Striped Bass Festival returns to Clarendon for 45th year
Striped Bass Festival is a celebration of spring. It's a tribute to the beauty of the county and the region, and it's a salute to the fish that fills Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, which make up Santee Cooper Lakes and put the region on the fishing map of the world.
April in Clarendon County is a sight for winter-weary eyes. Festivalgoers will be surrounded by azaleas, wisteria, irises, tulips, geraniums, roses, magnolias and more colors and blooms amid a landscape with strokes of rural countryside, small-town architecture and lake views.
The event is an economic driver for Manning and Clarendon County, and the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce has a lineup with something for everyone, from food and activities to exercise and community taking over Manning April 24-25 with separate, related events in the weeks leading up to Super Weekend. About 20,000 people typically attend the event during the weekend.
Entrance to the festival, in its 45th year, such as attending the parade, listening to the live entertainment, checking out the vendors and watching the weigh-in for the fishing tournament, is free. Other aspects, such as buying from the around 100 vendors, food options and participating in the fishing tournament, have fees.
Festival T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event. They are also for sale at Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 18
- S.C.O.T.T. - Cast into the Santee Cooper Open Team Tournament, "where the big ones are waiting!" Grab your gear, reel in some memories, and let's see who has the best catch. | John C. Land III Sports Fishing Facility, Summerton | Entry fee $160; optional $10 Big Fish | Guaranteed $5,000 prize | Pick up your application at the Chamber office
Saturday, April 18
- Dam Run 5K - Lace up for the Striped Bass Festival 5K on the Santee Cooper Dam. Run against the beautiful backdrop of the dam, enjoy the fresh air, and embrace the festival spirit. | 1022 Randolph's Landing Way | $30 per runner | www.strictlyrunning.com
Friday, April 25
- Opening Ceremonies - Join the community as Manning kicks off Super Weekend | 6 p.m. | Live music | Carnival rides | Food from vendors
Saturday, April 26
- Parade - "March to the rhythm of the community joy" at the Striped Bass Festival Parade | 10 a.m. | Bring the family and make lasting memories on the festival route. | Courthouse Square
- Car Show - "Rev up the fun" at the Striped Bass Festival Car Show, hosted by the Blinking Buzzards Car Club. This is a laid-back day of wheels that you won't want to miss. | Registration starts at 9 a.m. | Awards at 3 p.m. | 49 W. Boyce St.
- Downtown vendors - Get ready to enjoy vendors throughout Super Weekend. Taste delicious bites, snag unique crafts, and soak in the good vibes.
The Striped Bass Festival Pageant and Pickleball Tournament will have already taken place, but follow the festival and The Sumter Item for coverage.