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Free fun on the farm(s)! Ag+Art Tour comes to Richland County

South Carolina's free farm and art tour is the largest of its kind in the United States
Credit: Susan Ardis/WLTX
Heritage breed Guinea hogs at Carolina Bay Farms, one of the stops on the Ag+Art Tour June 29 and 30, 2019

The South Carolina Ag+Art Tour comes to Richland County for the first time this year. The month-long, free, self-guided tour of farms and farmers markets (agriculture) plus local crafts people (art) is the largest tour of its kind in the United States.

Each weekend in June features a different group of counties within the state -- June 29 and 30 will feature Richland County.

John Newman, chairman of the Richland County Ag+Art Tour planning team, said the Midlands Food Alliance raised funds for the County’s participation in this year’s event, and organizers have secured a grant from Richland County’s Hospitality Fund to continue participation in the 2020 tour.

Ag+Art Tours began in York County in 2012 and has grown every year since. Newman expects some counties in the Lowcountry to join the tour next year.

In Richland County, five working farms and over 30 artisans have signed up to participate. Along with fresh-from-the-farm produce and food stuffs, people taking the tour may encounter jewelry makers, woodworkers, painters, soap makers and more demonstrating their craft and selling wares.

Ag+Art Tour hours are: 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, June 29; and 1 – 5 pm Sunday, rain or shine. Bring your family, a cooler and ice for your food purchases, hand sanitizer or wipes (it IS a farm tour), and water to stay hydrated.

Leave your pets at home!

PARTICIPATING FARMS INCLUDE:
Carolina Bay Farms: 5301 Lower Richland Blvd, Hopkins. 

James and Sharon Helms raise heritage breed animals and organic vegetables on land that was originally settled by the family in 1764. Helms wants people to have a small working farm experience. Years ago, Helms said, “the world of getting in your car and going to the grocery store didn’t exist. People had no choice but to raise their foods.

“When people come out here, they can see where food comes from.”  

The Ag+Art Tour coincides with Carolina Bay Farms' regularly scheduled every-other-Saturday market, so expect to find chicken and duck eggs, fresh vegetables, and pork products for sale.

Demonstrations at Carolina Bay Farms include beekeeping with Hampton Hill Aviary, and goat milking; artisans include Ajoa Harris (soaps and aromatherapy oils), Jimmy Dinkins (kudzu baskets, wood sculpture), WRKingArt (handpainted glassware, and painters Bett Huggins and Lawandas Creations.

City Roots Farm: 1005 Airport Blvd, Columbia. 

The father and son team of Robbie and Eric McClam have been farming in the heart of Columbia’s Rosewood neighborhood since 2009. Known for growing a variety of microgreens, City Roots began raising industrial hemp in 2019.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be free guided tours and planting demonstrations, and local beer and wine for sale; artisans include Harmony Acres Soap Co., Serglasio Arts (handmade jewelry), Scratch Cakes (homemade old-fashioned pound cakes), Stacy’s Gardens (container gardens and handmade jewelry), and painters Cheryl Nix and Backyardkoi & Art.

Doko Farms: 2101 Cedar Creek Rd, Blythewood. 

Family-owned since 1839, Amanda and Joe Jones specialize in pasture-raised heritage meats such as Guinea hogs, St. Croix lamb, and Narragansett turkeys.

For the Ag+Art Tour, wander through Doko’s edible forest garden or participate in activities for kids; artisans include Bee Lee Bags (totes and jewelry), Maman Afrique Boutique (wall art, glass beading and upcycled jewelry), Cameron Porter (woodworks), Anna Redwine (live drawing during the tour), and painters Cathy Love and Barbara Teusink Fine Art; bluegrass and traditional music by Saluda River Band.

Fabel Farms: 1208 Hinnants Store Rd, Winnsboro. 

Family farm near Cedar Creek with non-GMO tomatoes, peppers, melons and squash, and honey, eggs and wood products. Artisans on site include Wooden It Be Nice (woodworks), Midlands Arts Conservatory (beehive boxes), Woodham Enterprises (seasonings), JibberJabbersDesigns (aprons, chef hats, totes and more), and photographer Ann P Blencowe.

Purple Tuteur Farm: 787 Langford Rd, Blythewood. 

Linda Bradley is the Master Gardner behind the fresh-cut flower farm.

Bradley says bouquets and arrangements for sale in grocery stores are often created with imported flowers that don’t last long after purchase. Locally grown flowers last much longer because they are usually cut within a day of heading to market. Purple Tuteur (French for a four-sided pyramid or obelisk-like trellis designed to help train climbing plants) will feature free tours and fresh bouquets for sale, and an “Ask A Master Gardener” booth; artisans include Peace and Mud Pottery (potter and pottery wheel demonstrations), This Butter Be Good (skincare, art & jewelry), Gallery West (handmade jewelry), and artists CjStudios and Abstract Alexandra.

OTHER STOPS ON THE TOUR INCLUDE:

(Saturday only)

Soda City Market, Main Street Columbia, with artisans, food trucks, and local produce

Crave Artisan Specialty Market, 2843 Millwood Ave., features locally produced grocery items and freshly prepared meals

Lewis and Clark Studios, 1001 Huger St., features the work of Clark Ellefson (lamps, studio furniture, robots, and decorative objects).

One Eared Cow Glass, 1001 Huger St., glass blowing studio and gallery

Stormwater Studios, 431 Pendleton St., 11 artist studios and gallery

(Saturday and Sunday)

Sal’s Ol’ Timey Feed & Seed, 7989 Winnsboro Rd., features garden plants, seeds, tools and supplies. Get your gardening questions answered throughout the day.

More information available at agandarttour.com

Before You Leave, Check This Out