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Images Kershaw County is published annually by Journal communications inc. and is distributed through the kershaw county chamber of commerce and its member businesses. for advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.
foR moR e InfoR mAtIon, contAct: kershaw county chamber of commerce
607 s b road street, c amden, sc 29020 Phone: (803) 432-2525 • fax: (803) 432-4181 www.kershawcountychamber.org
vIsIt Images Kershaw County onlIne At ImAges Ke RshAwcounty.com
n o portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.
m ember the a ssociation of m agazine m edia m ember custom content council m ember kershaw county chamber of commerce
Welcome to Kershaw County
AN iNtroduC tioN to thE ArEA’s pEoplE , pl ACEs ANd EvENts
and the acorn Goes to ... c amden tree foundation
the camden tree foundation (ctf) received the 2010 Golden acorn award for outstanding community forestry Program from treesc , due to its high level of commitment to taking care of the community’s urban forest. serving the area for nearly 30 years, the ctf has donated and planted thousands of trees and shrubs that enhance camden’s various vistas. the group takes on a substantial tree planting and/or landscaping project each year, as well as several smaller projects. the ctf has also played a significant role in helping camden earn the status of tree city usa for more than two decades. for more information, contact the ctf at (803) 243-7036.
a dog-Gone Good c ause
held each year in april or may, camden’s Paws-a-thon takes place at the kershaw- cornwallis house on the grounds of the historic camden Revolutionary War site.
all proceeds are donated to the Walter m . crowe animal shelter, a nonprofit shelter managed by the kershaw county humane society. the shelter works to provide food, housing and medical care for each animal it serves, and also offers educational programs to prevent abuse and overpopulation.
the Paws-a-thon event invites attendees to walk their dogs along the property’s paths, while also enjoying live music, a cash bar, dog show and chef competition.
ime travel in ershaw county
istoric boykin mill farms allows guests to get a glimpse of what life in kershaw county may have been like more than 100 years ago.
amed for William boykin ii and his sons, who settled in the area in 1755, the boykin community and boykin mill Pond are listed on the national Register of historic Places. isitors can see meal and grits ground by water power and watch as handmade brooms are created at the broom Place.
Guests also can enjoy a meal at boykin’s mill Pond house, known as one of the finest restaurants in outh carolina.
Photo cou Rtesy of m eLissa hinson of m eLissa’s moments PhotoGR aPhy
24 hours of Lemons
taking place at carolina motorsports Park, 24 hours of Lemons is a road race in which teams compete in cars costing no more than $500. While some races last entire weekends, others span only 24 hours. the race’s name is a parody of the 24 hours of Le mans, the world’s oldest sports car endurance race, held near Le mans, france. in order to participate, drivers must fill out applications and pay $100. due to the large number of applicants, not all drivers are accepted. those who would prefer to spectate can do so for $20 a day, and $30 covers an entire weekend of race watching.
Fast Facts
n Catch the action at the Carolina Cup or Colonial Cup, kershaw County’s famed steeplechase events.
n drop a line at lake wateree, a prime spot for fishing and boating.
n swing by south Carolina Equine park’s 40 acres of land designed for all kinds of horse competitions and spectator sports.
n Brush up on your history with a driving, walking, or carriage tour through Camden historic district, comprised of more than 60 preserved homes and buildings.
n Embrace your inner artist at the Fine Arts Center of kershaw County, offering everything from theater performances to an art gallery and arts education building.
Kershaw county at a g lance
popul AtIon (2010 estI mAte)
kershaw county: 61,697
locAtIon
kershaw county is in north-central south c arolina; it is part of the columbia metro area.
beg I nn I ngs
kershaw county was formed in 1791 from parts of claremont, Lancaster, fairfield and Richland counties. it is named for Joseph kershaw, an early settler. c amden is the county seat.
contAct I nfoR mAtIon
kershaw county
chamber of commerce
607 s b road st.
P.o b ox 605
c amden, sc 29020
Phone: (803) 432-2525
fax: (803) 432-4181
www.kershawcountychamber.org
A GOODReason to stay
e quest RIA ns th RI ve I n Ke R sh Aw c ounty
foxhunting brought Janice Coley to Kershaw County, but it was the enthusiasm of the community that made her want to stay.
As publisher of The Camden Equestrian , board member of the South Carolina Equine Promotion Foundation and Secretary for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation South Carolina Committee, Coley is immersed in a network of horse enthusiasts. Yet just five years ago Coley was a resident of Charlotte, leading the fast-paced life of a successful advertising executive.
“My mother often told me I lived too fast, and finally I realized
she was right,” Coley says. “In 2003 I bought a horse, Kirby, who became my best friend and changed my life.”
A
new home in camden
In addition to participating with Kirby in hunts and equestrian activities around Charlotte, Coley made the hour-long drive once or twice a week to hunt and ride the trails in Camden. In the spring of 2006, she decided to stay.
“I liked the informality of a small town,” she says, “the pace is slower, and you can take time to get to know people.”
After living in Camden for a year, Coley realized the depth of
the area’s equine heritage. “It’s not a rural area with some horse farms scattered about; it is a true ‘horse town,’ which has supported jobs and businesses for decades. The stories are endless and new ones are being made every day.”
the c amden equestrian
Coley conceived the idea of publishing a magazine that would celebrate the community and its unique place in the equine industry. The Camden Equestrian, a full-color, high-quality glossy magazine was born, sharing stories and promoting business.
“Bringing people together is what it’s all about. Business owners
s to Ry by Renee e lde R
Janice Coley is publisher of The Camden Equestrian, board member of the south Carolina Equine promotion Foundation and secretary for the thoroughbred retirement Foundation south Carolina Committee.
know their customers by name and care about their interests.”
Readers from 14 states subscribe to The Camden Equestrian to keep in touch with the area’s training, hunting, showing and other horserelated activities. Although Coley lost her best friend Kirby this year, another horse soon turned up “out of the blue,” she says. “He is a beautiful Thoroughbred off the track, and I’m sure Kirby is happy that I have a new friend.”
Thoroughbred training facilities
“... camden has arguably the finest training facilities in the country.”
like The Camden Training Center bring in hundreds of Thoroughbred racehorses each year. “The footing and climate is great for horses. Camden has arguably the finest training facilities in the country,” Coley says.
The South Carolina Equine Park, the National Steeplechase Museum, Springdale Race Course and the Camden Equine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Center draw people here, further contributing to the quality of life.
Coley enjoys living on her small horse farm and running her equine-themed business, which promotes the area for others to enjoy. “I would encourage anyone to consider Kershaw County. Our area is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, a large historic district, festivals, shopping and dining. There is always something to do, even if it is sitting in the barn smelling the hay.”
janice coley moved here from charlotte in 2006 and founded the Camden equestrian, a magazine that keeps readers in touch with the area’s many horse-related activities.
Read All About It
booK publIshed on hIstoRy of KeRshAw county
here’s one for the books: a book has been published that details the long and interesting history of kershaw county.
the book is titled A History of Kershaw County, South Carolina and was released in January 2011 by the kershaw county historical society. the society is based in camden and has more than 100 members devoted to preserving the historic sites and heritage of kershaw county, whose formal founding dates back to 1791.
as for the book, it is a 700-page, hard-bound compilation that was co-authored by residents Joan a. and L. Glen inabinet, and published by the university of south carolina Press. most of the books sell for $49.95, but readers can also get a limited edition leather-bound format that is numbered and autographed for $100. books are available at various sites in kershaw county as well as through www.amazon.com.
even A fAcebooK pAge
the inabinets provide a comprehensive narrative that describes the south carolina community from prehistoric to present times. the book is filled with text, illustrations and an extensive index, and covers kershaw county historical subjects such as native american dwellers, the american Revolution, civil War years, the industrial Revolution and commercial innovations of the 20th and 21st centuries that have helped the county prosper. since its publication, the inabinets have given talks to numerous groups and even appeared as guest panelists at the south carolina book festival. A History of Kershaw County, South Carolina also has a facebook page that provides periodic updates of the book’s progress.
– Kevin Litwin
woRK In
rogress
Ask companies like Target and Kawashima
Textiles why they chose Kershaw County as a place to do business, and their answers will include several factors.
A skilled workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, proximity to the state capital of Columbia and low operating costs will probably be among the reasons. But most important, Kershaw County was ready – ready to work.
That is why Southeast Renewable Energy announced in late 2010 that it is constructing a $50 million biomass plant in Kershaw County that
will ultimately hire 20 employees. The plant is scheduled to open in late 2012.
Ready, set, g o
As an active participant in the state’s readySC program, Kershaw County is ready to seamlessly start up new facilities, identify company needs and train local workers to meet the challenges of evolving industries in a changing world. The readySC program acts as an outsourced human resources department, at little or no cost to the company, by recruiting and advertising, developing a relevant curriculum and
s to Ry by lAu RA K I mbAll | Photo GR aPhy by todd bennett
target has a distribution center strategically placed along i -20 in lugoff. Photo by todd b ennett
educating trainers and potential new workers.
ReadySC has trained 1,655 workers at companies in Kershaw County, including Advanced Performance Tech, BlueCross BlueShield, DANA Corp., Hardwicke Chemical, Heritage Embroidery, Kawashima Textiles, Target and Veratec.
Regionally speaking
Meanwhile, on a more regional level, the Central SC Alliance, a group of 10 counties and one city in the heart of the state, pools assets to attract capital investment and jobs. In addition, Central Carolina Technical College in Camden/Sumter and Midlands Technical College in Columbia offer industrial training and occupational education to workers in Kershaw County through their continuing education programs and credit courses.
Automotive Assets
All these efforts have a tangible economic result, as Kershaw County is home to a small but growing base of automotive-related manufacturers. Kawashima Textiles USA makes car seat fabric, South Carolina Yutaka Technologies manufactures catalytic converters, and Dana Corporation produces trailer modules. Other area companies are the source for products such as aluminum wheels, filter elements and more.
location that’s
Right on target
Since these products must be able to reach consumers quickly, another reason for choosing the area as a home base is location. Kershaw County is located halfway between New York and Miami, and is within 24-hour ground access to more than 70 percent of the U.S. market.
These logistics affect the Target Distribution Center, which has more than 40 acres under one roof and recently underwent a $70 million expansion to become the retailer’s largest distribution center in the U.S. It serves Target
stores in the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia, which are all easily accessible from the nearby interstate system.
g rowing service sector
Kershaw County seeks to continue growing its industry by targeting the business services sector, which includes call centers, corporate offices, claims and processing centers, and more. One of the latest developments to recruit these types of businesses is a virtual call center spec building in Wateree Executive Park, which consists of virtual plans for a 60,000-square-foot building made available to companies for review. Without the costly investment of bricks and mortar, Kershaw County is able to offer new businesses a tangible site, complete with a 3-D video of the virtual building. When a business decides to call the building home, construction of a shell building can be completed in 90 days or less.
By the numbers
$50 million
Investment in Southeast Renewable Energy’s new biomass plant
1,655
Number of workers trained by the readySC program in Kershaw County
70
Percentage of the U.S. market Kershaw County has 24-hour ground access to
40
Acreage of the Target Distribution Center
60,000
Square footage of building available to companies in Wateree Executive Park
scorecard
b usI ness At A g l Ance
$578 million Annual Retail sales
$9,883 Retail sales per c apita
$52 million Annual h otel and food sales
4,840 total n umber of firms
source: u. s . Census QuickFacts
Biz Briefs
bloomsbu Ry Inn
Biz: Bed and breakfast
Buzz: Built between 1849-1854, the Bloomsbury Inn was used primarily as a family residence until 2004, when Bruce and Katherine Brown bought Bloomsbury and transformed it into a bed and breakfast. In addition to four rooms, the inn offers wireless Internet, fresh breakfast in the morning and evening socials. www.bloomsburyinn.com
tARget dIstRIbutIon cente R
Biz: Target careers
Buzz: Target’s the go-to store for all things home and entertainment related that guarantees great finds at low prices. But the Target in Lugoff, S.C., is geared toward careers. The Target Distribution Center offers the opportunity to act behind the scenes, with careers in administration, logistics and management. www.target.com
wm . t. mIlle R
lumbe R compAny
Biz: Building materials
Buzz: Since starting as a simple saw mill in the beginning of the 20th century, Wm. T. Miller Lumber Company has evolved into a full-service building materials company. The company operates two stores, one in Camden and one in Elgin, and supplies lumber, windows, decking, paint and coatings, and more. www.millerlumber.com
cAmden floRAl
Biz: Flower shop
Buzz: Whatever the occasion, Camden Floral has the appropriate arrangement. Established in 1921, Camden Floral is the city’s oldest and largest full-service florist, offering over 4,000 square feet of retail space at its location on Goodale Avenue. The showroom includes a fresh flowering and green plant area, which functions as a greenhouse without walls. www.camdenfloral.com
chamber report
ChAmBEr ovErsEEs BriCk wAlkwAy progr Am
one of the most historic buildings in all of s outh c arolina now houses the kershaw county chamber of commerce & visitors center.
the old Robert m ills courthouse in downtown c amden was constructed in 1825 and then expanded in 1845, and the building was designed by architect Robert m ills who also designed the Washington m onument. m ills is also responsible for several other landmark structures in s outh c arolina and the southeast.
“ it is interesting being headquartered in a building that dates back to before the civil War,” says Liz h orton, executive director of the kershaw county chamber of commerce & visitors center. “ the building served as kershaw county’s courthouse until 1906, when a new courthouse was built on the location of the present day courthouse. the m ills building went through a number of different owners until the chamber bought it in 1999.”
h orton says the chamber has been in the building since the mid-2000s, with offices on the first floor of the two-story structure.
“When you’re in a building this old, funds are always needed for upkeep and restoration, and to date, nearly $1.5 million has been spent on restoring the building back to its 1845 condition,” she says. “ in fact, we just recently received another grant and have spent $40,000 for additional renovations, replacing tile and restoring floors throughout the structure.”
$100 b ricks
h orton says most of the upgrades have been paid for by grants and private donations, and a b rick Walkway program is also in place with commemorative bricks installed and engraved along the promenade in front of the courthouse.
“ b ricks sell to the public for $100 apiece and can be in honor of someone who has passed away, or to commemorate an event or a variety of other reasons,” she says. “ this old courthouse hosts a lot of weddings, and several brides and grooms have
purchased bricks to highlight their special event.” the courthouse is easily accessible off interstate 20 at exit 98, en route to the downtown district of c amden.
“ b eing such an old building, visitors like to stop in and see the facility itself before picking up brochures that detail other attractions throughout the community,” h orton says. “ the building has been restored with modern conveniences, but still has its charm. you won’t see many 1825 buildings equipped with wireless internet, but this one is.”
– Kevin Litwin
Commemorative bricks along the promenade in front of the robert mills Courthouse in downtown Camden
e at your Fruits and veggies
FArms,
FArmErs mArkEts kEEp FrEsh Food oN loCAl tABlEs
Restaurants and eateries in kershaw county like to dish it out fresh. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of locally produced, fresh options that support the state’s economy and farmers.
KershaW s u PPOrts
Farm-tO -taB le mOvement
Like many progressive areas of the country, kershaw county embraces the farm-to-table movement, a push by consumers to buy food directly from local farmers, thereby reducing “food miles” on products and supporting local agriculture at the same time.
o h, and it also happens that fresh food tastes better. in fact, kershaw county restaurants such as the m ill Pond steakhouse, located in Rembert, go out of their way to use fresh, local ingredients. for the m ill Pond’s fried Green tomato n apoleon, a popular appetizer, chefs seek out local tomatoes, which are fried and then layered with cheese and lump crab meat.
along the same lines, several kershaw county restaurants participate in south c arolina’s fresh on the m enu program. Launched in 2008 and part of the certified sc initiative, fresh on the m enu encourages local chefs to ensure that at least 25 percent of their menus include s outh c arolina-grown foods.
Restaurants involved in this
initiative include o ld armory steakhouse & s eafood, which is located in downtown c amden. also on the list of restaurants seeking to utilize local ingredients and support local farmers at the same time are springdale h all country club in c amden and Woodcreek farms in elgin.
KershaW cOunty Farmers mar K et
kershaw county makes it easy for chefs and families alike to
shop for the freshest local food available at the weekly kershaw county farmers m arket.
h eld every s aturday morning from the second s aturday in april through the second s aturday in d ecember, the farmers market is located behind first community b ank in c amden. the market aims to provide consumers with farmfresh foods while carving out a sustainable agriculture niche for today’s farmers.
vendors on a typical s aturday
carolina cafe and g rill in camden
offer a variety of items, including fresh produce, honey, rice and other grains, eggs, all-natural skin care products, grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, baked goods, milk and even textiles, like felted wool. Learn more about the farmers market and its vendors at www.kcfarmersmarket.org.
to get even closer to your food, visit h o field farms, where customers may enjoy a “pickyour-own” experience. Products at the farm include strawberries, peaches and more. the farm is located in c amden.
Other lOcal FavOrites in camden
s am kendall’s serves contemporary american cuisine in its historic building dating from the 1870s. the restaurant is open for dinner and has a full bar, which serves customers from a full wine, beer and cocktail menu. food options include soup and salad options, as well as steaks and seafood with specialties such as the chicken pomodoro and pork tenderloin.
for a cup of coffee or a quick sandwich, check out the c arolina c afe on b road street, which specializes in sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and has a coffee bar complete with espressos, cappuccinos and gourmet coffees. the cafe is open m ondays through s aturdays for lunch and early dinner, and sundays for early dinner only.
FOOd Festivals and Fun
food is also the main attraction at area celebrations. the b ethune chicken strut, a three-day food festival, features a pageant, tractor pull and a singing competition, the renowned colgate country showdown. also, the elgin c atfish stomp, held each year in december, features catfish stew made from local catfish, as well as live music, square dancing and cooking competitions.
– Laura Kimball
Kershaw county farmers market
h eart for the arts
Cultur Al optioNs ArE ABuNdANt
iN kErshAw CouNty
the arts and culture scene is alive and well in kershaw county, with many choices for residents to enjoy. h ere is a sampling:
visual arts
the artists’ attic in the c amden antique and arts district houses nine artists under one roof and welcomes visitors who want a glimpse of the creative process. the studio is on s outh b road street, and artists work in a variety of mediums.
also in the district are other interesting destinations such as Whittington’s interiors and antiques and c amden antiques m arket, which boasts finds from more than 30 dealers. c amden also is home to other destinations for art lovers, including the fine arts center of kershaw county, Rutledge street Gallery, and the Garden Gate Gallery and frame shop.
Per FOrming arts
kershaw county is also home to year-round music and theater events that include the c arolina downhome b lues festival, held each fall for three days. the celebration is sponsored by the fine arts center of kershaw county, whose mission is to “provide a stage, literally and figuratively, for the talents of all residents of kershaw county.“
the fine arts center hosts theatrical performances for both adults and children, plus schedules many musical events. they include chamber music, symphony, blues, jazz and gospel, plus education classes are offered in dance, drama, music lessons, visual arts and even summer camps for kids.
kershaw county also offers proximity to a major metropolitan area and all that comes with it. columbia, the state capital and only 30 minutes away, is home to the s outh c arolina Philharmonic, the koger center for the arts and the u niversity of south c arolina.
equestrian e vents
kershaw county’s appreciation for history and tradition melds into the countryside, where Revolutionary War battlefields are maintained alongside the c amden Polo field, the second-
oldest active polo field in the u nited states. in fact, equine activities have played a leading role in kershaw county’s culture for generations. c alled the steeplechase c apital of the World, kershaw county hosts two large steeplechases every year.
c arolina cup kicks off the spring season, along with elaborate tailgating and bright spring fashions. an estimated 50,000 fans crowd into the springdale Race course for a day of racing and outdoor activity, making this rite of spring the largest steeplechase race meeting in n orth america.
the colonial cup, held in the fall, is the last big equine event of the year, although s pringdale Race course, a 600-acre racehorse training center, operates all year.
– Laura Kimball
Artwork at the Artists’ Attic
photo By todd BENNEtt
time for a checkup
kErshAwhEAlth hAs NiNE CoNvENiENt FACilitiEs
being hospitable is what kershawh ealth is all about.
the nonprofit health care organization has roots dating back to 1913 when c amden h ospital was founded, and its mission is still to provide all kershaw county citizens and surrounding communities with quality, cost-effective, personalized health care.
today’s kershawhealth features nine individual facilities along with hospice and home health care, so here is a brief background of facilities in camden, elgin, bethune, kershaw and Lugoff:
camden
kershawh ealth m edical center at c amden has 121 acute care beds along with an emergency room and outpatient services. the hospital also has a women’s center, intensive care unit, pediatric unit, surgical unit and imaging lab. c amden is also home to the karesh Long term c are center, an 88-bed facility licensed by the state for skilled and intermediate care to m edicare and m edicaid recipients. social services
paperwork assistance and recreational activities are offered as part of long-term care.
also, kershawh ealth sleep diagnostics center is in c amden, where a board-certified sleep specialist and certified sleep technicians identify and provide treatment recommendations for sleep disorders.
e lgin
o utpatient center at elgin is in Wateree e xecutive Park and offers services such as cardiology screenings, nuclear medicine, ct imaging, digital mammography, x-rays and ultrasounds. it is open m onday- friday.
u rgent c are center at elgin is also in Wateree e xecutive Park, and no appointments are necessary. it is ideal for treatment of mishaps such as sprains and strains, cuts and burns, allergic reactions, sinus infections and the flu.
also, Primary c are at elgin is in the elgin o utpatient center. staffing Primary c are are board-certified specialists in family medicine.
Bethune
h ealthcare Place at b ethune offers a wide range of family health care services that include pediatrics, adult screenings and immunizations, female health care and family planning. h ealthcare Place is open m onday-Wednesday as well as fridays.
KershaW
the Physical therapy clinic at kershaw allows patients easy access to rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. the clinic has certified physical therapists and physical therapy assistants who develop customized treatment plans designed to return patients to normal day-to-day living.
lugOFF
West Wateree m edical complex in Lugoff provides a broad range of services to residents of Lugoff, elgin and West Waterlee communities. the complex has physician offices, a complete lab, x-ray and mammography services, and rehabilitation programs.
– Kevin Litwin
A nurses station at kershawhealth medical Center at Camden Photo by todd b ennett
school is in session
kErshAw CouNty oFFErs A r ANgE oF puBliC , privAtE ANd highEr EduCAtioN opportuNitiEs
In kershaw county, the opportunities for education are seemingly endless. Whether you’re a parent looking to enroll your child in a public or private school, or an adult seeking higher education, kershaw county has you covered.
Pu B lic schOOls
in the kershaw county s chool district, wireless, high-speed networks connect all 20 schools. the district also was the first in south c arolina to provide individual laptops to all high school students and teachers, a program called i- can that started in 2005.
in addition to i- can , the school
district is completing a plan that will provide all children with equal learning opportunities and facilities throughout the county. a school construction program, budgeted at $102.2 million, includes two middle schools, new athletic facilities at all three high schools, a new elementary school and two elementary school renovation projects.
While these improvements prepare students for the future, kcsd is also proud of its present accomplishments. the district’s 2009 Palmetto a ssessment of state standards scores were equal to or better than state averages in 19 of 24 categories, according to the south c arolina
Kershaw county school district tests Well
It was a good year for the Kershaw County School District. All three of its high schools were among 72 recognized by the state for high achievement on either ACT or SAT college entrance tests. The
d epartment of education. also, the district’s commitment to technology is underlined by the school superintendent’s use of it. d r. frank m organ publishes a daily blog, kcds blog, with content including school system updates and business, as well as personal pats on the back for students and teachers.
Private schOOls
kershaw county’s private schools also offer quality options. the c amden military academy, dating to 1892, is a private boarding school for boys with a statewide reputation as the official military school of south c arolina. other options include a m ontessori school, parochial schools and several private schools in nearby columbia, the state capital.
h igher e ducatiOn
also in columbia is the main campus of the u niversity of south c arolina, providing area residents with higher education opportunities, including advanced degrees, while remaining close to home.
in c amden and nearby sumter, central c arolina technical college offers a wide selection of programs including an extensive online program. currently, the school enrolls 15,000 students each year in associate degree, diploma and certificate programs.
– Laura Kimball
seniors’ average composite scores on the ACT reached an all-time district high. The test is composed of four sub-categories, and Kershaw students stayed the same or improved in each category, with the biggest improvements made in the English category. The local average score increased two-tenths of a point to 20.2 on a 36-point scale.
Camden military Academy
Outside is c alling
CouNty’s outdoor possiBilitiEs ArE NEArly ENdlEss
finding outdoor fun is a cinch in kershaw county, as the area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, horseback riding and golf. team athletics and shooting sports round out the options, giving residents plenty of choices.
lure OF the l aK e
Lake Wateree, one of the state’s oldest manmade lakes, is a huge draw for fishers and boaters. With more than 13,000 surface acres and 242 miles of shoreline, the lake offers bountiful crappie, bass, catfish and bream.
Lake Wateree state Park features a lakeside campground, nature trail, picnic area, playground, tackle shop/store and a boat ramp. the Wateree River, Goodale state Park and kendall Lake are nearby.
Par Ks and r ec
the kershaw county Recreation d epartment alone offers superior facilities and programs, including tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, volleyball courts and a “star-struck” observatory for astronomers.
Programs open to the public include dance classes – including south c arolina’s state dance, the shag – gymnastics, tennis lessons, martial arts, swimming, playgrounds and more.
equine sPOrts
it’s no surprise that equine activities also play a big role in area recreation. in addition to the annual polo events and cup
races, horse enthusiasts may take advantage of year-round activities at the south c arolina equine Park, a 40-acre center that has been specifically designed for a full range of activities.
the sceP is accessible by several nearby interstates, including i -20, i -95, i -26 and i -77.
s et yOur s ights
shooting sports also occupy a good bit of free time in kershaw county, with activities ranging from skeet shooting and a sporting clays course at h ermitage farm shooting sports in c amden to quail hunting at b ack 40 Wing & clay in b ethune. another popular hunting and fishing locale is Powderkegg Wildlife Preserve, in c assatt,
which specializes in trophy whitetail deer hunts.
g reat gO lF
Landlubbers, or those who simply like to cast golf balls instead of fishing lures, will be pleased to discover several golf links in the area. the c amden country club offers an 18-hole championship course, a challenging par 70 that is frequently rated among the top 25 south c arolina golf courses. other golfing options include Green hill Golf club, which is a nine-hole regulation course in Lugoff, the 18-hole White Pines Golf course in c amden, b ethune country club, and Pickett-thomas Park and Golf club.
– Laura Kimball
Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce
2012 business Guide
th E Followi N g i NFormAtio N wAs provid E d By th E kE rshAw Cou Nty ChAm BE r o F Comm E rCE
th E Ar EA Cod E is 803 AN d th E stAtE is south CAroli NA , u N lE ss oth E rwis E N otE d.
The West Foundation, Inc. • 425-1115 1111 Broad St., 4th Fl., Camden, 29020
American Legion Post #17 • 432-6299 P.O. Box 456, Camden, 29021
Central Carolina Technical College • 425-8388 506 N. Guignard Dr., Sumter, 29150 www.cctech.edu clubs & Associations – Rental facilities colleges & u niversities
C. Ray Miles Construction Co., Inc. • 438-9207 39 Plaza Dr., Lugoff, 29078 Denton Builders, LLC • 432-5213 607 Peckwoods Rd., Camden, 29020 www.dentonbuilders.com
M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. • 227-1221 101 Flintlake Rd., Columbia, 29202 www.mbkahn.com
Marty Kelly Construction, Inc. • 432-6067 P.O. Box 1625, Camden, 29021
construction companies –g eneral contractors
Hayes Building & Remodeling, Inc. • 432-0061 2477 Bowden Rd., Camden, 29020
Wateree Construction and Improvements • 432-0446 827 Pine Oak Rd., Camden, 29020
construction companies –g rading & s ite clearing
Shirley Construction, LLC • 432-3880 713 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Camden, 29020
Joseph Dental Associates, PA • 432-7627 1301 Monument Sq., Camden, 29020
Harry J. Koutroulakis, DMD, Family Dentistry, PA • 438-3540 One Plaza Dr., Lugoff, 29078
Roderick D. Smith, DMD, Family Dentistry • 438-3449 101 Standard Warehouse Rd., Lugoff, 29078 Wateree Family & Cosmetic Dentistry • 438-1845 #25 The Common – Ward Rd., Lugoff, 29078
d entists & o rthodontists – periodentists
John M. Stephenson, DMD • 425-1644 402 Dicey Ford Rd., Unit E, Camden, 29020
now that you’ve experienced kershaw county through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
With the smoke from campfires filling the air, random shots of musket fire crackling from across the field, and soldiers and civilians going about their daily duties in period attire, you begin to believe you’re truly living in the time of the Revolutionary War. o f course, it’s the concession stand selling pizza that brings you back to the present day.
for more than 40 years, the historic c amden Revolutionary War site in c amden, sc , has held it’s annual Revolutionary War field days.
around 500 reenactors have besieged c amden to recreate skirmishes between continental and b ritish forces. everything from encampments to artillery demonstrations, even a period fashion show, litter the 100-plus acres of the historic site … FrOm Our PhOtO BlOg: KershaW cOunty
Posted by todd bennett
See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com
