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Writer's pictureMelissa Gibson

Great turnout for first year of Ag+Art Tour in Laurens County


The numbers aren’t finalized yet for the Ag+Art Tour but Christian Taylor, Tourism Marketing Manager for the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce is excited to see the report.


“I loved seeing all the people. I can’t wait to see where everyone came from and how many attendees we had. It was surprising the number of people I spoke to that said they were from upstate and the low country,” Taylor said.


Last weekend, Laurens County was the last stop on the annual, statewide tour hosted by Clemson Cooperative Extension.


It’s the largest free farm and art tour in the country and welcomes more than 85,000 visitors to counties across the state, including nearly 200 different sites.


In Laurens County, eight locations offered a variety of activities, educational opportunities and experiences.


Locations included Barefoot Acres in Fountain Inn, BioWay Farm in Ware Shoals, Dixieland Farm, the Laurens County Museum and the Joe R. Adair Outdoor Education Center in Laurens, LushAcres Farm and Waitman’s Garlic at Black Berry Hill Farm in Clinton and Will Do Jersey Farm in Kinards.


At each location, visitors could learn more about the farm, museum or outdoor space and various artisans set up vendor markets with their products to sell while others hosted demonstrations with live painting or craftmanship.


“Every site had something unique to offer. We had the opportunity to interact with animals, historical reenactments, canning demos, lectures and children’s activities,” Taylor said. “For example, at the dairy farm, visitors could name a calf and get up close for photos and they took tour of the farm.”


At each site, children could get face paintings, make their own beehive or jump in the inflatables from Big Air Laurens among other activities, allowing the entire family to join in on the fun.


The purpose of the tour is two-fold. Visitors learn more about areas they might not encounter at home and the farmers and artisans have an opportunity to share their talents with the public.


“The goal is for visitors to see where their food is coming from, watch live artists painting, purchase their work and learn more about rural life,” Taylor said. “The artisans were blown away by the people interested in their goods and its great exposure for them. This is a boost for local economy and brings recognition to the people of Laurens County.”


This is the first year Laurens County has participated in the tour but Taylor anticipates a return in 2025.


“It went really well. We had a great turnout and so much participation. It’s very educational; I learned things as I was planning the event. I think we know these things but we don’t see them in everyday life. It’s a different experience to visit and learn more at these locations,” Taylor said.

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