Salk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Jennifer Abshire Patterson
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

click to download a pdf of this press release

Salkehatchie Stew Celebrates the Art of Storytelling in South Carolina

ALLENDALE, S.C. - Salkehatchie Stew is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of storytelling in South Carolina, uniting residents and visitors in a common love of storytelling.

"We wanted to bring together people who could tell great stories," said project director Frances Chavous of the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute in Allendale, S.C. "We've built a community that links us all together through our stories."

Common themes tend to emerge in the storytelling of the Salkehatchie region, including the power of family, the importance of community, the ability to endure hardships and the need to help others in need. Stories provide the foundation for a richer, more meaningful connection.

"Stories serve as a bridge," said Chavous. "They teach us about our history and our culture. They also help us make connections and reach across the lines of age and race."

Salkehatchie Stew is dedicated to uniting Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Hampton and Colleton counties through music, drama and storytelling. Every year, this unique group records oral histories, presents storytelling workshops and delights visitors with special productions, both storytelling events and a new folklife play each year.

Composed of vignettes derived from local stories gathered from the region, the annual spring play combines drama, humor, and music. This interactive, collaborative production emphasizes the common bonds between people.

Inspired and mentored by the success of Swamp Gravy in Colquitt, Ga., Salkehatchie Stew continues to collect audio recordings of local stories, creating an archive that offers insight into the rich culture of the region.

"We care about where we live," said Chavous. "We care about our history. We are a place where if you dig deeper, you find out what we're like. We're essentially good people. We share our love with everybody through our stories."

For tickets or for additional information about Salkehatchie Stew, please visit SalkehatchieStew.com or contact Frances Chavous at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie at fchavous@mailbox.sc.edu or 803.584.3446 ext. 242.

ABOUT THE SALKEHATCHIE REGION:
The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina serves as the heart and soul of the real South.
Rich in culture, history, arts and outdoor activities, this five-county area attracts visitors who want to relax and escape the stress of the city.
With its laid-back rural atmosphere and gorgeous natural setting, the region serves as an ideal year-round escape for kayakers, birders, golfers, hunter, antiques aficionados, history buffs and anyone with a passion for the outdoors.
This family-friendly area serves as ideal daytrip or overnight location, attracting visitors from across the Southeast and around the country.
For more information about the Salkehatchie region, please call 803.584.3446 or visit www.GoSalk.com online.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SALKEHATCHIE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was developed to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties of South Carolina. The Institute, an outreach arm of the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie, opened in 1998 as a result of public private initiative including the cooperative efforts of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, U.S.D.A. Rural Development, S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs, S.C. Department of Commerce, S.C. Downtown Development Association, and Leadership South Carolina. The Institute has continued to build partnerships and coalitions locally, regionally, and on a statewide basis to facilitate leadership development, community development, and economic development. For more information about the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, please call 803.584.3446 or visit USC- Salkehatchie.SC.Edu/Leadership online.

###