30th Annual Walterboro Rice Festival

April 21 - 24 2005

By the year 1800, Walterboro, S.C. had become a settlement established as a summer retreat for Lowcountry rice planters. The village acquired its name from Paul and Jacob Walter, brothers and planters, who in 1784, built the first house in an area of the village known as Hickory Valley. Walterboro became the county seat of the Colleton District in 1817 and was officially incorporated in 1826. The origins of the City retrace a history common to several South Carolina pineland villages settled during the early 1800s by planters in search of a healthful climate. The original town plat was laid out in 1824 and streets were designed in 1839. The Heart of Walterboro is centered around the Colleton County Courthouse. Much of the grace and charm of the early settlers' lifestyles remain tangible today, as evidenced by Walterboro's architectural styles. The city abounds with fine examples of nineteenth century structures, which were noted in both Historic Districts - Hickory Valley and Walterboro.

Festival Events include Magic Midway Carnival, Magic Midway Carnival, Arts and Crafts, World's Largest Pot of Rice, Rice Cooking Contest, Car Show, Petting Zoo, Pinewood Derby Race, Bicycle Race, Golf Tournament, and Confederate Memorial Service.

More Information at http://www.ricefestival.org/