Allendale, S.C. – Salkehatchie Stew, a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of storytelling in South Carolina, is pleased to announce performance dates for 2010. Visitors will be delighted with Salkehatchie Stew’s signature theatrical production Weathering the Storm, which is based on local stories, as well as storytelling events held throughout the region.

Weathering the Storm, Salkehatchie Stew’s 2010 play, will be produced in Allendale, Denmark, Hampton, and Estill, S.C. on weekends beginning April 16. The play, based on stories gathered from the region, features original music and dance and shows how people deal with bad weather, hard times, setbacks and interesting relatives and friends. 

Production dates are April 16-18 at the B&G Civic Center in Allendale, April 23-25 at the Dane Theater in Denmark, April 30 & May 1 at the Palmetto Theater in Hampton and May 2 at the old Estill High School auditorium in Estill. Performance times are Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 3-12. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more if tickets are purchased in advance. 

“Salkehatchie Stew: Bamberg County’s Brew,” a celebration of Bamberg County’s people and heritage through stories, is scheduled for March 19 and 20 in Bamberg, S.C. and Denmark, S.C. Events include entertaining storytelling for all ages, displays of interesting collections and the stories behind them, a tall tale telling contest, delectable food, student story contest and historical remembrances of Bamberg County. Bamberg will also sponsor a heritage tour of local gardens and porches on April 17.

“Salkehatchie Stew: The Colleton Collection” will take place on October 22 and 23, 2010 in downtown Walterboro, S.C. combining storytelling and music events, with a downtown mystery stroll in local businesses on Friday evening.  Saturday will be filled with finding the best teller of tall tales and listening to entertaining storytellers and musicians.

“Salkehatchie Stew: Barnwell County’s Boil” will present Barnwell County’s special recipes for storytelling on October 30 in Barnwell County, with local tellers sharing stories of Barnwell County and the Salkehatchie region’s rich heritage and culture.

For tickets or additional information about Salkehatchie Stew, please visit http://www.salkehatchiestew.com or contact Frances Chavous at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute at fchavous@mailbox.sc.edu or 803.584.3446 ext. 242.

ABOUT THE SALKEHATCHIE REGION:

The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina serves as the heart and soul of the real South. Rich in culture, history, arts and outdoor activities, this five-county area attracts visitors who want to relax and escape the stress of the city. With its laid-back rural atmosphere and gorgeous natural setting, the region serves as an ideal year-round escape for kayakers, birders, golfers, hunter, antiques aficionados, history buffs and anyone with a passion for the outdoors. This family-friendly area serves as ideal daytrip or overnight location, attracting visitors from across the Southeast and around the country. For more information about the Salkehatchie region, please call 803.584.3446 or visit www.gosalk.com online.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SALKEHATCHIE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was developed to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties of South Carolina. The Institute, an outreach arm of the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie, opened in 1998 as a result of public private initiative including the cooperative efforts of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, U.S.D.A. Rural Development, S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs, S.C. Department of Commerce, S.C. Downtown Development Association, and Leadership South Carolina. The Institute has continued to build partnerships and coalitions locally, regionally, and on a statewide basis to facilitate leadership development, community development, and economic development. For more information about the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, please call 803.584.3446 or visit http://uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu/leadership online.

NOTE TO MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Photos available upon request. Media tickets also available upon request.