WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsAnnual Swampfest returns this weekend

Annual Swampfest returns this weekend

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Swampfest, an annual celebration of the valuable blackwater swamp ecosystem with free admission for the public, returns to Horry County this weekend.

The event takes place on Saturday at the Playcard Environmental Education Center from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The theme "Playcard Explorers-Environmental Heroes" celebrates the people who helped create and sustain Playcard in its mission of environmental education. With the recent improvements to the handicapped "Braille-Trail" made possible by the Horry County Lions Clubs, access to the woods and water is now possible for everyone.

Visitors may enjoy horse rides, hayrides, storytelling, hiking, kayaking, orienteering, fire starting, casting, and exhibits. Continuous entertainment will feature Alligator Adventure’s Reptile Extravaganza, The Morris Brother’s Bluegrass Band, and other performers. Food and drinks will be offered for sale on the grounds, or visitors may bring their own picnic.

Educational exhibits and demonstrations will feature the center’s natural ecosystems, including the blackwater swamp, forest, and fields, as well as its natural history in the pioneer and Native American villages. Historical mechanical presentations of turn-of-the-century engines and a live working sawmill will be on display. A vintage tractor show will be included in this year’s event. Horry County Lion’s Clubs will sponsor a "Natural Strides Walk" to benefit and educate the public about the need for diabetes awareness and the impact of hiking and outdoor physical activity for the prevention of this serious disease.

Swampfest is sponsored by the Horry County Conservation Foundation, Horry County Schools, Blackwater Celebrations, the LIONS Clubs of Horry County and depends on the cooperation of many private citizens, local businesses, groups, and agencies.

Playcard Environmental Education Center is located near the intersection of Highways 410 and 19, approximately six miles west of Loris and ten miles north of Conway. For more information call 843-756-1277.

Direction to Playcard:

• From North Myrtle Beach

  Travel on Highway 9 North, turn left onto Highway 701 South, this is the main intersection in Loris SC. At the Allsbrook Intersection turn right on Highway 19 West, Allsbrook Grocery (Convenience) Store will be on your left at this intersection. Drive approximately 3-5 miles to the Playcard Environmental Education Center that will be on your left.

• From Conway / 701

  Travel on Highway 701 North. Turn left on Hwy 410. Turn right on Highway 19 West. Travel 0.1 miles and Playcard will be on your right.

• From Conway / 701 (Alternate Directions)

  Travel on Highway 701 North to intersection of 701 and 410. Travel 5.3 miles past the intersection. Turn left on Highway 19 West (Allsbrook Grocery Store is on right side of the intersection. There will be a large white Victorian house on the left side of the intersection.) Travel approximately 3-4 miles and Playcard will be on your left.

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