Spring into the festivities: Sumter March flings in full swing

As the leaves begin to flourish with their vibrant green hues and daylight lingers a bit longer, Sumterites are encouraged to enjoy finer things this coming spring.

March signals the coming of spring. And while we enjoy getting cozy by the fire, there's nothing like the sunshine and a good time, which is why this month comes chock full of experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

From cook-offs to comic conventions to all-day music festivals to celebrate a good cause, the festivities will be in full swing this March, and you don't want to miss it.

Celebrating Women Composers

In celebration of Women's History Month and as part of the Sumter Opera House's Acoustic Cafe Series, vocalist Kara Grover and pianist/composer Lois Henry will showcase work by historical female composers on Thursday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Centre, 21 N. Main St. The duo will perform selections from Amy Beach, Fanny Mendelssohn and Florence Price, as well as their latest masterpiece, "BELLESONGS," to honor Colorado mountain woman Belle Turnbull. Tickets are $30 and on sale at sumteroperahouse.com/acousticcafe.

Sumter Springfest

If you're looking for eight hours of fun, look no further than downtown Sumter on Saturday, March 23. The inaugural Sumter Springfest will take place from 2 to 10 p.m. along Main Street. Local and out-of-town bands will offer musical entertainment to carry you through the night as you enjoy savory burgers, fire-roasted pizza or some Southern fine dining; no need to fret about our little ones, as there will be kid-friendly options as well.

There will be five bands performing throughout the day: Eddie Rogers and the Sundown Band at 2 p.m.; The Jake Bartley Band at 4 p.m.; Lewis Brice at 6 p.m.; Honey & The New Era Band at 7:30 p.m.; and 20 Ride at 8 p.m.

All this comes at a great price for a good cause to fundraise for United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties. As you soak up some fun in the sun, your money will support families in need. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sumterspringfest.com.

Annual Barbecue Cook-Off benefiting Boy Scouts of America

Prep your ingredients and get ready to grub as the annual Barbecue Cook-Off benefiting Boy Scouts of America happens Friday-Saturday, March 22-23, at the Sumter American Legion Fairgrounds, 700 W. Liberty St. Wing ding will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, and the barbecue tasting and competition will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

13th-Annual Sheep Shearing Day

Old McCaskill's Farm will host its annual Sheep Shearing Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at 337 Cantey Lane. The family friendly event will allow visitors to learn about farm living as well as watch border collie demos, participate in horseback rides and hayrides, enjoy live bluegrass music and more. For more information, visit oldmccaskillfarm.com or follow Old McCaskill Farms on Facebook.

Sumter Swan Con

Swan Con: Sumter's Comic Arts Festival is back! Presented by USC Sumter and Sumter County Cultural Commission, the family friendly free event will feature collectibles, comic books, comic strips, artwork, costumes as well as artist talks, meet-and-greets with comic artists and more related to pop culture. The event will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 29, and go on until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at 200 Miller Road.

DAZR Rocks Sumter Original Brewery

American rock band DAZR will return to the local brewery to deliver the electrifying rock 'n' roll that everyone loves. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at 2 S. Main St. Admission is free; visit eventbrite.com to reserve your spot.