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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, South Carolina  has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, South Carolina’s  celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

Carolina Cup

March  29, 2014  in Camden, South Carolina

The Carolina Cup race-meeting is a time honored South Carolina tradition that has achieved premier social event status. The annual 'rites of spring' draws over 65,000 fans from throughout the southeast, to enjoy the thrilling sport of steeplechase horse racing amid a flurry of spring fashions and elaborate tailgate parties. From our Hospitality Terrace to College Park, old friends meet and new friends are made during the afternoon of six races. For more information visit: http://carolina-cup.org

Southern 500

April 11-12, 2014 in Darlington, South Carolina

–The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Darlington Raceway during it's legendary Mother’s Day weekend for the 2014 Bojangles' Southern 500®.  Be part of the new Mother's Day Tradition during the 2014 Bojangles' Southern 500®. An already impressive list of Darlington winners includes Earnhardt, Petty, Pearson, Yarborough, and Allison.  Visit: www.darlingtonraceway.com

Freedom Weekend Aloft

Memorial Day weekend  May 23-26, 2014 in Simpsonsville, S. C.

Throughout the weekend this hot air balloon festival offers one hundred beautiful hot-air balloons competing daily. Other activities include exciting concerts by the nation’s top entertainers, amusement rides, games, sponsor displays, children’s activities, skydivers, regional music stages, the US Disc Dog Freedom Weekend Nationals (Frisbee Dog Contest), sky-high fireworks. A beach blast features a Kidzone, rides, vintage car show and live music. Visit: www.aloft.org

Bike Week

May  9-18, 2014  in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach Bike Week, is a motorcycle event and rally held annually in Myrtle Beach, SC. Approximately 300,000 people make their way to the rally area for the 10-day event. The festivities include motorcycle racing, concerts, parties, and street festivals. The event contends with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as one of the most popular motorcycle rally in the United States.  Visit : www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

Spoleto USA

May 23 - June 8, 2014   in Charleston, South Carolina

For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 37th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 as the American counterpart to the Festival of Two Worlds held annually in Spoleto, Italy. The festival quickly became a haven for a broad range of artistic styles and forms, including classical ballet, modern and post-modern dance, opera, chamber, symphonic, and choral music, jazz, theater, and visual arts. Spoleto has earned a reputation for offering programs of the highest artistic caliber, supporting new and innovative works, nurturing outstanding young artists, and expanding public appreciation of the arts.  If your visit to this fantastic event has you considering relocating to this beautiful city, allow Keadle Real Estate to help you find the perfect area. Visit: www.spoletousa.org

59th Annual Beaufort Water Festival

July 18 - 27, 2013 in Beaufort, South Carolina

The Southern Side of Summer - First held in 1956, the annual Beaufort County Water Festival has been a Beaufort tradition for over 50 years. The first weekend featured two days of sailboat races and the Regatta Ball. In years following organizers added the Beauty Pageant on Friday to select the Queen of the Carolina Sea islands who was chosen from the visiting queens from cities and towns throughout the state. After that came the addition of the parade, a water ski show and competition, air show, swimming races and the Water Festival Ball and motor boat race. As the years went by and the festival drew more and more people to the area tennis and golf tournaments, an antique show, bingo, fishing contests, and even croquet. Visit: www.bftwaterfestival.com

Greek Festival

September 25 - 27, 2014  in Columbia, South Carolina

The 27th Annual Greek Festival is a  four-day festival celebrating Greek culture in Columbia with authentic Greek food and music, regional Greek dances, art show and entertainment for people of all ages. Visit: www.columbiasgreekfestival.com

South Carolina State Fair

October 8-19, 2014 in Columbia, South Carolina

The 144th Annual South Carolina Fair. Each October, people of all ages come to Columbia to participate in the South Carolina State Fair, one of the top 50 fairs in the United States. Celebrating more than 139 years in existence, the South Carolina State Fair features exhibits including flowers, baked goods, canned goods, needlework, quilting, fine art, student art, livestock and agriculture. Commercial, historical and educational exhibits are also showcased. The 12 day run of the fair features grandstand entertainment, stages with variety of acts such as comedy, bands, dancers, local entertainment and entertainment from South Carolina schools across the state. Visit: www.scstatefair.org

Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

October 24 - November 2, 2014  in Hilton Head Island, S. Carolina

The most nostalgic day of the Festival as cars have played a role in all of our lives.  With car clubs traveling from throughout the U.S, an eclectic mix of over 150 cars, including muscle cars, hot rods and European sports cars, help to tell a little bit of anyone's story. The Concours d'Elegance is the centerpiece of the festival. Under the spreading oaks and flowing Spanish moss, the first Sunday of November is the Concours d'Elegance.  With over 150 classic vehicles competing for the coveted title of Best of Show, the Concours offers that "wow factor".Visit: www.hhiconcours.com

Chitlin Strut

November   2014  in Salley, South Carolina

Located in the quiet, southern town of Salley (population 410), the Chitlin Strut is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Over 30,000 visitors converge on Salley to celebrate an unusual food item: chitterlings (or chitlin's) – fried pig intestines. Traditional activities at the Chitlin' Strut include a parade, hawg-calling and strut contests, food and craft vendors, beauty pageant and carnival rides, an antique tractor show and a Chitlin Strut Idol Contest. Visit: www.chitlinstrut.com