Town's Golden Age celebration to begin Friday

EDWARD C. FENNELL
The Post and Courier

History is everywhere to be found in Summerville, and patrons of the Golden Age of Summerville Festival, which runs Friday through Sunday, might want to see this sight. A bank is here now, but from 1910 to 1954, this was the location of the Alston Graded School, one of the first schools for black children in Dorchester County.

The history and architecture of downtown Summerville will be celebrated with music, dancing, silent auctions and feasting in the three-day Golden Age of Summerville Festival that begins Friday.

Formerly the Golden Age of Inns, the festival features an elegant gala-themed "Spring by Design," which includes a Taste of the District from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Summer House, 117 W. Luke Ave.

The theme for this year's festival is "Summerville's Architectural Heritage" in recognition of the "range of distinctly American styles that can be seen throughout the Flowertown in the Pines," said Katie DePoppe, who provides communications for the festival.

The festival will offer a three-part lecture series, open houses, antiques fair with professional appraisers, walking and trolley tours and other activities intended to showcase the beauty and charm of the Historic District, DePoppe said.

From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, late-night shopping will take place in the district with an Art Walk on Short Central. Artists will display their wares, a jazz band will perform and wine and cheese will be served at Art Central.

The Summerville Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Greater Summerville Antiques Association Antique Fair will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Professional antiques appraiser Ann Valverde of EstateRoadShow.com will be on site from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday to estimate values of antiques and collectibles presented by patrons. She also will attend the Sunday session.

The Taste of the District is a "garden party under the stars" and will feature cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres provided by Sweetwater Grill, big-band music and dancing. A silent auction, featuring local and international trips and donations from various downtown businesses, also will take place, DePoppe said.

All proceeds will benefit the various charitable organizations "that have so graciously contributed to preserving Summerville's 'golden age' for future generations," she said.

The festival was established to raise awareness of historic downtown Summerville and to encourage day visits and overnight guests in the same way as the town's "golden era," DePoppe said.

Festival attendees can purchase Patron's Passes for $5 that include entry to the bed-and-breakfast open houses, lecture series, guided walking tours and offers at shops and restaurants.

Gala tickets are $60 for individuals and $100 for couples and can be purchased at First Citizens Bank, Maggie Rose, The Green Gator, Marigold's Home & Vintage Treasures and Carolina Memories.

More information and a complete schedule of events can be found by visiting www.goldenageofsummerville.com.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at 745-5865.