(Posted on 11/1/2008)

SEE PHOTOS from SwampFest!
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Playcard Environmental Education Center held its 22nd Annual Forever Wild SwampFest on Saturday, November 1, celebrating the natural history of the blackwater swamp ecosystem.

Playcard, along with event sponsors Rolling Thunder and the Lions Club, honored American soldiers with the dedication of a handicapped accessible educational memorial. Continuous entertainment during the day featured The Morris Bothers Singers, Alligator Adventure’s Reptile Extravaganza, and other performers.  Food and drinks were offered for sale on the grounds, or guests could bring a picnic.

Educational exhibits and demonstrations featured Playcard’s natural ecosystems including the black water swamp, forest, and fields. Natural history was presented in the pioneer and Native American villages. Historical mechanical presentations of turn of the century engines and a live working sawmill were on display.  Arts and outdoor crafts were included along with exhibits from the Children’s Museum of SC, Nuisance Wildlife Specialty, the Horry County Museum, and professors from Coastal Carolina University and Horry Georgetown Technical College.

Hiking, tractor riding, archery, kayaking, bowl burning, orienteering, casting, primitive survival skills, and canoe construction were held during the event to increase community awareness of outdoor skills.   

Playcard Environmental Education Center is located approximately six miles west of Loris on Highway 19 West.

Swampfest is sponsored by Horry County Conservation Foundation, Horry County Schools, Pineland Celebrations, Coastal Carolina University, The Children’s Museum of SC, Horry County Museum, Horry County Solid Waste Authority, Lions Clubs of SC, and Rolling Thunder.

Directions to Playcard…

From North Myrtle Beach

Travel on Highway 9 North, turn left onto Highway 701 South, this is the main intersection in Loris SC. At the Allsbrook Intersection turn right on Highway 19 West, Allsbrook Grocery (Convenience) Store will be on your left at this intersection.  Drive approximately 3-5 miles to the Playcard Enviornmental Education Center that will be on your left. 

From Conway / 701

Travel on Highway 701 North.  Turn left on Hwy 410.  Turn right on Highway 19 West. Travel 0.1 miles and Playcard will be on your right.

From Conway / 701 (Alternate Directions)

Travel on Highway 701 North to intersection of 701 and 410.  Travel 5.3 miles past the intersection.  Turn left on Highway 19 West (Allsbrook Grocery Store is on right side of the intersection.  There will be a large white Victorian house on the left side of the intersection.)  Travel approximately 3-4 miles and Playcard will be on your left.

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For more information, contact Ben Abercrombie at babercrombie@horrycountyschools.net or call 843-756-1277.

Click here for a map to Playcard.