eSTEAM Sumter to bring fun, education Oct. 5

Fall may be synonymous with football and pumpkin spice everything, but in Sumter it means eSTEAM is right around the corner.

Heading into the festival's fifth year, though seventh overall, the kid-centered, hands-on event will again take over downtown Sumter on the first Saturday in October to offer myriad opportunities for children of all ages to have fun while learning about different career pathways available near or right at home.

eSTEAM Sumter will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, along South Main Street, with the main performance stages at the Central Carolina Technical College parking lot and about 80 booths set up along the street, parking lot and spaces in the vicinity. There will be 14 food trucks offering tastes and drinks to attendees, according to Erika Williams, manager of communications and strategic initiatives for TheLINK and Sumter Economic Development, which organizes and runs the festival.

A four-block parade will start at Canal Street and end at the stage in the CCTC parking lot as a celebratory walk to spotlight enthusiasts in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. There will also be an opening ceremony, art contest and tons of hands-on activities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade to learn while having fun.

Williams said about 6,500 people came last year, and she expects that number or larger to turn out this year.

An hour has been added back to the festival, welcoming parents, students and families of all ages to explore the booths, activities, food, music and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be local choirs and dance groups, bands, singers and more. The parade marshals are second- and third-graders from Sumter County and Lee County school districts.

"They should be leading the way," Williams said. "This is for them. ...

"We're looking at the numbers and all that, but I'm more so making sure there are smiles on the faces and that the kids are having a good time."

Pets are not allowed at the festival. It is free to attend, but Williams said it is highly encouraged to register at the official entrances and get a wristband.