What could be more fun than an old-fashioned county fair, filled to the brim with historical flair? With the arrival of crisp fall air, the Santa Elena Foundation hosts the second annual Lowcountry Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Cotton Hall Plantation.
With Hargray Communications and several other sponsors, plans are in place for a unique community event with moderately-priced tickets and family ticket packages to allow visitors of all ages to enjoy special activities and events throughout the day at no extra cost. The fun, family-friendly atmosphere will showcase Marsh Tacky horses from around the region in obstacle courses, meet-and-greet areas and several racing heats.
“At the end of the day, we will be awarding a grand champion of the horse races, but with a great community event like this – everyone wins,” said Megan Morris, executive director of the Santa Elena History Center. “This fall’s Lowcountry Fair will be a stand-out event for the community to experience local heritage mixed in with plenty of good fun, food and friendship. This continues our efforts to highlight Beaufort County’s unique history and collaborate with others in the region.”
The events featuring the Marsh Tacky horse will be the perfect complement to other headline activities, like Living History. Across a 50-acre field, over 500 years of local history will be on display with historical re-enactors showing family life, living conditions, and times of war, sacrifice, and change. From 16th-century colonial times when Santa Elena was founded by the Spanish, through the American Revolution, the Civil War and Reconstruction Era and up to World War II — men, women and children will demonstrate history in period costume. They will mingle with spectators, tell fascinating stories of life in days gone by, fire their weaponry, walk in a parade and engage visitors in fun, educational activities.
The most delicious local food concessions will be available for purchase throughout the day, including local oysters or barbecue, sweet treats, and locally-brewed beers and Spanish wines. Sip and see throughout the area with music playing and artisans displaying their original products from iron-welded signs to local honey and everything in between.
Children will also enjoy the exotic petting zoo, pony rides, and other fun activities. They can meet friends at the National Park Service and participate in a Junior Ranger program, or head over to see the critters brought by Coastal Discovery Museum, who will have their own Marsh Tacky named Comet on site.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, follow a trail down to the plantation’s original operating sugar mill, still in use today. Enjoy a walk back in time to see how sugar was made in the antebellum South, thanks to the plantation owners who have preserved this art for decades and now welcome us to their home.
Tickets are available online (www.santa-elena.org/lowcountry-fair) and at the gate.
Patron Level ($100), General Admission ($20), Children 7-17 ($5)
Family Package (two Adults and 2+ Children): $50
Active Military Families (two adults and 2+ Children): $40
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