40th Annual Southeastern Wildlife Expo Has Something For Everyone

Art, Exhibits, Demonstrations, Shopping, Entertainment and Food & Drink Abound at SEWE

By: Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer

Aside from Spoleto USA and the Cooper River Bridge Run, not many festivals or events have been hosted on a continual basis in Charleston as the Southeastern Wildlife Expo. Now celebrating its 40th year, the weekend festival brings tens of thousands outdoor enthusiasts to the Holy City each and every February and is the premier event that kicks off the festival season in greater Charleston.

There are the high-profile events during SEWE that usually catch everyone’s fancy. Outdoor types, hunters, and families with kids seem to gravitate to the Dock Dogs competition as well as the Sheep & Duck Herding demonstrations at Brittlebank Park. The Birds of Prey, reptile demonstrations as well as Chef’s Demo’s taking place in in Marion Square delight several attendees.

Aside from smaller private events a lot of the focus year in and year out seems to be on Brittlebank, Gaillard, and Marion Square which just happens to be situated in the center of downtown Charleston. There are a few events that happen outside the confines of downtown Charleston but primarily the central point to many SEWE events center on the exhibits and shopping at the aforementioned locations.

The Gaillard Center host the popular SEWE Marketplace featuring a mix of creations by outstanding local, regional and national exhibitors including handcrafted furniture, woodworking, leather goods, jewelry, knife makers and more unique finds. Television personality and animal expert Jeff Corwin’s live shows are a crowd favorite and take place at the Gaillard as is the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show.

But in case you didn’t know there is a whole lot more to enjoy downtown if you only care to stray a little off the beaten path. You’ll discover interesting exhibits at several Charleston County libraries, art & fashion shows at locals’ hotels. Perhaps the most often overlooked venue is the Belmond Hotel at Charleston Place. One of the premier destinations on the peninsula, Charleston Place is one of the premier locations for SEWE. The entire second floor of the renowned hotel is over-run with a plethora of SEWE exhibits pertaining to wildlife art, hunting, fishing, and unique shopping opportunities.

Among the featured artists this year are Julie Rogers, Jim Bortz, Beverly Ford Evans, Cole Johnson, and returning low country artist Hillarie Lambert. Montana’s Ott Jones and Pennsylvania native Tom Horn are just a few of the sculptors featured at Charleston Place, alongside South Carolina’s own Blaise Lareau with his wood carvings. For complete list of artists and their respective works visit https://www.sewe.com/artists/

Among the vendors are set up in the second-floor corridor above the main lobby are Norton Hodges (hats, handbags, jewelry), Nancy Krause custom jewelry, and Charleston’s own Gold Creations Fine Jewelry. Further stroll the hallway and you’ll discover exquisite furniture by Landrum Tables, or step inside one of the many side rooms where Beretta out of Dallas Texas carry a full line of firearms, from pistols to shotguns to Premium Grade side-by-side Express rifles. There are also opportunities to buy gun holsters and similar accessories.

Inside their main ball room and the accompanying atrium, you’ll discover dozens and dozens of artisans offering up everything from wildlife paintings created from oils, chalk, and a variety of natural substances. From outdoor landscapes to vivid animal imagery, there is something for everyone while strolling the indoor aisles. Over 90 artists on display. The upside is visitors and locals get to witness one of the most prominent hotels in Charleston providing dining and shopping opportunities, and the Belmond is at the front door to the historic Charleston Market.

By far the core of all the activities centers around Marion Square. It is the epicenter for die hard nature lovers, pet friendly families, and the those who just love to enjoy a great social atmosphere. A good mix of food & drink, shopping, exhibits, seminars, and live music. When mother nature cooperates like she is this weekend it’s just fun to be at Marion Square.

Enjoy the Conservation Village, live educational performances, food from area eateries and live music, many children’s activities and the popular Edisto Island Serpentarium tent. The Center for Birds of Prey conduct free flight demonstrations in the arena at Marion Square, with Orianne Society offering up why reptiles and amphibians are an essential part of our ecosystem.

Inside the larger tent you’ll find plenty of edibles including spreadables from the likes of Adams Apple allowing you to sample Bold Apple Bourbon Grilling Sauce and Cider Slaw Dressing. Just across the way there’s Holy City’s Charleston Spice Company offering up flavors from around the world and right here in the low country. Inside you can sample awesom handheld snacks from Lowcountry Kettle Chips with familiar low country flavors such as Bulls Bay Sea Salt, Spicy Pimento Cheese, and the even spicier Carolina Reaper. Enjoy the unique blend of boiled peanuts from Luray Peanut Co. which provide convenient frozen bagged peanuts you can just pop in the microwave for easy heat & eat snacking.

Need a new pair of sunglasses, Shades of Charleston have been a SEWE partner for 20 years and sell some of the finest sunglasses and accessories you’ll find in the low country including selections from Costa, Maui Jim, and their all-new signature brand Cordina Eyewear.

Take part in cooking demos, enjoy live music, sample eclectic bites, sip wine, sample craft beer and shop. Seaside Grown have plenty of their products available where you can enjoy bloody Mary’s as well. It doesn’t matter if you’re an outdoor or a nature lover, the Southeastern Wildlife Expo has something for everyone of all ages. Come join the party at the 40th anniversary of this epic event. For complete details visit https://www.sewe.com/

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