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Parades
Kershaw boasts three Christmas Parades, The Kershaw County Christmas Parade and The Boykin Christmas Parade, and the Lights of Lugoff, Kershaw County's only night-time parade. Parades are also part of the Bethune Chicken Strut and the Elgin Catfish Stomp Festivals.
Bethune Chicken Strut Festival and Parade
2012 Date TBA
Joe Casey
(803) 261-5248
Bring the family to the home of the Bethune Chicken Strut for a weekend of family fun and entertainment. Rides, vendors, street dances, live music, and equine events provide fun for "kids" of all ages. The Bethune Chicken Strut is a non-profit organization. The proceeds from the festival are distributed throughout the Bethune Community to organizations such as; Bethune Elementary PTO, Bethune Rescue Squad, Bethune Police Department, etc. Their pageant is one of only a few in the state that offers a scholarship of $600+ towards higher education. The Samantha Joy Sullivan Scholarship Award is given to the winning essay contestant along with a beautiful plaque and scholarship money.
All activities are held on the Bethune Elementary School grounds. One major highlight of the festival is the Colgate Country Showdown. The Colgate Country Showdown is in its 28th year and offers novice entertainers the opportunity to advance to Nashville, TN where the winner is awarded $100,000 and a recording contract. Past winners include such notables as Martina McBride and LeAnn Rhimes. The Bethune Chicken Strut is a regional competition with the winner advancing to Atlanta, GA and then to Nashville, TN.
The festival opens on Thursday night with the pageants and also the vendors arrive with a variety of food and gifts for everyone. The opening night is also family night for the carnival in which wrist bands may be purchased for one price to ride and enjoy the carnival for the entire night.
The events on Saturday kick off with a parade with all pageant winners riding in the parade. Other events include: a Truck and Tractor Pull, a baseball tournament, live music, street dancing, and a championship rodeo.
Boykin Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 18, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
Hank Kerfoot
(803) 713-8873
The world’s most unique Christmas Parade, usually held the third Sunday in December, draws thousands of spectators to the tiny hamlet of Boykin to enjoy a country Christmas and see what means of transportation Santa will find!
You just never know what to expect at the Boykin Christmas Parade! The Parade is open to EVERYONE. For more information, please visit www.boykinparade.com. There is no entry fee, but donations to support Swift Creek Church are much appreciated.
Elgin Catfish Stomp Parade
Saturday, December 3, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
George Marthers
After 5 p.m. at (803) 518-5976
Kick off the holiday season on December 4th as the town of Elgin jumps with excitement during its annual pre-Christmas festival, the Catfish Stomp. The event will kick off with a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Throughout the day visit arts and crafts vendors and enjoy mouth watering catfish stew and fried catfish with all the fixins to top off the fun. The Catfish Stomp is always held the first Saturday in December and is fun for the whole family.
Lights of Lugoff Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Jill Wolf
(803) 513-9608 or,
Sherri Barrett
(803) 420-0146
Light up your holiday season and join in the fun at Kershaw County’s only night-time Christmas Parade with a fabulous fireworks display to kick the night off.
Planning is underway for the “Lights of Lugoff Christmas Parade,” sponsored by the Lugoff Optimist Club, and excitement is in the air. The lights of a night time parade are magical for young and old and the fireworks show will certainly kick the night off and add to the festivities. What better way to showcase your club, school, business, church, etc. Entry forms are available online at www.lightsoflugoff.com.
Kershaw County Christmas Parade
Theme: "Saddling Up for the Christmas Season"
Download your entry form by CLICKING HERE!
Saturday, December 10, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
Loree Stokes
(803) 432-2525
The second Saturday of December each year at 10 a.m., more than 3,000 spectators turn out for the Kershaw County Christmas Parade which boasts horses, fire trucks, floats, beauty queens, classic cars, dancing, music, Santa, and much, much more!
The parade begins at Laurens Street and proceeds South on Broad Street ending at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site. Bring your friends and family to enjoy this wonderful community celebration.
