Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Holiday Harvest Festival, Carolina Cook-off on Saturday

Broadway at the Beach kicks off its first Holiday Harvest Festival on Saturday at 2 p.m. followed by the Carolina Cook-off at 3 p.m. The cook-off features certified South Carolina food judged by a panel of regional celebrities. The festival runs through Nov. 7 and features a variety of events and entertainment each day.

"This is the first event that celebrates the agricultural side of what South Carolina has to offer," said Public Relations Coordinator Diane Smith. "This a perfect opportunity to spolight what great stuff the state has to offer."

In addition to the Carolina Cook-off, the festival features wine tastings, a beer garden, a pumpkin pyramid with over 3,000 pumpkins, a hay maze and pumpkin decorating. Sawgrass performs Saturday at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks display.

The festival is divided into two parts. The first half features fall and Halloween-themed events, while the second half kicks off Broadway's holiday season.

The first half of the festival wraps up on Oct. 31 with a safe venue for children to trick or treat from 5-7 p.m. and visit the hay maze, which will be haunted for Halloween. Starting Nov. 1, the hay rides become sleigh rides and the annual Christmas tree lighting takes place on Nov. 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. followed by a fireworks display.

"This is the first time Broadway has done something on this grand of a scale, and we hope to make it an annual event," Smith said.

The family-friendly festival also features educational demonstrations for children, winter food booths, carolers and Christmas trees will be for sale.

"Broadway is the perfect place for a festival like this. Not only is it family-friendly, but it's affordable," Smith said.

For a complete list of events and hours, visit www.holidayharvest.com.