Now in its 30th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.

For more info, visit http://www.sewe.com/index.php.

29th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival – January 29, 2012

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound?

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music from the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area complete with pony rides and jump castles and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.

For more info, visit http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/lowcountry-oyster-festival/

The biggest boat show and sale in the Lowcountry returns to the Charleston Area Convention Center, with hundreds of boats from the area’s top retailers on display.  Now in its 32nd year, the Charleston Boat Show is the place to find the latest and best in marine equipment, supplies and accessories. Demonstrations, kids’ activities, coastal cuisine and entertainment make this a maritime event for the entire family.

Dates: January 27-29, 2012

Venue: Charleston Area Convention Center

Hours:

Tickets:

Parking: FREE!

To celebrate the holiday season, the City of North Charleston hosts the following public Christmas events during the first weekend in December.

Winter Wonderland

Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Armory Park (5000 Lackawanna Boulevard). This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music.

Live Performances on Thursday & Friday by Becky Becker of Becky’s Box of Puppets, helping children discover the joy of reading and weaving magical tales that come to life before your eyes are two of Becky’s trademarks.

For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.

Children’s Theatre Series

Friday, December 2 at 10:00 am at Sterett Hall Auditorium,  Atlantic  Coast Theatre presents a Beatrix Potter Holiday. Famous children’s author, Beatrix Potter, arrives to entertain the guests at her annual holiday party.  Stories such as “The Tailor of Gloucester” and “The Rabbit’s Christmas Party” come to life on stage with the help of the audience.  Her most famous character, Peter Rabbit, may even surprise the guests.  This performance is full but a waiting list is available in case of cancellation.  Call 740-5854 for more information.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 3 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Felix C. Davis Community Center (4800 Park Circle). Breakfast with Santa commences the Christmas Festival and gives area children the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A hearty meal is provided. Tickets can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Felix C. Davis Community Center for $4.00 per person. To purchase tickets, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028 or visit the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas Festival & Parade

Saturday, December 3 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children activities craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park. Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey lights the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas Festival Schedule

Christmas lights and displays shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from the beginning of December until New Years Day.