The Hell Hole Swamp Festival is held during the first full weekend of May. For those in the Lowcountry at that time, the event is quite memorable. The 2-day festival includes music, arts & crafts, antique and classic car shows, unique various contest and amusement rides both days.
The activities begin on Friday with amusement rides, a cook-off and a party in the park.

The festival includes unusual events by modern standards, including a spitting contest, a legs contest, arm wrestling, a parade, the Miss Hell Hole beauty pageant, and a race called the Hell Hole Gator Trot. The Hell Hole Gator Trot is the Lowcountry’s oldest 10k race. Winners of the race receive fake alligator heads as trophies and get to participate in the parade, held after the race.

The festival kicks off with a parade, the likes of which you just won't see in the big cities in our state. 

Each year some lucky strong arm takes home the trophy for the annual arm wrestling competition. Ladies, don't worry... they have one for you too.

The heritage of Hell Hole Swamp is evident in this annual festival that features some down-home music. The stage... is a front porch, of course. 

You'll also find arts and crafts, children's field games and an antique tractor show on tap.

No backroads festival in South Carolina would be complete, of course, without a midway. It's not a huge carnival, but it works and the kids love it.