Suppose you’re trying to immerse yourself in area culture and customs…plus have some fun at the same time. You know, sort of get in touch with your “inner hillbilly.” What’s a person to do?
Well, one good way to satisfy your mountaineer yearnings is to attend the 17th Annual Moonshiners’ Reunion on October 2nd and 3rd held at Plum Hollow Farm, 5015 Rainbow Lake Road in Campobello, South Carolina. The farm, also known as “Woodstick,” is near South Carolina’s “Dark Corners,” one of America’s moonshining hot spots back in the day.
The event, inspired by musician Barney Barnwell, offers camping, cooking out, indigenous music and artisans who practice true Southern Heritage skills such as broom-making, wood-carving, soap making, pottery, etc. Barnwell came up with the idea for the colorful festival after hearing tales of the moonshiners — many of them his relatives — who plied their trade in the area during the ’30s and ’40s.
It was his aim to salute these outlaws of yesteryear by writing and performing songs about their exploits, their myths and their unique contributions. Barnwell was also instrumental in arranging for South Carolina Educational Television to film a documentary on moonshining in the foothills. The film included interviews with several of the Barnwell clan.
Festival goers are encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in for the “all night pickin'” that has been so popular in past years. Campers will find no utility hook-ups, but the farm does provide a shower house. No pets, glass containers, or fireworks will be permitted. Camp spots are first-come-first-served. No one will be allowed into the festival until the gates open, and no vehicles will be allowed in or out after the festival begins.
Tickets to the festival are $25 per day or a weekend pass for $45. The ticket price is per person and includes camping, parking and all concerts. There are no advance tickets. You may purchase tickets on a first-come-first-served basis at the main gate, which will open to the public at noon on Friday.
The festival also has cabins for rent at the rate of $100 per night, again on a first-come-first-served basis. Some of the cabins sleep up to six people, some just two. For more details, call 864-592-9899 or 864-680-0225.