(Richland PIO) – Richland County will host the annual S.C. Ag + Art Tour, featuring 20 farm- and arts-related tour sites and more than 100 local artisans, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the weekend of June 8-9.
Now in its 13th year, S.C. Ag + Art Tour celebrates the importance of agriculture to South Carolina, as well as the state’s rich artistic heritage. Richland joins 19 other S.C. counties as part of the nation’s largest free farm and arts tour. This is Richland County’s fifth year participating in the growing statewide agritourism event.
The self-guided tour allows residents to view and experience where their food and fiber products come from, while enjoying the work of local artisans including painters, potters, quilters, writers, musicians, storytellers and bakers.
“Farms are one of the best places to see why we need healthy soil and clean water, because they produce the food, fiber and timber that sustain life,” said Chanda Cooper, conservation education analyst for the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD). “The Ag + Art Tour is a great way to showcase those natural resources to our community, to help people connect with the land, connect with the farmers, and also to connect with the art, history and culture of our county,” Cooper said.
The following 20 sites will participate in the County’s Ag + Art Tour on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, unless otherwise noted:
- The Congaree Milling Co.
- Cottle Farm
- Crooked Cedar Farm
- Doko Farm
- Fabel Farms
- Farmers Market Xchange
- Gardener’s Outpost
- Glorious Greens
- Grow Your Garden with Sal
- Harbison State Forest (June 8 only)
- Hickory Top Farm
- Living Wright Foundation’s Farm at Senate’s End
- Mr. Bunky’s Market
- One Hubcap Farm LLC
- The Purple Mushroom (June 8 only)
- Purple Tuteur Farm
- Rosewood Public Orchard
- Sustainable Carolina Garden (June 8 only)
- Three Rivers Arts District
- Uhuru Farms
At nearly every tour site, artisans will be on hand and food or concessions will be offered. Visit the Ag + Art website to plan your tour, or select from the four recommended tour routes designed by the County’s Ag + Art Tour planning committee. Find these routes, a list of tour sites, artisans, sponsors, and more online at www.agandarttour.com/richland.
Volunteers are still needed for the County’s tour weekend. Most volunteers will be stationed outdoors under a tent or shelter. Shifts are four hours long, and volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Training will be provided in advance. To sign up for a specific time slot or location, go to https://tinyurl.com/2024RCAAT.
The S.C. Ag + Art Tour is coordinated by County-level planning teams led by Clemson University Cooperative Extension. RSWCD administers the County’s Ag + Art Tour with the support of Richland County Government, the County’s Conservation Commission and a number of public and private sponsors.
For media inquiries, contact Susan O’Cain, the County’s director of communications, at 803-394-0957 or o’cain.susan@richlandcountysc.gov.