Summer brings plenty to do despite the heat
Take part in Bells Across South Carolina to celebrate 250 years of independence, on June 28 and July 4 at noon. The SC250 Commission invites communities across South Carolina to commemorate our state's pivotal role in securing America's independence by ringing household, community and church bells on Carolina Day and Independence Day 2026. Join the group in creating a chorus of commemoration that honors our revolutionary heritage and enduring spirit of independence. Read more at SC250.com.
Kids are invited to take part in Sumter County Library's summer reading program and unearth stories all about dinosaurs. Alongside reading challenges, crafts and activities, participants can look for books and resources. The program runs through July 23, with many fun activities planned, including a visit by S.C. Aquarium. Stop by the library or register through Beanstack to begin the reading challenge. The main library is at 111 N. Harvin St. Find all schedules and much more in the Information Booklet at www.sumtercountylibrary.org/summer-reading-program. Some activities require registration, so call or visit a library branch holding an activity you'd like to register for.
Fourth Fridays Concert Series returns with country singer Cody Webb at 6:30 pm. Friday, June 26, on the grounds of the Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St. Later dates include: June 26 - Cody Webb, July 24 - Honey & New Era, Aug. 28 - Level 10 Live Band & Show and Sept. 25 - Sole Purpose. Concert attendance is free, and there will be food and drink available for sale. Downtown restaurants will be open for dine-in and take-out. Palmetto Optimist Club will be back with free books for the kids, as well as popcorn and cotton candy for sale.
Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, 11 Church St., welcomes the public to If Windows Could Talk: Children's Bible Stories Series from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. on the following dates: Aug. 1, The Burning Bush (featuring Moses); and Sept. 5, The 10 Commandments (featuring Moses). The series "is designed to be a fun experience for your children to hear the stories associated with Temple Sinai's beautiful and historic stained glass windows."
Out and about with the kids on Wednesday during the summer and need something to do before lunch? Listen to fun stories by Elise at the Wesmark branch of Sumter County Library. Each Wednesday from 10:30 to 11 a.m., Elise will read to the children at 180 W. Wesmark Blvd. Storytime will be held throughout the summer and continues into the fall and winter.
Fun for the whole family, mind-blowing magic by John Tudor and a comedy show by comedian hypnotist Colin Chapman will be coming to Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St., on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. The Mental Health Matters Magic Show and Carnival Extravaganza will be held at various times those days. Magic show tickets are $10, and comedy show tickets are $20. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2jvxr69r for tickets and showtimes.
Go on a Reading Adventure with Curious George with the Sumter Museum and Temple Sinai Jewish History Center at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the center, 13 Church St. Families are invited to enjoy George's Zoo Adventure through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities and fun for children of all ages. The event is free.
The 2026 Krawlin' For Christ Jeep Show featuring Jeep vendors, live music, food vendors, RC course, and a Jeep Show and Shine Competition will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Sumter Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. Entry to this indoor and outdoor event is free to the public. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. To find out more go to https://Krawlinforchrist.wixsite.com/my-site-1. The show and shine registration booth will be open from 8:30-11 a.m. the day of the event. Cost to register your Jeep is $20, all proceeds will go to St. Jude Children's Hospital. There will be raffles. No alcohol allowed.
Sumter Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity have teamed up with Sumter County Library for a new reading program. Join the group on the first Saturday of every month for Alpha Reads, starting at 11 a.m. Sumter County Library is at 111 N. Harvin St.
LEE COUNTY
Celebrate South Carolina's own scaly reptile at the 2026 Lizard Man Stomp beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, on Main Street in Bishopville. Enjoy vendors, live music, arts and crafts, kids activities, a car show, parade and more.
Head to Bishopville for its Independence Day Festival on Saturday, July 4. There will be fireworks, food and fun activities for everyone. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., and the festival starts at 4 p.m. with an opening ceremony, presentation of the colors, an opening prayer and an F-16 flyover at Lee County Airport, or "Butters Field," 145 Airport Road in Bishopville. Several bands will play at the field's stage, including Koby Weaver with Southern Soul, Austin and Madi and Chukk Gregory Live. A children's play area and food vendors will be open until 8:30, and the fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. The nonprofit bishopvillefireworksinc.org says "every kid deserves the chance to sit on a blanket and watch the sky light up over the celebration of our nation's founding with no cost to the family."
CLARENDON COUNTY
The second-annual Sherri Arment Memorial Charity Golf Classic to benefit pets at Second Chance Animal Shelter will be Saturday, June 27, at Players Course at Wyboo. Cost is: course members, $40, nonmembers, $55. Payment is to accompany entry form. Forms can be picked up at A Second Chance Thrift Store in Manning, Players Course, Chamber of Commerce and A Second Chance Animal Shelter. Registration is at 8 a.m., and shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Tournament package includes green fee and cart, continental breakfast, lunch and prizes (based on entries). This is a four-man captain's choice with 10-point handicap system and mulligans available. For more information, see entry forms or call Herb Whetsell at (843) 509-3737 or Mike Stegmoyer at (803) 460-0878.
Head Turnerz will hold the Show Us Your Wheels Show on Saturday, June 27, at JC Britton Park, 3057 Racoon Road, Manning. The event will benefit Monarch Strong Scholarships. All vehicles are welcome: cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and golf carts. There will be a 50/50 raffle. Onsite registration will be $20, 9-11 a.m. Awards presentation will be at noon: Best of Show 1986 and newer; Best of Show 1985 and older; Sponsor's Choice; Host Car; MSC Scholars' Choice; Top 15 1986 and newer; and Top 15 1985 and older. There will be Zumba in the Park, barbecue, and ice cream truck and more. The Monarchs Got Talent Show will be held from 1-3 p.m.
The S.C. Charity Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at Santee Cooper Country Club, 630 Santee Drive, Santee. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with shotgun start at 9 a.m. Cost is $75/player and $300/team. Tournament prizes include Closest to Pin, Longest Drive and raffles/door prizes. For additional information, contact Kenneth Johnson at (803) 410-0976 or email info@jwcmemorial.org.