SANTEE -- Locals and visitors are counting down the days to Maize Days 2007, which will begin Friday, May 18, and continue through Sunday, May 20.

Santee's biggest festival, located on the grounds of the Santee Town Hall Complex, has something for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, and most events are free.

"We welcome all area residents and tourists to the Maize Days Festival, where you'll experience the fun and hospitality of Santee," Mayor Silas Seabrooks said.

The festival will kick off Friday, May 18 with a large selection of rides by Pinnacle Amusements from 5 p.m to 10 p.m.

The festival lineup on Saturday, May 19 will offer a variety of fun-filled activities. The Santee Lions Club will serve their traditional pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., and the community yard sale, featuring a giant assortment of merchandise, is also set for Saturday. Anyone is welcome to rent a space for only $5.

Arts and crafts vendors and displays by community organizations will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday.

From 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., rides will be open and food vendors will offer a delicious selection of festival snacks and drinks.

Also on Saturday, Lake Marion VFW Post 10980 will present a Salute to Veterans at 10:30 a.m., and the popular talent showcase from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. will offer music, dance and other talent by members of the community.

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Marion will sponsor a Baby Crawl Contest at noon on Saturday to determine the fastest crawling baby in the area. Only non-walkers are asked to enter. The group will also sponsor a child car safety seat inspection from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Regional Medical Center in front of Santee Town Hall.

The Kiwanis Club will also sponsor a food tent with hamburgers, potato chips and ice cold water.

Put on your dancing shoes Saturday night at 8 p.m. at the gazebo for a the street dance featuring Still Cruizin' at 8 p.m., with a shag contest following at 9:45 p.m.

The Taste of Santee will be held from 12:30 p.m. through 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 20. During the event, festival-goers will be able to sample food from Santee's finest restaurants. Music for dancing and listening will be provided by the Party Express.

Plenty of shading seating is available.

For more information about the 2007 Maize Days, call 803-854-2152, ext. 7.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.