The mission of the South Carolina Gourd Society (SCGS) is educational in nature and accomplishes this by encouraging and supporting presentations, displays and seminars and by providing educational resources and exhibits. The SCGS has differing levels of creativity for young and old, creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art that started with the foundation of a seed, soil, nutrition, water, and a burst from the sun. Representing the South, we are proud to lift from natures own and place the fingerprints of the human soul upon it.

Results of Election
 President:Dickie Martin
Vice-Pres.Terry Humphries
Treasurer/Membership Chair.:Linda Kincaid
 Publicity/Promotions: Debbie Wilson

2013 Ghost Creek Gourd Fest

The South Carolina Gourd Society and Ghost Creek Gourds now have another Gourd Fest to their credit. The 8th Annual Ghost Creek Gourd Fest was held Saturday April 27th from 8:30-5:00 in Laurens at Ghost Creek Gourd Farm. The day was a little wet with rains coming and going but the temperature wasn’t bad so we were able to continue with all the plans. The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and we all had a good time. Turnout was great for such a gloomy day, even kept the car parking crew busy.

 A variety of workshops were offered giving folks an opportunity to fine-tune their skills as well as giving a few newbys a chance to be bitten by the gourd bug. I want to say a very special “Thank You” to the instructors, which included Betty Bloomfield, Jo Kimble, Iris Durand, Lee Tuttle, Patty Chadd, Linda Kincaid, Cass Meinardi, Sherry Briscoe, and Debbie Wilson. They were great and all we heard were positive comments from their classes. Also a big “Thank You” to the many other folks helping to make the day a success, Marianne Barnes with Instructor recruitment, Terry Humphries and her assistants with the Fundraiser Tent, Jackie Jurecek and Larry Kincaid at the SCGS Sales Tent, Kristi Hull with her many assist before and during the event including the Kid’s Tent, Andrea Pulliam as Workshop Registrar, Linda Kincaid for keeping all the finances straight, and Christine Pace with the wonderful bird pins at the Make-n-Take Tent. Let’s not forget the delicious BBQ cooked by John Wilson again this year. “John we did miss you and your smiling face but enjoyed the BBQ. Thank you”. A big “Thank you” needs to go to our family and to our neighbors because without them we wouldn’t be able to pull this all together on Ghost Creek Road.

 For the past 2 years there has been a competition between the state patches for the Patch donation to the Goodie Bags(given to workshop students & Society members attending GourdFest). The item/items are judged based on usefulness in working with gourds. The prize this year was bottles of Adirondack Inks for the patch. Congratulations to Cypress Patch from Sumter for the winning donation. The board will be meeting soon to review this year’s festival and discuss plans for the 2014 one. We will post the date as soon as it is finalized so you can get it on your calendar. Hope to see y’all at the 2014 Gourd Fest. Linda Martin 2013 Gourd Fest Chairman,

Pictures of the Festival