Charleston County parks

For some Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission activities, a chaperon is required for participants 15 and younger. Registration is required for all programs and some special events. Call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com to register.

April Festivals

Pet Fest: Find paws, claws, scales and tails at Pet Fest 2008 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12 at Palmetto Islands County Park. Now in its seventh year, this daylong festival treats pets and pet owners to interactive games, educational exhibits, contests and entertainment. Admission is $5. Gold Pass holders and leashed pets are free. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com/petfest.

East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival: James Island County Park will host the 18th annual East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival on April 18-20. One of the premier paddlesport events on the Atlantic Coast, the festival is a full weekend immersed in the technique, hands-on experience, history and fun of canoeing and kayaking. Each year the festival brings together paddling enthusiasts of all levels with world-renowned instructors and equipment manufacturers. The action-packed festival features a multitude of on-water classes, lectures and demonstrations directed to the novice and experienced paddler. Plus more than 40 commercial exhibitors will be on hand to give you a chance to try the latest equipment. The heart of the festival is the simultaneous running of four classrooms throughout the three-day event. You can meet and learn from the following experts, Nigel Foster, Cathy Piffath, Lena Conlan, Jeff Cooper, Ken Fink, Bob Foote and Karen Knight, as well as other knowledgeable paddlesport enthusiasts. Topics include slide shows of exotic paddling locations, how-to sessions on navigation, selecting or repairing equipment, safety and preparing gourmet cuisine fresh from your dry bag. The 2008 festival kicks off Friday with classes, workshops and boat demonstrations. Join keynote speaker Bryan Smith for the opening barbecue dinner and social. Smith, kayaker, coach and filmmaker, will share his film "Pacific Horizons" and stories from the production of the film and his travels last year. Children also are welcome to the festival. Learn how to paddle as a family in clinics, or register young paddlers in the full- and 1/2-day canoe and kayak camps (ages 6-12), featuring hands-on sessions, cardboard canoe races, nature walks, crafts and more. Stay on-site at James Island County Park's campsites. Registration packages start at $15 and range from sampler passes to full weekend passes. Children 17 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult registration. For more information, a daily festival schedule and to register, call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com/ecckf.

Moonlight Mixers: The first Moonlight Mixer of the season will be held 7-11 p.m. April 25 at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Dance the night away under the stars while local DJ Rob Duren spins the hottest oldies and beach music around. Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Food and snacks will be available for purchase at Locklear's Beach City Grill and Gangplank Gift and Tackle Shop. Only 600 tickets will be sold for this event. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN for more information or visit www.ccprc.com. Meets at: Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Age: 3 and up. Fee: $10/$8 CCR discount/$10 onsite if still available.

Programs

Preregistration is required for all programs and some special events. Call 795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com to register for programs and events.

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw: Join the regular bird walk. The walk through many distinct habitats will allow participants to discuss birds, butterflies and other organisms. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Meets at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. $5/free for Gold Pass holders. 8:30 a.m.-noon April 12, 16, 19, 23, 26.

Backpacking Fundamentals: Trip Planning: Discover where to get information on trails and how to obtain maps for backcountry trips. Learn about the essential components of trip planning, and plan an actual backpacking trip for the first weekend of May. Preregistration required. Meets at: CCPRC Headquarters. Age: 18 and up. Fee: $15/$12 CCR discount. 6-9 p.m. Today. Sea Kayak Instructional Classes: Kayak Quickstart: Come learn about the fun-filled sport of kayaking. During this two-hour, hands-on, informal program, experienced guides will show you how you can enjoy the local waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak. Preregistration required. Meets at: James Island County Park. Age: 16 and up. Fee: $12/$10 CCR discount. 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 11.

Sea Kayak Instructional Classes: ACA Sea Kayak Basics: Spend the day learning basic strokes and rescues. Group will cover equipment design, fit and use for sea kayaking. Certified ACA instructors will provide beginning kayakers with the necessary skills to paddle Charleston's protected waters. Preregistration required. Meets at: James Island County Park. Age: 16 and up. Fee: $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12.

Climbing Clinics: Climbing Merit Badge: This class meets all the requirements for obtaining the Climbing Merit Badge except First Aid. During this eight-hour course, you'll learn how to belay, climb and rappel from a 50-foot high wall. Preregistration required. Meets at: James Island County Park. Age: 11 and up. Fee: $42/$35 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 12.

Gardening with Tommy Blizard: Easy Organic Herbs: Why pay those high prices for fresh herbs at the market? Join a herb expert and learn how to plant, grow and care for your very own backyard organic herb container. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under. Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Age: 9 and up. Fee: $9/$7 CCR discount. 10 a.m.-noon April 12.