CONTACT: Howard van Dijk, 803-865-1216, ext. 128; jdjik@clemson.edu

DATE: 4/23/2007

WRITER: Tom Lollis, 803-284-3343, ext. 241; tlollis@clemson.edu

Sparkleberry Country Fair set for Saturday at Sandhill REC

COLUMBIA – For an old-fashioned family outing on Saturday, April 28, take in the 12 th annual Sparkleberry Country Fair at Clemson University’s Sandhill Research and Education Center.

From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., fair visitors will be treated to a wide range of fun events, according to Howard van Dijk, area animal scientist for the Clemson Extension Service.

“This is a big event for the community and raises funds for the local school district and for college scholarships for local students,” he said. “The fair has raised more than $250,000 for Richland School District 2 in its first 11 years.”

Fair visitors will be entertained by dance groups, singers and bands. Paratroopers will drop in at noon and school principals will compete in a cow-milking contest at 12:30 p.m.

The day’s agenda also includes arts, crafts, garden exhibits, good food, an automobile and farm equipment display and a Kid’s Corner – featuring a petting zoo, pony rides and hay rides. Educational exhibits, seminars and plant sales are also scheduled.

Educational programs will include topics such as growing tomatoes, composting and pest control.

For more information contact John Monroe at 803-788-2010.

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