Oct. 12 is Gullah Geechee Day at the South Carolina State Fair

On Saturday, Oct. 12, the South Carolina State Fair will feature Gullah Geechee singers, storytellers, basket makers and other artists as part of Gullah Geechee Day. Fair organizers partnered with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission to sponsor this special event to help raise awareness, educate, and entertain the public about this significant aspect of our state’s history and heritage. Enjoy stage performances on the WIS-TV stage and craft displays and demonstrations in the Cantey Building throughout the day.

Performance schedule (WIS-TV stage)

  • 1:45 p.m.  Ron Daise, chairman of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, “A Celebration of Gullah”
  • 2 p.m.  Oslami Lamoke – Gullah singer and songwriter
  • 4 p.m.  Dorothy Montgomery – the Gullah story through song and quilting
  • 6 p.m.  Sharon Murray – Gullah storytelling
  • 8 p.m.  Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers

Artists participating in craft displays and demonstrations (Cantey Building)

  • Jeannette Lee – sweetgrass basket making
  • Frank and Sharon Murray – rice demonstrations, storytelling, rag quilting
  • Dorothy Montgomery – quilting with a Gullah story
  • Lornabelle Gethers – author of “Honey Bea’s Everlasting Gift”
  • Ade Ofunniyin, Ph.D. – metal works and sculpting

Read the artists’ biographies and view a complete schedule on the South Carolina State Fair’s website.

“Gullah Geechee Day” is the first statewide observance during “Gullah Geechee Awareness Month.” For more information about other activities, visit the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission’s website.

Via: South Carolina State Fair