ST. MATTHEWS -- Twelve years after the South Carolina Constitution was changed to allow the people to decide if they wanted to form a new county, a spirited effort was pursued by the residents in and around the St. Matthews and Sandy Run communities, and they voted to form Calhoun County in 1908.

The county, which was carved from portions of Orangeburg and Lexington counties, is preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2008, and the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center plans to be a significant part of the year-long celebration.

Kicking off the centennial activities will be the museum's Fall Gala at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. The black-tie-optional function will feature a surprise menu of Southern hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Jack Brantley, owner of Aberdeen Catery. Music will be provided by the band, Reflections.

Advance tickets are required. Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, Oct. 19.

Individuals interested in attending the Fall Gala should contact the Calhoun County Museum soon, as tickets are nearly sold out.

In addition to the museum's events, a wide-range of functions will be held by local organizations throughout the year. Upcoming events include the Purple Martin Festival, Cameron Day, the Fort Motte Reunion, the Good Hope Picnic and Christmas parades, culminating with an End of Celebration fireworks display at year's end.

Specific centennial events will be publicized. Groups or individuals planning to sponsor a centennial event through December 2008 should contact the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center staff as soon as possible at 803-873-3964 to be included in its event listings.

A preliminary list of events is currently posted on the museum's Web site, www.calhouncountymuseumandculturalcenter.org. For more information, call 803-873-3964.

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T&D Correspondent Larry P. Jordan can be reached by telephone at 803-874-3276. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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