Get out and enjoy the cooler weather at plenty of fall-themed events across tri-county area

SUMTER COUNTY

Trick or Treat in the Backcountry will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, located behind the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. The event is free and open to the public.

The 20th anniversary of the Fall Feast presented by FTC is this year on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. All proceeds go to Sumter Green each year, which beautifies areas across Sumter. Adults only are invited, 18 and up, and there will be live music by HeyBo and special guest Tom Mullikin of the SC7 Expedition. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Buy yours at www.sumteroperahouse.com/the-fall-feast. Enjoy some great food from local chefs for a great cause.

Want to add to your book shelves and help support library programs? The Friends of the Library 2024 Annual Book Sale will be held at the Sumter County Library main meeting room, 111 N. Harvin St., at the following times: Thursday, Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m., (Friends Preview Night for those who are Friends members only, but new members can join at the door for access); Friday, Oct. 25, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26t, 10 a.m.-noon; and Sunday, Oct. 27, 1-5 p.m. The annual book sale is a special event hosted by the Friends to help support programs and services the library would otherwise be unable to provide to the public. This includes activities and events for children and adults such as the Summer Reading Program and the Christmas Winter Wonderland. For more information, call (803) 773-7273; visit www.sumtercountylibrary.org.

The Foothills Paddling Club will host a paddle through Sparkleberry Swamp followed by a Lowcountry boil on Saturday, Nov. 2, and attendees can stay and walk the park trails or hike/bike trails in the nearby Manchester State Forest. Group camping will be available at Poinsett State Park on Friday and Saturday nights. The event will be at 6660 Poinsett Park Road, Wedgefield. The trip is open to non-members of the club. The paddle is free, but sign up for camping and the meal at https://tinyurl.com/3ehxn2t6. Other camping options such cabins and RV sites are available at Poinsett State Park. Visit southcarolinaparks.com to book these sites. Registration closes Oct. 29.

Need a good laugh? Get your tickets for the Saturday, Nov. 9, night of laughter with Texas native William Lee Martin, hailed as the "King of Cowtown." Martin's career spans over 27 years in the world of stand-up comedy. His one-of-a-kind humor captivates audiences through heartwarming family centered tales and uplifting spirits, particularly during life's toughest moments. Known for his down-home charm and laugh-out-loud stories, Cowboy Bill delivers humor that resonates with folks who appreciate the simple joys of Southern living. With a style that's as warm and welcoming as our own Sumter hospitality, Martin will take you on a comedic journey, venturing deep into Texan culture and touching upon vibrant themes such as Tejano music and the iconic figure, Selena. Martin has two Amazon Prime comedy specials and over 10+million likes on TikTok. Get your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/43vjdtun.

Learn about nature and the vital role of local land conservation at Congaree Land Trust's Conservation Celebration, "Sunday at Sans Souci Farm," from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the farm at 1935 Sans Souci Road, Sumter. This event is being held on historic protected property in Sumter with views that reach 20 miles into the High Hills of Santee, overlooking the Wateree River Basin. It will be open to the public, and attendees are invited to celebrate the local ecosystem and biodiversity through participating in any of the day's planned activities: live music and a barbecue lunch; hayrides featuring the history of Sans Souci Farm; a nature walk with a master naturalist; connect with conservationist Billy Cate during a book signing; watch retriever and falconry demonstrations; learn how to fly cast with Orvis staff instruction; and various children's games and activities. Tickets: adult, 18 and up, $35; junior, 10-17, $15; kids, 10 and under, free. Register for tickets by visiting the website, www.congareelt.org/#events.

The Sumter County Museum's 26th Annual Carolina Backcountry Oyster Roast, presented by Prisma Health, is the perfect chance to have all-you-can-eat oysters, barbecue, chili, collards and more while enjoying time with others. The museum's largest annual fundraiser will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the museum, 122 N. Washington St. A wide selection of beverages including beer, wine and soft drinks will be available. Music will be provided by HeyBo. Cost is $50 for members and $75 for non-members. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/34jznw97.

Celebrate the holidays with South Carolina Ballet's annual production of Nutcracker, which will be performed this year at Lakewood High School's theater because of renovations at Patriot Hall. This beloved classical play is perfect for anyone, from children to adults. Matinee is on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., and the evening show is the same day from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Buy tickets at www.tickettailor.com/events/southcarolinaballet.

CLARENDON COUNTY

Clarendon County Fire Rescue's annual Community Safety Day will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at J.C. Britton Park, 3057 Raccoon Road, Manning. The free event will include "Trunk or Treat," food, candy and lots of other fun activities. Children can even wear their costumes. Fire trucks, ambulances, a medical helicopter, law enforcement vehicles, tractors and more cool stuff will be there.

The 10th-annual Duckfest will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Camp Woodie, 8444 Old River Road, Pinewood. Dozens of events will be held throughout including a cornhole tournament, dog retrieving demonstration, Duckfest Cook-Off, car show, Clarendon County Fire Rescue demonstration, lots of delicious food and many more games and fun activities. For more information, log onto duckfestfun.com or email duckfestfun@gmail.com.

The Second-annual K&H Resource Center Fundraiser "Steppin' into the Holidays" Adult Sneaker Ball will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Clarendon County Resource Center Gym, 1154 Fourth St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $25 each, and reserved tables seating eight are available for $200. For more information, contact Kathleen L. Gibson at (803) 225-0832.

LEE COUNTY

Scream Acres Haunted House and Hayride, 1137 Old Camden Road, Bishopville, is sure to scare you with its original haunted house built in the early 1880s. If you are able to make your way through the first house, jump on board one of the custom-made trailers for a bone-chilling two-mile-long hayride through the woods of terror with plenty of stops along the way. Don't get too comfortable because you will be abandoned in the swamp to walk your way to the second haunted house. If you are able to make it through, you will reboard the trailer and finish your tour on the haunted trail. A souvenir shop and food truck will be available. Hours of operation are Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.; Oct. 27, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. (no scare); Oct. 31, 7-10 p.m.; and Nov. 1, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. For additional information, visit www.screamacreshauntedhouse.com or call (803) 428-4149. General admission: $25; fast pass $40. Both may be purchased on site. Early purchase fast pass can be made online at https://tinyurl.com/4rc4dpcf.

Kreepy Hollow Haunted House is back and scarier than ever. Frights include a two-story haunted house, two-mile hayride journey through the swamps of Lucknow Bottom, Zombie Breakout and an even creepier Kreeper's Bus ride. The event is appropriate for teens and adults. Hours of operation are Oct. 11-13, Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Ticket prices vary. Visit www.kreepyhollowhauntedattraction.com.