's hottest hits and a beer tasting with Grand Strand Brewery featuring the best seller on the course, The Salty Golfer, served by Wes "The Salty Golfer" Loman. Buy tickets in advance for $10 at https://tinyurl.com/43485kxt or $15 at the door.

Why not catch a baseball game this summer and see the hometown team in action? Watch the P-15's on weekdays through mid-July. Home games are at Riley Park, 655 Church St. The schedule for July: Wednesday, July 10, against Horry Post 111 at home; and Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. at home against Lexington Post 7.

Splash around at the Sumter Aquatics Center. The center offers classes and activities and a free water aerobics class. You can also rent the center for parties, which includes use of the new lazy river. Usual admission for all guests is $3, and hours throughout the summer are: Mondays: closed; Tuesday: noon-5 p.m.; Wednesday: noon-5 p.m.; Thursday: noon-5 p.m.; Friday: noon-7 p.m.; Saturday: noon-5 p.m.; and Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

Gamecock City Farmers Market is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays outside Central Carolina Technical College's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center, 853 Broad St. The market will continue to add vendors so that there is a little bit of something for everybody, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade jewelry. If you're a vendor and wish to be a part of the market, reach out to Gamecock City Farmers Market on Facebook.

Sumter Farmers Market is up and running from noon to 5 p.m. Fridays through Nov. 22 at USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road. Grab some lunch at one of the many food trucks and purchase quality, farm-fresh products and unique hand-crafted items all at the market. SFMNP-Senior and WIC vouchers are accepted.

Fourth Fridays has started back up for the summer in front of Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St. Every fourth Friday through September, a different band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and the event will last until 9 p.m. with food trucks/vendors, beer and free entertainment. Palmetto Optimist Club will give out free books to kids and have popcorn for sale, and Sertoma Club will sell the beer. Downtown restaurants will also be open during the event. Bands on the schedule are Chief Complaint on July 26, Second Nature on Aug. 23 and Too Much Sylvia on Sept. 27. Bring your own chairs. Coolers aren't allowed.

The Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., is bringing back its Summer Movie Series featuring $2 showings and popcorn and water for just $1. The lineup is as follows: July 16, "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996); July 23, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie"; and July 30, "Ratatouille." Movie times are 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. For additional information, visit SumterOperaHouse.com.

Sumter Original Brewery invites the community to "fill the brewery with comics and vintage toys" on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Comic Sanctum LLC is hosting the event at 2 S. Main St.

Jeep lovers, their friends and family will all come together at the third-annual Krawlin' for Christ Jeep Show and Shine on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. There will be Jeep vendors, live music, food vendors, an RC course and the Show and Shine Competition. The indoor/outdoor event is free and open to the public and supports St. Jude Children's Hospital. To be a vendor or for more information, please contact Minnie Sue Ardis or Ashley Ardis at krawlinforchrist@sc.rr.com. Learn more about the event at https://Krawlinforchrist.wixsite.com/my-site-1.

Join The Live in the Flesh Experience for a night of good vibes and throwback music at the '90s Jammy Jam Party on Aug. 9-10 from 8 p.m. that Friday through 2 a.m. that Saturday morning. Once you've bought your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3z28by5w, join the party at Catchall Masonic Lodge, 3280 Peach Orchard Road, Dalzell.

CLARENDON COUNTY

The Manning Farmers Market at 21 E. Boyce St. is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

The Rev. Effie Hilton Mitchell is bringing back her popular production "Ready or Not" to Weldon Auditorium. "Ready or Not," a Biblically based production, will take the Weldon Auditorium stage, at 7 Maple St., for one day only on Sunday, July 14. Doors open at 2 p.m., and the show will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit The Hair Goddess Studio in Sumter at 740 Broad St., Weldon Auditorium, carolinaboxoffice.com/events or call Mitchell at (803) 795-7704.

See some cool cars and bikes and watch steppers show off their skills during the Sumter Jam Car & Bike & Steppers Show at the Silver Drag Strip on Saturday, July 13. Bring your own cooler, tent and lawn chairs, but no grills are allowed. All steppers are welcome to the steppers show, and ATVs and dirt bikes are welcome to the car show. There will be more than 20 trophies awarded at the car show, and music will be provided by DJs Money Mook, Debo, Freddy Chappo and Tnize. Car show judging is at 7:30 p.m., and racing starts at 7 p.m. Get your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/bdfsz9fy. The event is at 8497 Silver Road, Manning, and begins at 1 p.m.

The Joanne W. Charles Memorial Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Santee Cooper Country Club, 630 Santee Drive, Santee. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m., and the cost is $75 per player or $300 per team. There will be prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive, plus a putting contest. Register online at Charitygolftoday.com/jwcsantee. Contact Kenneth Johnson for more about the tournament at info@jwcmemorial.org or (803) 410-0976.

LEE COUNTY

Nelson Racing and BJ Lounge present the Southern Summer Fest hosted by Sandra Harrison and Dreke Nelson on Saturday, July 20, at Walter Thomas Nelson Stadium, 759 Red Top Road in Lynchburg. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and show will begin at 8 p.m. Performers will include Lebrado, Uncle Daddy and Chico Lloyd. Bring your tents and chairs. No coolers allowed, and a clear bag policy will be strictly enforced. Buy tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2pcszdyr.

Hop aboard the whisper-quiet, open-air tour vehicle and explore the park along the historic Loop Road in Lee State Park on Saturday, July 13, and Aug. 3 and Aug. 24. Guided tram tour guests will visit historic points of interest while keeping an eye out and ears open for park wildlife like white-tailed deer, many species of birds and turtles out and about on the park. Each tour runs from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $10 per person. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and also for riding on a 15mph open-air tram, water and bug repellent. Binoculars, camera, sunglasses and a hat are optional. Registration deadline is one day before the program. Limited seating is available. Book your seats at https://tinyurl.com/4ybd57s5, then fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/86pLRh204z. Meet at the Environmental Education Center.

COLUMBIA

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at The Hollow in Columbia on Thursday, July 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. for a five-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes created by Executive Chef Danté Serra inspired by imperiled bird species. This year's featured species include the Eastern meadowlark, the little blue heron, the Eastern screech owl, the brown-headed nuthatch, the red-winged blackbird, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. As each course is served, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive. Event tickets for this event are $120 per person, and ticket sales close on Wednesday, July 3. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. All funds raised will benefit SCWF's conservation and education programs. To purchase tickets and sponsorships please visit: www.scwf.org/events/2024-forks-knives-and-spoonbills-columbia. This event is sponsored by Columbia Water, our presenting sponsor, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), our wine sponsor, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Jason and Kari Bristol, SCWF Friend sponsors.

The South Carolina Book Lovers Expo and Food Truck Festival will be held Saturday, July 27, at the Gala Event Center, 1801 Bush River Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can meet 40 regional authors representing many genres, get writing coaching, get books signed and take your pick of food from among five food trucks. Children are welcome at the event and will be able to explore the newest books, get their faces painted, take part in storytelling and more. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at www.thebookbutler.com/events.

FLORENCE COUNTY

Are you a plant enthusiast who wants more to add to your collection? Your green thumbs are in luck. Visit the Forest Lake Greenhouses on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to swap plants with other plant lovers. Bring healthy cuttings or other plants to attend. The event is free. The greenhouses are at 2309 Oliver Road, Timmonsville. While you're there, shop from among tropical plants, houseplants, annuals and perennials, pottery and garden accessories.

If cars are more your thing, head to Florence Motor Speedway for a family friendly evening of racing on Saturday, July 13. The Summer Sizzler will be held at 836 E. Smith St, Timmonsville. Grandstands open at 5:30 p.m. with qualifying races, then a pre-race ceremony at 7:05 p.m. Featured races will be late models, mini stocks, limited late models, street stocks, super trucks, thunder and lightning and chargers. Buy your tickets at www.fmspeedway.com. Call (843) 919-0586 or email Stevez@www.fmspeedway.com to learn more.

If you already can't wait for Santa, find some Christmas cheer during one of the hottest months of the year during Christmas in July at Palmetto Peddlers, 2295 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be special sales, food trucks, special prizes and more. Palmetto Peddlers sells antiques, home decor and furniture at different vendor booths.

KERSHAW COUNTY

Get ready for Jammin' in July at Historic Camden on Saturday, July 13, starting at 5 p.m. The music starts then with bands including Landslide, Rusty Davis Group, Jim Hayes, Fair Jam, Ten Cent Rich, Melton Moon and Blake Weinbach. The event will be held rain or shine, and drinks, cocktails and food will be available to buy. Bring your own blanket and lawn chairs. Doors open at 4 p.m. at Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site. 222 Broad St., Camden. All ages are invited to come. Buy your tickets at Davis and Son's Guitar Shop or jamminincamden.com.

The Quartet Gospel Explosion will bring songs from a variety of gospel artists to American Legion Post 17 in Camden, 1333 Chestnut Ferry Road, on Saturday, July 20, from 4 to 9 p.m. J&C Productions and Mildred Kirkland of Sky G Radio will be the hosts for the event. Hear music from The Legendary Anointed Jackson Sisters, Nu'Elevation, The Gospel Spiritual-ettes, The Anointed Angels and Lugoff's Gospel Hi-Lites. Doors open at 3 p.m., and program begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $15 and are $20 at the door. Children 6-12 will be admitted for $7 at the door. For tickets or vendor information, call (803) 846-9872 or (803) 206-3815.

UPSTATE

The South Carolina Bigfoot Festival is returning to Westminster on Oct. 11-12. Since 2019, thousands of people descend on this small town during the month of October to celebrate and learn about the most well know mysterious creature in the world - Bigfoot! People from all over the United States have come to the festival since 2019 and many have returned every year. Whether or not you believe in the Big Fella, you will have fun listening to expert Bigfoot researchers, tapping your feet to live music, participating in or watching the multiple contests, or perusing the many vendors up and down Main Street Westminster. Vendors may apply to participate by going to www.scbigfootfestival.com or emailing scbigfootfestival@hotmail.com.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

The YMCA of Columbia opened its water parks for summer 2024, one in Orangeburg and one in Santee. The Santee Water Park, 1761 Bass Drive, Santee, SC 29142, is open Fridays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Orangeburg Water Park, 2550 St. Matthews Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118, is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for those 48 inches and above and $5 for those 47 inches and below. Free for YMCA of Columbia members. Both parks offer family fun slides, zero-depth pools, tot pools, lazy river, slides and spray features, group pavilions and snack bars. If you have any questions, contact the Orangeburg County YMCA at (803) 268-9622.

Carowinds has announced the lineup for its Carowinds Summer Music Fest Amplified by Coke Studio. The fest also features performances by regional bands and emerging artists throughout the park, including 10 acts performing in-park, showcasing a mix of Nashville recording artists and Carolina talent.

- Friday, July 19: Carly Pearce with Niko Moon and Hannah Ellis

- Saturday, July 20: TobyMac with Tenth Avenue North

- Friday, July 26: Brett Young with Restless Road

- Saturday, July 27: Brantley Gilbert with Lauren Alaina

- Friday, Aug. 2: Skillet with 10 Years

- Saturday, Aug. 3: Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra and Tonic

- Friday, Aug. 9: Flo Rida with Blanco Brown

- Saturday, Aug. 10: Russell Dickerson with Tyler Rich

The Carowinds Summer Music Fest is free with park admission. Season passholders can enjoy all performances as part of their pass benefits.

For the latest updates on the Carowinds Summer Music Fest, including performance schedules, visit Carowinds.com. Carowinds, a 400-acre amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, is home to top-rated roller coasters, including Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, as well as more than 58 rides, attractions, and live stage shows. Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre water park, features a variety of water slides, wave pools, large play structures and a three-acre children's play area. For information on attractions and accommodations at Carowinds, visit www.carowinds.com or call (704) 588-2600.