Sparkleberry Country Fair

Mark your calendars for the Sparkleberry Country Fair community fair that will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia.

The theme, "Building the Future from the Past", is designed to showcase antique tractors, antique cars and much more. The Country Fair centers around agriculture-past and present, and those attending the Fair enjoy all sorts of fair events while learning about South Carolina agriculture and wildlife.

The Fair gives urban folks an opportunity to interact with farm animals, develop an appreciation of how how food is produced, and learn about the wildlife in the surrounding communities while promoting community spirit and unity. Last year over $19,000 was raised at the Country Fair to support education, all of which was donated to area schools as grants and as scholarships for students attending in-state universities.

For more information, contact Howard van Dijk at the Richland County Clemson Extension Office, 803-865-1216.

SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE TO DEAL WITH SURFACE WATER WITHDRAWAL

When the House returns from furlough on Tuesday, April 13th, the House Agriculture Subcommittee will meet to take up the Senate passed version (S.452). As passed in the Senate, agricultural users will not be required to obtain a permit however; they would be required to register with DHEC (for free) what they are currently drawing. Farmers who are currently drawing water would be grandfathered in at their highest usage based on the rate capacity of their existing pumps.

If you are a constituent or know any of the subcommittee members please contact them and express the importance of this bill to you. The members are Rep. David Hiott, Rep. Tommy Stringer, Rep. Chandra Dillard, Rep. Nelson Hardwick, and Rep. Mike Forrester.