Things to do across the Midlands: Enjoy Carolina Backcountry Harvest, open golf tourney, Kreepy Hollow Haunted House, state fair and Fall Plant and Flower Festival this weekend

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SUMTER COUNTY

See and experience history come to life at the Carolina Backcountry Harvest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Carolina Backcountry Homestead at Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. The free event is open to all ages and allows participants to see the daily lives of those who worked the land in the early 1800s. Dressed in period clothing, living history interpreters guide participants through hands-on activities using the tools, traditions and techniques of harvest time. For additional information, call (803) 775-0908 or visit www.sumtermuseum.org.

Grab your golf bag and head to the 4th-Annual Sumter Shag Club Open Golf Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Crystal Lakes Golf Course, 1305 Clara Louise Kellogg Drive, Sumter. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. with the shotgun start tee-off at 9 a.m. Age 60 and over use yellow tees; females and age 70 and over use red tees. The format is four-person team captain's choice. Cost is $45 per person (sponsors play free) plus optional $10 mulligan package which includes two mulligans and one red tee. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place teams. Individual prizes awarded for closest to the pins on par 3's and longest drive hole. Free lunch will be served after the tourney. All proceeds benefit Camp Burnt Gin. Please provide team or individual RSVPs to Whit Blanton at (843) 250-9169; Jerry Lavina at (803) 460-4210; or Chip Dallaire at (803) 968-6459.

Find your lederhosen, braid your hair and then get your beer and pretzels at Sumter's annual Oktoberfest on Main on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Sumter Original Brewery, 2 S. Main St. in downtown Sumter. According to the event website, this is Sumter's largest street party of the year, and it's the biggest fundraiser for Sumter United Ministries, so come out for a great local cause. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door, and kids get in for free. The event starts at 5 p.m. with German music playing on Main Street until 8:30 p.m. DJ Howie D's Entertainment DJs will continue the party in La Piazza. Get your tickets now at https://tinyurl.com/yyrwt34a. Ahead of the event, take part in the third-annual Buzz Run that morning at 9 a.m., a 5K race that begins at Sumter Original Brewery and stretches throughout historic downtown Sumter. Get your race tickets at https://tinyurl.com/4k4v8fek.

Fall Music Festival is happening on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 1337 Peach Orchard Road. The event will include live music, a photo booth, a food market and an opportunity to indulge in the arts.

Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce's first Blackjack and Birdies Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The casino-themed golf event offers prizes and will help support the Chamber to promote local businesses and community development. Highlights will include Par is Your Partner, Challenge Holes, Dealer Holes and raffle prizes, for which you'll exchange your poker chips for raffle tickets. The tournament will be at Beech Creek Golf Club, 1800 Sam Gillespie Blvd., Sumter. Get your tickets or sign up as a sponsor at https://tinyurl.com/37z8fdxm.

Enjoy a breakfast straight off the farm at Old McCaskills Farm's new event, Harvest Breakfast, on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. Ashley will serve farm-fresh meals from a Blackstone grill with plenty of options for everyone. The event is first-come, first-served.

Want to add to your bookshelves and help support library programs? The Friends of the Library 2024 Annual Book Sale will be held at the Sumter County Library main meeting room, 111 N. Harvin St., at the following times: Thursday, Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m. (Friends Preview Night for those who are Friends members only, but new members can join at the door for access); Friday, Oct. 25, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-noon; and Sunday, Oct. 27, 1-5 p.m. The annual book sale is a special event hosted by the Friends to help support programs and services the library would otherwise be unable to provide to the public. This includes activities and events for children and adults such as the Summer Reading Program and the Christmas Winter Wonderland. For more information, call (803) 773-7273; visit www.sumtercountylibrary.org.

The 20th anniversary of the Fall Feast presented by FTC is this year on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. All proceeds go to Sumter Green each year, which beautifies areas across Sumter. Adults only are invited, 18 and up, and there will be live music by HeyBo and special guest Tom Mullikin of the SC7 Expedition. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Buy yours at www.sumteroperahouse.com/the-fall-feast. Enjoy some great food from local chefs for a great cause.

"Bring your best ride" to the Cars and Coffee Sumter meeting on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are all welcome, and coffee, water and doughnuts will be on hand, first come, first served. Donations collected at the event will benefit the nonprofit Helping South Carolina. Meet at Gamecock Lanes, 817 Broad St.

The Foothills Paddling Club will host a paddle through Sparkleberry Swamp followed by a Lowcountry boil on Saturday, Nov. 2, and attendees can stay and walk the park trails or hike/bike trails in the nearby Manchester State Forest. Group camping will be available at Poinsett State Park on Friday and Saturday nights. The event will be at 6660 Poinsett Park Road, Wedgefield. The trip is open to non-members of the club. The paddle is free, but sign up for camping and the meal at https://tinyurl.com/3ehxn2t6. Other camping options such as cabins and RV sites are available at Poinsett State Park. Visit southcarolinaparks.com to book these sites. Registration closes Oct. 29.

Need a good laugh? Get your tickets for the Saturday, Nov. 9, night of laughter with Texas native William Lee Martin, hailed as the "King of Cowtown," at the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Martin's career spans over 27 years in the world of stand-up comedy. His one-of-a-kind humor captivates audiences through heartwarming family centered tales and uplifting spirits, particularly during life's toughest moments. Known for his down-home charm and laugh-out-loud stories, Cowboy Bill delivers humor that resonates with folks who appreciate the simple joys of Southern living. Get your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/43vjdtun.

Celebrate the holidays with South Carolina Ballet's annual production of Nutcracker, which will be performed this year at Lakewood High School's theater because of renovations at Patriot Hall. This beloved classical play is perfect for anyone, from children to adults. Matinee is on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., and the evening show is the same day from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Buy tickets at www.tickettailor.com/events/southcarolinaballet.

CLARENDON COUNTY

Clarendon County Fire Rescue's annual Community Safety Day will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at J.C. Britton Park, 3057 Raccoon Road, Manning. The free event will include "Trunk or Treat," food, candy and lots of other fun activities. Children can even wear their costumes. Fire trucks, ambulances, a medical helicopter, law enforcement vehicles, tractors and more cool stuff will be there.

The 10th-annual Duckfest will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Camp Woodie, 8444 Old River Road, with dozens of events such as a cornhole tournament, dog retrieving demonstration, Duckfest Cook-Off, car show, Clarendon County Fire Rescue demonstration, lots of delicious food and many more games and fun activities. For more information or if you'd like to become a vendor, log onto duckfestfun.com or email duckfestfun@gmail.com.

LEE COUNTY

Kreepy Hollow Haunted House is back and scarier than ever. Frights include a two-story haunted house, two-mile hayride journey through the swamps of Lucknow Bottom, Zombie Breakout and an even creepier Kreeper's Bus ride. The event is appropriate for teens and adults. Hours of operation are Oct. 11-13, Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Ticket prices vary. Visit www.kreepyhollowhauntedattraction.com.

COLUMBIA AREA

The South Carolina State Fair will be held through Sunday, Oct. 20, at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia. The fair will include live performances, racing pigs, free daily Circus at the Fair, thrilling rides, mouth-watering foods and three new attractions: the South Carolina Grown Marketplace, the 46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina exhibit and the Rocket Plaza. In the South Carolina Grown Marketplace, located in Rosewoods Ballroom, attendees can explore an array of handcrafted goods, farm-fresh produce and unique treasures, all created, grown or made in South Carolina.

The free, daily Circus at the Fair is returning for a fifth year and will feature fresh new acts and a never-before-seen show. Located beside the Ellison Building near the South Gate Entrance, the circus will perform three 40-minute shows each day. Shows begin at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Daily admission is free with your fair admission ticket. Led by Ringmaster Ian Garden, the acts will include performances from: Wheel of Destiny (acrobatics); The Remarkable Renaldo and Little Lou (clowns); Nilson Escobar (juggling); Aidan Bryant (aerial act); Brian Miser (human cannonball); and Abril Amore (aerial act).

The following performances will take place on the Pepsi Place Stage.

- The TAMS, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

- The Best of Everything, A Tribute to Tom Petty, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

- Dracula, sneak peek presented by South Carolina Ballet, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

- Cloverdayle, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.

- Columbia's Praise S.C. State Fair Unity Fest, Presented by Columbia's Praise 95.7 FM, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.

- Armed Services Veterans Band, Oct. 14 at noon

- Britishmania, Beatles Tribute Band, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

- Jason Sikes Tribute to Elvis, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.

- ABBAMANIA - Abba Tribute, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

- Tokyo Joe, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.

- Eloveation, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

- Marcel Portilla Band, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

- Melvin Crispell III for the WFMV Glory Night at the S.C. State Fair, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.

The fair offers the following daily promotions:

- Children: All children 5 and under will be admitted FREE every day.

- Pay-one-price (POP) Ride Days: The S.C. State Fair will once again feature Pay-One-Price (POP) ride days every day. Patrons can enjoy one day of unlimited rides by exchanging a ride voucher for a POP wristband at specially marked ticket booths.

- Seniors (55 and older): $15 admission every day, except on Senior's Day on Wednesday, Oct. 16, when admission is $5 at the gate only.

- Lunch Bunch: Pop in and out of the S.C. State Fair for lunch with a special lunch bunch ticket, available from noon-2 p.m. each weekday (except Wednesday, Oct. 9). Pay your entry fee and receive a refundable $20 ticket. Return to the ticket booth with the ticket by 2 p.m. to get your $20 back.

For a complete list of daily and special promotions, visit www.scstatefair.org/plan-your-visit/promotions. For the daily events calendar, visit www.scstatefair.org/fair-calendar.

FLORENCE COUNTY

Find your fall mums and decorations at the Fall Plant and Flower Festival on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 11-13, at Pee Dee State Farmers Market, 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence. You'll be able to choose from among seasonal plants, flowers, decor and more. This event is free and open to the public. The market will also have seasonal produce and a large selection of pumpkins, and food vendors will be there. Master Gardeners can answer questions about fall planting. Times are Friday, Oct. 11, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy live music while chowing down on some on wings and chili from local competitors at the Kickin' Chicken Wing and Chili Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, in the 100 block of Dargan Street in downtown Florence. Craft and domestic beer selections will be available. For additional information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bp6vc3he, or call (843) 665-0515.

The Pee Dee Coin Club will hold its next coin show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct 12, at Florence Darlington Technical College - SIMT building, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence. The nonprofit sponsor of the show is excited to announce that about 25 vendors will be on site to buy, sell or trade United States, world and ancient coins and currency. A vendor will also be on site to sell numismatic supplies. Parking and admission are free. Food service will be available. Children are welcome to attend. All children will receive a "goodie bag" for attending. Several vendors will be available to provide free appraisals on your old coins as well. For additional information, contact Ronnie Westbrook at (843) 616-4824.

KERSHAW COUNTY

Put the Camden Horse and Hound weekend-long event on your calendar for Oct. 18-20. This third edition of the event will be hosted in partnership by The Camden Hunt and Hickory Top Farm. On that Friday, Oct. 18, attend a cocktail party at the Bloomsbury, then watch the Charity Polo Cup on Saturday, which will benefit Hickory Top Farm's therapeutic horsemanship programs. On Sunday, there will be food trucks, vendors, and family fun at the Horse and Hound Expo. For more information, email therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com or visit https://camdenhorseandhound.com. The event is at Camden Polo Field, 609 Polo Lane, Camden.