Carolina Country Music Fest Introduces The Wellness Ranch & Spa Experience For 2026 Fest

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Pop-Up Beauty and Recovery Destination Brings Fest-Ready Glam and Wellness to the CCMF

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (MARCH 27, 2026) Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) is elevating the fan experience for 2026 with the debut of The Wellness Ranch & Spa, a pop-up beauty and wellness destination designed to help festgoers look great, feel great while recharging throughout the four-day event.

Located directly inside the fest grounds, Wellness Ranch & Spa will offer a curated menu of appointment-based beauty, styling and recovery services — bringing a full self-care experience to fans attending CCMF this June.

Created specifically for music festivals and major live events, Wellness Ranch & Spa makes it easy for fans to stay refreshed and fest-ready without ever leaving the grounds. Whether preparing for a day of live music, getting ready for the evening’s headliners or recovering between sets, guests can book services designed to keep them energized all weekend long.

Appointments will be available to book in advance online starting Thursday, April 30, with walk-in availability offered onsite through the Wellness Ranch & Spa reception desk.

Festival Glam Meets Recovery Lounge
Wellness Ranch & Spa will feature a range of beauty, styling and recovery services tailored for the festival environment, offering fans a place to reset, refresh and recharge between performances.


Services will include:

  • Festival Hair Styling — Braids, styling and custom looks designed to last through long days of music, sun and dancing.
  • Express Festival Makeup — Glowing skin, glitter, gems and bold festival-ready looks designed for outdoor events.
  • Barber Services — Clean fades, line-ups and quick grooming services to keep guests looking sharp throughout the weekend.
  • Henna & Airbrush Tattoos — Hand-applied designs ranging from subtle accents to detailed festival-inspired artwork.
  • Permanent Jewelry — Custom-fit bracelets, anklets and rings welded onsite for a clasp-free piece designed to be worn forever.
  • Chair Massage — Quick recovery sessions focused on relieving tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
  • Red Light Therapy — Non-invasive light therapy designed to support muscle recovery and circulation.
  • Leg Compression Therapy — Recovery boots using rhythmic air pressure to help reduce fatigue and stimulate circulation.
  • Ice Baths — Guided cold exposure sessions designed to refresh and reset between long festival days.
  • Oxygen Bar — Aromatherapy-enhanced oxygen sessions designed to help guests recharge and re-energize.
  • IV Therapy — Hydration and recovery infusions designed to help guests recharge, restore energy and stay fest-ready throughout the weekend.

The experience will extend beyond the service area with an adjacent chill zone where fans can unwind and enjoy shaded lounge seating, a DJ and bar service between performances.

The addition of Wellness Ranch & Spa reflects CCMF’s continued focus on enhancing the overall fan experience by bringing lifestyle and wellness activations directly into the festival environment.

With one of the biggest lineups in festival history — featuring Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cole Swindell, Tucker Wetmore, Justin Mooreand more than 40 artists performing across multiple stages — fans will have the opportunity to pair world-class country music with unique experiences throughout the fest grounds.

Now entering its second decade, Carolina Country Music Fest continues to evolve into a full-scale destination experience, blending live music, fan activations and immersive experiences along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Carolina Country Music Fest returns June 4–7, 2026. Tickets and additional information are available at CarolinaCountryMusicFest.com. For the latest updates, follow Carolina Country Music Fest on FacebookInstagramX and TikTok.

About CCMF:
Carolina Country Music Fest™, (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the Boardwalk within the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place. CCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars with 40+ artists at the beach, June 4th-7th, 2026. CCMF hosts a unique blend of today’s country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers and locals favorites on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic beach backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About Wellness Ranch & Spa: 
Wellness Ranch & Spa is CCMF’s elevated pop-up beauty and wellness destination, designed to bring festival-ready style and recovery experiences directly to the heart of the event. Created for music festivals and large-scale live events, the concept offers a curated menu of appointment-based services that allow guests to look their best, feel their best and recharge without ever leaving the grounds. Blending beauty, wellness and convenience, Wellness Ranch & Spa is an extension of the CCMF experience — where long days in the sun, nonstop music and unforgettable moments are matched with opportunities to reset, refresh and stay energized all weekend long.

About Southern Entertainment:
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company with an unwavering commitment to excellence that has produced more than 500 events across the United States. For more information, visit www.southernentertainment.com

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Charleston Welcomes a Rodin Tour de Force – New Exhibit at The Gibbes through January 17, 2027

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Rare showing of fourteen sculptural masterpieces in bronze of Auguste Rodin at the Gibbes Museum of Art – On view through January 17, 2027 

Rodin is one of the biggest names in the history of art, and the Gibbes Museum of Art is honored to ăring fourteen of his bronzes to Charleston for the next year,” says Dr. H. Alexander Rich, the President and CEO of the Gibbes.

Perhaps best known for his iconic Thinker, Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) is considered the founder of modern sculpture, bringing the glory of bronze figuration into the modern age. At the peak of his career, he was regarded as the greatest sculptor since Michelangelo, transforming sculpture into an art that conveyed the vitality of the human spirit and creating his own immediately recognizaăle form of artistic expression. Rodin is considered as seminal to the creation of modern sculpture as Manet, Monet, van Gogh, and Cézanne are to the creation of modern painting.

The exhibition Rodin: All the Truth ofi Nature will feature fourteen of Rodin’s extraordinary ăronze sculptures on long-term loan to the Gibbes thanks to a partnership with the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation and the Iris Cantor Trust. From 1946 through the 1990s, the Cantors grew their collection of Rodins into the world’s largest private collection of Rodin work. Their intention was to share the collection with the wide public, and the arrival of these bronzes in Charleston continues this mission.

“This exhibition and long-term loan is a coup for our city. When art lovers walk into the Gibbes they will be greeted with celebrated examples of Rodin’s work, just as they might see in New York, London, or Paris,” says Dr. Rich. The undisputed star sculptor of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Rodin revived for the modern world the expressive, theatrical, and supremely naturalistic styles associated with Ancient Greek ăronzes of the distant past.

He did not gain his first commission until he was 40 years old in 1880, and that commission became the central focus of twenty years of his life and career. While the Gates ofi Hell forever remains Rodin’s unfinished masterpiece (he never saw it translated to bronze in his lifetime), this exhibition features one of the early maquettes for the Gates. In it, viewers can see the ideas and overall composition for the Gates forming, with abstract renderings of future iconic sculptures like The ThinkerThe Kiss, and The Three Shades already present.

Rodin’s genius lay in his ability to model sculpture that captured the moving and evolving figure, and that combined bodies in ways that expressed emotions and provoked responses.Because both during his lifetime and after his death his work could ăe seen all over the world, it is celebrated for its innovations, risks, and inventiveness. Rodin continues to influence artists as an example of one who accepted ăeing controversial if it meant ăeing true to his own aesthetic ideals. “Rodin’s mastery is something viewers never forget after they come face to face with his ability to make bronze come to life. Rodinevoked emotions through sculpted human forms in ways that are second to none,” adds Dr. Rich.

Rodin made his personal passions the suătexts of his artworks, with a sexual candor that today is often still astonishing. And in authorizing posthumous casts of his work, Rodin ăecame a pioneer for other artists who made art to ăe faăricated ăy others – artists like Sol Lewitt and El Anatsui.

Another way Rodin modernized sculpture was ăy insisting that a part of a figure – such as a torso or a hand – could ăy itself convey meaning and thus ăe a complete work of art. He found such meaning in fragments of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture ăeing unearthed in archaeological digs during his lifetime, the last half of the nineteenth century.

In this exhibition, intentional partial figures like Torso of the Walking Man convey his response to these unintentional fragments. And they point forward to sculptures of body parts created ăy artists of today.

Study for Torso of the Walking Man, by Auguste Rodin. Foundry: Coubertin. Bronze, brown with green, Musée Rodin cast 10 of 12, 1979. Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation (20 1/2 x 10 3/4 x 8 inches) 40 lbs.

One more way Rodin is modern: marketing. His goal was to make significant artwork and to ăe famous and wealthy because of it. He used the resources availaăle to him in the worlds of art and media to achieve his goal.

He was also eager to pick up the mantle of “master sculptor” not merely in his work as an instructor of artisans ăut also in the eyes of the wider puălic; he wanted recognition like that which had ăeen ascriăed to his own precursors like Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

“The opportunity to present Rodin’s ăronze sculptures for a full year is hopefully a gift for our community and for every art lover. We want museum goers of all ages to ăe able to experience the magnitude of Rodin’s artistic prowess, and for artists in our community to be inspired by his example to create wondrous art of their own,” adds Dr. Rich.

Installation photo by MCG photography.

Three Shades, by Auguste Rodin. Foundry: Coubertin. Bronze, dark brown. Musée Rodin, cast 10 in an edition of unknown size, 1981. Iris Cantor as Trustee of the Iris Cantor Trust (40 3/4 x 37 1/2 x 20 1/2 inches) 325 lbs.

Installation photo by MCG photography.

Installation photo by Banks Creative/Erin Banks.

Installation photos by Banks Creative/Erin Banks.

About the Gibbes Museum ofi Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South for arts and culture since 1858 when the Museum’s art collection was founded as the Carolina Art Association, is heralded as one of the earliest and most longstanding arts institutions in the United States.

The Museum’s collection spans 350 years, and features some of the country’s most celeărated artists ‒ including contemporary, modern and historical works. With world-class rotating exhibitions and a dynamic visiting artist residency program, the Gibbes is a southern museum with a gloăal perspective.

The Museum’s mission is to enhance lives through art ăy engaging people of every ăackground and experience with art andartists of enduring quality, providing opportunities to learn and discover, to enjoy and ăe inspired ăy the creative process.

The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation

The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation promotes and recognizes excellence in the arts and enhances cultural life internationally through its support for art exhiăitions and scholarship and for the endowment of galleries and sculpture gardens at major museums. Most unusual for philanthropic foundations, the Cantor Foundation also owns a significant collection of Rodin sculpture. During the last four decades it has loaned individual works and entire exhiăitions to museums in more than 160 cities in Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. Nearly eleven million people have seen these shows.

Monumental Head of Jean D’Aire, by Auguste Rodin. Foundry: Georges Rudier. Bronze, very dark brown with green undertones. Cast 5. Iris Cantor as Trustee of the Iris Cantor Trust. (26 ¾ x 20 x 22 ½ inches) 200 lbs.

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Spring Awakens in the Pines: Summerville’s Festival Season Offers Something for Everyone

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By Mark A Leon

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — As winter fades and azaleas burst into brilliant shades of pink and white, Summerville steps confidently into its most vibrant time of year. Known as the “Flower Town in the Pines,” this charming Lowcountry community comes alive each spring with a calendar packed full of festivals, concerts, markets, and cultural events that draw both locals and visitors alike.

From nationally recognized celebrations to intimate community gatherings, the spring season in Summerville reflects the town’s unique blend of Southern hospitality, artistic spirit, and small-town charm. Whether you’re strolling beneath blooming oaks, browsing handmade goods, or enjoying live music in the heart of downtown, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the season.

Below is a look at 10 festivals and events you won’t want to miss this spring in Summerville:

Flowertown Festival (March 27–29, 2026)

The signature event of the season, the Flowertown Festival transforms Azalea Park into a bustling showcase of art, food, and Southern culture. Drawing more than 200,000 visitors annually, it remains one of the Southeast’s premier arts festivals.

🔗 https://www.summervilledowntown.com/events/flowertown-festival/


Third Thursday Concert Series (March–May)

Held in Hutchinson Square, this free monthly concert series invites the community to gather for live music, food trucks, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

🔗 https://summervilledream.org

Summerville Farmers Market Opening Day (April 2026)

The return of the farmers market signals the true start of spring, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and locally crafted items in the heart of downtown.

🔗 https://summervilledream.org

Summerville Wine & Food Festival (Spring 2026)

Celebrating Lowcountry flavors, this event pairs regional cuisine with curated wine selections for an elevated culinary experience.

🔗 https://www.eventsinsummerville.com

Public Works Art Center Spring Exhibits

Seasonal exhibitions and gallery events showcase local and regional artists, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers this spring.

🔗 https://publicworksartcenter.org



Azalea Park Spring Blooms & Community Events

Beyond a single event, Azalea Park serves as the scenic centerpiece of the season, hosting informal gatherings, picnics, and photo-worthy strolls among its iconic blooms.

🔗 https://summervillesc.gov

Spring Artisan Markets (Various Dates)

Pop-up markets throughout downtown and surrounding areas highlight local makers, offering everything from handcrafted goods to specialty foods.

🔗 https://www.whatsupsummerville.com

Strawberry Festivals at Local Farms (April–May)

A regional favorite, these festivals feature strawberry picking, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities just minutes from downtown.

🔗 https://lowcountrylocalfirst.org

Flowertown Players Spring Performances

Live theater rounds out the season with a slate of engaging performances, showcasing local talent and beloved productions.

🔗 https://flowertownplayers.org

A Season Worth Celebrating

With its blend of natural beauty and community-driven events, Summerville continues to define what makes springtime in the Lowcountry so special. Whether attending a major festival or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon beneath blooming azaleas, the season offers countless opportunities to connect, celebrate, and experience the best of this growing town.

As the calendar fills and the flowers reach full bloom, one thing is certain—spring in Summerville is not to be missed.

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World Premiere of “The Ocean We Swim In” at PURE Theatre – April 16 – May 9, 2026 – Tickets now available

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Charleston, SC (For Immediate Release) –  PURE Theatre is proud to announce the World Premiere of a new play inspired by the lives of two now-forgotten Lowcountry artists. Written by local playwright Brad Erickson, The Ocean We Swim In uncovers haunting secrets of the past and offers a path to reconciliation. Directed by Sharon Graci, performances will run from April 16 to May 9 at the Cannon Street Arts Center. 

In the quiet of the South Carolina Lowcountry, a recently canceled art critic seeks refuge with his husband. But exile to the South Carolina marshes unexpectedly offers one last chance at redemption – if the critic is willing to take down a nearly 100-year-old local art legend to do it.

“I’m thrilled that The Ocean We Swim In is receiving its world premiere at PURE Theatre here in Charleston”, says playwright Brad Erickson. “The play is not only set in the Lowcountry, it is steeped in Lowcountry history and characters. PURE Theatre, with its long commitment to new work and expertise in bringing new plays to life, is the perfect company for this very personal play’s first production.”

The production features Michael Smallwood, Andrew Puckett, Joy Vandervort-Cobb, and R.W. Smith. 

Tickets for The Ocean We Swim In range from $47 to $53. Pay-What-You-Will performances will take place on April 16 and April 22, with tickets available for online purchase one week before opening. Student tickets are available for $15 for every performance. The production is also available through the Season 23 Flex Pass, offered in 3- or 5-ticket options that include flexible scheduling and additional perks. Tickets and Flex Passes are available now at puretheatre.org

Additional information about The Ocean We Swim In can be found on PURE’s website or by calling the box office at 843.723.4444 (Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm).


ABOUT PURE THEATRE

Founded in 2003, PURE Theatre is Charleston’s award-winning professional theatre company, now in its 23rd season. Built around a resident ensemble of actors, directors, and designers, PURE produces bold contemporary plays—often Southeastern and regional premieres—that bring the most current voices in American theatre to Charleston. Known for its quality, intimacy, and consistency, PURE offers audiences a boutique cultural experience that complements the city’s historic and culinary landscape. Grounded by a five-play mainstage season, PURE also produces educational and touring programs, strengthening Charleston’s arts ecology and contributing to its reputation as a world-class cultural destination.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci (Co-founder and Artistic Director), Rodney Lee Rogers (Co-founder and Director of New Media and Production), David Mandel (Associate Artistic Director), Joy Vandervort-Cobb (Associate Artistic Director), Shivam Patel (Director of Education), Meagan McMahon (Patron Experience and Marketing Manager), and Tippy Trombly (Patron Experience and Marketing Associate).

Serving on PURE Theatre’s board of directors are Stephanie Hunt (President), Brad Erickson (Vice Chair), James M. Ward, CPA (Treasurer), Michael Culler, Amy Gaffney, David Smalls, Liza Elsner, Bea Wray, and Josh Wilhoit.

Photo Credit: David Mandel

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Where Creativity Comes to Life: Why Art Charleston Is the Cultural Experience You Can’t Miss in 2026

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By Mark A Leon

If you’re looking for a meaningful, creative, and distinctly Charleston experience this spring, Art Charleston is one you shouldn’t miss. Taking place April 22–26, 2026, this five-day celebration—hosted by the Gibbes Museum of Art—brings together artists, thinkers, and the community through immersive events, lectures, and hands-on experiences. 

At its core, Art Charleston is about connection—connecting people to art, to ideas, and to each other. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just curious, participating gives you access to behind-the-scenes perspectives, inspiring conversations, and unforgettable moments that reflect the city’s vibrant creative culture. 

Why You Should Participate

  • Engage with artists and experts through panels, lectures, and workshops
  • Experience Charleston’s creative energy in a uniquely immersive setting
  • Support the local arts community and cultural institutions
  • Discover new perspectives through visual art, design, and storytelling
  • Enjoy a mix of social and educational events for all interests

🌟 Top Highlight Events



Art Charleston isn’t just an event—it’s an invitation to see the world differently. In a city known for its rich culture and artistic heritage, this festival stands out as a must-attend experience that blends tradition with fresh, modern creativity. Whether you attend one event or the full lineup, you’ll walk away inspired—and maybe even looking at Charleston in a whole new way.

Photo Credit: Art Charleston

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General Frank McKenzie selected as 21st president of The Citadel

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The Citadel Board of Visitors announced today that they have selected Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), ’79, to serve as the 21st president of The Citadel.

Gen. McKenzie, one of the four finalists selected by the presidential search committee earlier this spring, is currently serving as the Executive Director of the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute and the Executive Director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida.

“The Citadel is incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to bring Gen. McKenzie back to campus as the 21st President,” said Greg Delleney, ’74, chairman of the BOV. “We had an outstanding pool of candidates and an exceptionally strong shortlist of finalists making this decision extremely difficult. Having Gen. McKenzie, with his experience as a theater commander and an academic institution leader, agree to lead The Citadel is a reflection of the outstanding institution we currently have and our bright future.”


“I am honored and humbled to come home to The Citadel,” said McKenzie. “This is where it all began for me. I look forward to giving back some of the things that were given to me during my time as a cadet. Marilyn and I are excited and energized about the opportunities ahead.”

McKenzie also said, “I would also like to take a moment to recognize the remarkable things that my classmate and friend, Gen. Glenn Walters, has done for our college. He and Gail have given it their all. I also want to thank the Board of Visitors for their faith in me. It will not be misplaced. We’re excited about getting to work!”

The BOV voted on the morning of Saturday, March 21, just as the college marked its 183rdbirthday with the annual Corps Day celebrations. The vote for McKenzie was unanimous.

A career infantry officer, McKenzie was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at The Citadel, where he majored in English. Over more than four decades of service, he held a wide range of command and staff positions, including serving as Commander of Marine Forces Central Command and Director of the Joint Staff. His final military position was as the Commander, United States Central Command where he was responsible for all US military operations in a vast area of the world covering the Middle East and South Asia.

McKenzie holds an advanced degree from The Citadel Graduate College and is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College as well as the School of Advanced Warfighting. He was a Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow at the National Defense University.

Since retiring from active duty, McKenzie became the Executive Director of the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute in May 2022. In July 2022, he also became the Executive Director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida.

The current president of The Citadel, Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.), ’79, will retire at the end of June 2026. He announced his retirement in December of last year, following nearly 50 years of service to his country and his alma mater. Under General Walters’s leadership, The Citadel has undergone significant infrastructure, academic and financial improvements. McKenzie will inherit a high-performing institution that is ranked as the #1 Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report. 

The new President is scheduled to begin his tenure at The Citadel on July 1, 2026.

Source: The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

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Charleston’s Spring Surge: Bold New Restaurants and Shops Redefining the Lowcountry Scene in 2026

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston County’s dining and retail scene continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with several highly anticipated restaurants and shops slated to open in April and May 2026. As the Lowcountry heads into peak spring tourism season, these new concepts reflect both national trends and Charleston’s ever-growing appetite for diverse, experience-driven spaces.

One of the most talked-about openings is PopUp Bagels, a popular Northeast-based concept bringing its fresh, small-batch bagels and rotating schmears to downtown Charleston. Expected to open on Mary Street, the shop has built a cult following for its simple, high-quality approach and weekend drop-style service. 

Bareo


Another exciting addition is Bareo, a Filipino-Japanese concept that blends dumplings, street food flavors, and kakigōri (Japanese shaved ice). This locally driven project highlights Charleston’s increasing embrace of global cuisine, particularly from Southeast Asia, and is expected to draw both locals and visitors looking for something new. 

Spring will also welcome a new Italian dining experience at 465 Meeting Street called V Modern Italian. The restaurant, part of a European hospitality group, is expected to debut in late spring with a modern take on Italian classics, adding to Charleston’s already strong lineup of upscale Mediterranean concepts. 

V Modern Italian


In the retail and mixed-use space, Odd Duck Market is expanding its footprint with a move into downtown Charleston. Known for its curated grocery offerings and community-focused vibe in North Charleston, the new location is expected to blend specialty retail with prepared foods—continuing the trend of hybrid market-eateries. 

Additionally, several hospitality-driven concepts tied to waterfront developments that began opening in March—such as new café, wine bar, and casual dining spots near Concord Street—will likely see full operational momentum in April and May, further energizing Charleston’s harbor front dining scene. 

Overall, spring 2026 in Charleston County signals a continued shift toward experiential dining, global flavors, and multi-use spaces that combine food, retail, and community. Whether it’s a quick bagel run, an inventive fusion meal, or a curated market experience, the region’s newest openings are poised to add fresh energy to an already vibrant culinary landscape.

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Odd Duck Market

Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network to Host Dolphin Week, April 20- 25, 2026

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“The Next Best Thing to Shark Week!”

Charleston, South Carolina: The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network’s (LMMN) 9th annual Dolphin Week will be April 20-25, 2026. Events are family-friendly and for all experience levels. Tickets are now available for Charleston events including:

  • beach yoga with Erin Gray at sunset on Breach Inlet
  • sunset boating with Barrier Islands Eco Tours
  • kayak tour with Coastal Expeditions at sunset
  • College of Charleston staff and faculty exclusive screening of the documentary ‘Stranded’
  • Happy Hour on Shem Creek – Meet the LMMN Team at Vickery’s Muddy’s Dockside Bar

Dolphin Week is one of LMMN’s largest annual fundraising events and proceeds go towards LMMN’s efforts to protect the Lowcountry’s dolphins and whales through science, awareness and conservation.

Dolphin Week culminates with Dolphin Count, on Saturday April 25. During this event, community members will volunteer together with marine mammal experts across multiple Charleston area locations to help collect valuable dolphin population data. These “community scientists” will also learn about Charleston’s local dolphins; how to raise awareness; ways to view dolphins responsibly; and help inspire the next generation of marine stewards.

“Charleston is lucky to have resident dolphins, but without conservation efforts, we all risk the loss of this amazing natural resource,” said Lauren Rust, Executive Director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. “Dolphin Week and Dolphin Count are great ways to engage the community in our work with a common goal of learning about how to protect local dolphins and their environment”.

Dolphin Week and Dolphin Count activities are sponsored in part by Orca level sponsor Dominion Energy and Spinner level sponsor Everything Zen Sailing.

For a full event schedule and more information about Dolphin Week and LMMN, please visit: www.LMMN.org

About the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network: The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) is a 501(c)3nonprofit focused on protecting marine mammals in South Carolina waters. Their mission is to raise awareness about marine mammals in coastal South Carolina, educate the general public on federal regulations, and foster young stewards in ways to protect both marine mammals and their environment.

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United Composite Materials, LLC selects Greenville County for first South Carolina operation

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$17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – United Composite Materials, LLC (United Composite Materials), an advanced carbon composite materials manufacturer, today announced it selects Greenville County for its first South Carolina operation. The company’s $17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs. 

The company’s new site is located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer. United Composite Materials will use the property’s existing two facilities as specialized manufacturing plants to supply the North American sports and leisure composite markets with advanced carbon composite material.

Operations are expected to be online in July 2026. Individuals interested in joining the United Composite Materials team should visit readySC’s recruitment website for more information.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements. 

QUOTES

“We are excited to establish our first South Carolina manufacturing facility in Greenville County. This strategic investment allows us to be closer to our North American customers and leverage the region’s exceptional workforce. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Greer community.” -United Composite Materials, LLC CEO Yunho Cho

“From its site availability to its skilled workforce, South Carolina leads the way in advanced manufacturing. United Composite Materials’ $17.5 million investment in Greenville County reflects the business-friendly environment found in the Palmetto State.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“With the creation of 50 new jobs, United Composite Materials’ decision to establish operations in Greenville County is a win for our state. Economic development in key industries like advanced manufacturing supports South Carolina’s continued growth and success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are excited to welcome United Composite Materials, LLC to Greenville County and the city of Greer. This investment highlights the collaborative environment we have built to support business growth and reinforces Greenville County’s importance to South Carolina’s economy. We look forward to partnering with United Composite Materials as they grow and succeed here.” -Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • United Composite Materials, LLC (United Composite Materials) selects Greenville County for its first South Carolina operation.
  • The company’s $17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
  • United Composite Materials is an advanced carbon composite materials manufacturer.
  • The company will be located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the United Composite Materials team should visit readySC’s recruitment website.

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Joint Base Charleston Welcomes 16th Airlift Squadron Home from Deployment

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JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – Joint Base Charleston proudly welcomed home Airmen from the 16th Airlift Squadron last week after a successful deployment supporting global mobility operations. The returning Airmen were greeted by family, friends, and base leadership.

Throughout their deployment, the members of the 16th Airlift Squadron executed high-tempo missions, delivering critical cargo and personnel in support of joint and coalition forces. Their efforts were vital to sustaining global operations and projecting American airpower.


“We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication of the aircrew, maintenance, and operations support professionals from the 16th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron,” said Colonel Patrick McClintock, Commander of the 437th Airlift Wing. “Their commitment to the mission, in the face of unprecedented airlift demands, is a testament to their character and training. We also extend our deepest gratitude to their families, whose unwavering support and sacrifice on the home front make these critical missions possible. We are thrilled to have them home, as they prepare to support ongoing operations. It is this level of dedication, across the entire team, that serves as the very backbone of our nation’s security and global readiness.”

The 16th Airlift Squadron’s mission is to equip combat-ready air crews for worldwide airlift operations, ranging from airdrop capabilities to aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief missions. They are a critical component of projecting power into theater drop zones and austere airfields globally.

The success of the 16th Airlift Squadron’s deployment would not have been possible without the unwavering support of their families, loved ones and community. Joint Base Charleston extends a heartfelt thank you to the families for their resilience and sacrifice. Welcome home, 16th Airlift Squadron!

Photo credit: Joint Base Charleston

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