AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

It was graduation weekend and there were many proud graduates, parents, and grandparents. Congratulations to all who walked across the stage to receive their much-deserved diplomas.

Among those graduating were Hannah Leigh Anderson, Hannah Leonard, Matthew Alexander Berrens, Brice Leonard, Henry David Bolen. Zane Schmidt, Alexander Jacob Boozer, Kathy Ullsperger, Cassidy Elizabeth Bouknight, Jackson Robert Brady, Mark “Trey” Pierson Burns III, Madeline Clair Greene, Dylan Patrick Hanson, Hannah Manizna Hammett, Caylee Burgess, Laura Elizabeth Hope, Jackson Jeffcoat, Taylor Kamden Howell, Elizabeth RAchel Kroll, Will Perry Lott, Evann Mann, Andrea Faith Lyon, Hannah Louise Martin, Alexander William McNair, Jonathan Sellers O’Cain, Anna-Paige Pelfrey, Mary Kathryn Pelfry, Maggie Grace Salley, Tanner Buffett Send, Emily Anne Timmerman, Ryan Albert Watkins, Ramsey Ann Woods, Dillon March-ant, Zack Juhl, Laney Rodgers, Callie Helton, Alex Dawkins, Cooper Reynolds, Lexie Wack, J.T. Reeves, Jada Johnson, Jack Long, Jessie Merkel, Max Senf, Louisa Brunson, and Griffin Hiers.

The rains also came last week, to the delight of farmers, whose crops had endured intense heat and drought. Thunderstorms prevailed as outdoor plans made a quick change to indoor activity.

For your summertime entertainment, how about a visit to our Riverbanks Zoo, named one of the top 10 in the country?

Go to the movies at the zoo! Try the Twilight in the Garden Summer Movie Night. The zoo will present Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” June 14 at 6 pm. The movie actually starts at dusk. July 19, “The LIttle Mermaid” will be shown, as well as “The Good Dinosaur” on August

16.

There are numerous scheduled summer camps available for young people. Come out and learn about nature! To register or for information, call 803-779-8717.

Another adventure is a visit to learn our county’s history at the Lexington County Museum, 231 Fox St. in Lexington. The museum reports Tt will hold its annual Family Day June 22, 10 am-1 pm. The free event features children’s activities with historic games and toys and learning about everyday life in the 19th century.

Director J.R. Fennell and docents will welcome you and answer any questions you might have. Visitors will enjoy free hot dogs and drinks. For information, call 359-8369.

You can also go “out to the ballgame” by taking in a game of the Lexington County Blowfish. You can purchase an all-you-can-eat ticket package and marvel at the fireworks show. Groups are welcomed with special pricing. Owners Bill Shanahan and wife Vicki will welcome you.

Happy birthday to Katie Brodowski, Ellen Clark, Patrick Richey, Bill Taylor, Laura Taylor, Sheila Thompson, Johnny Whitehead, Parker Barnes, Lisa Catalanotto, Audrey Leaphart, Blenda Rhoden, Suzanne Cordell, Dixie Faulk, Nicole Sink, Jennifer Taylor, Sandy Dawkins, Marie Welch, Brent Caughman, Bret Harris, Susan Lee, James Renwick, David Scircle, Lucy Swaffield-Green, Faith Connelly, Alivia Rein, Joey Ward Jr., James Cout, Linda Lee, Terry Norton, Nathaniel Allen, Nancy Arnold, Doug Catoe, Christine Merkel, Ben Cochran, John Nowakoski, Holley Pontoon, Rene Wilkins, Mae Buzhardt, A.J. Dooley, Amy Davis, Patricia Ninemier, Debra Pate, Linda Toole, and my granddaughter Caroline Plowden.