NEWS BRIEFS: 39th Southeastern Wildlife Expo set for Feb. 11-14

“Onward,” by Mark Kelvin Horton. Image via SEWE.

Staff reports  |  The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition last week announced provisional plans to hold its 39th annual celebration of wildlife art and the great outdoors in downtown Charleston on Feb. 11 to Feb. 14. For the first time — in recognition of health and safety — the organization will limit the number of tickets to a quarter of its typical capacity and will suspend transportation and shuttle services.

“Even during these times of uncertainty, there is a spirit among SEWE that calls upon us to aim for an event in 2021. For nearly 40 years, SEWE has brought us together on Presidents’ Day Weekend and we are committed to continuing these traditions next year,” said SEWE Executive Director John Powell. “Planning during these uncertain times in our world has not been without its challenges, but the SEWE team is optimistic about our event’s future. As we earnestly move forward with preparations for next year, we also recognize the possibility that we may be facing different circumstances in 2021. We will continue on with our plans for February, but want to assure you that public health and safety will take precedence.” 

According to a press release, SEWE organizers are working with the city of Charleston and meeting regularly with local and state public agencies. On-site plans for the event are evolving as regulations change, but safety remains the top priority. SEWE officials said they will modify its show for the comfort and safety of attendees, including a reduced footprint, limited attendance and a new ticket structure. 

Events will be held at two sites: Brittlebank Park and, across the street, the Charleston Marriott. Brittlebank Park will present sporting guides and outfitters, DockDogs® competitions, canine demonstrations from herding and retrieving breeds, conservation organizations and more. The Charleston Marriott will house the Fine Art Gallery and its artists, as well as a curated exhibit of artisans and craftsmen. 

The event will implement daily attendance limits by selling 25 percent of its typical capacity for general admission tickets and VIP packages. A reduction and cap in attendance for 2021 will allow SEWE to follow social distancing guidelines and monitor crowds. 

General admission tickets (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) will be sold for $35 and will include access to all SEWE venues, entry to live demonstrations and entertainment and free admission for kids (no advance registration required). Tickets for SEWE 2021 will be sold exclusively online at sewe.com. Patrons who use promo code SEWE2021 before January 11, 2021 will receive 20 percent off general admission tickets. New information regarding ticket types and policies can also be found on the SEWE website.

Charleston artist Mark Kelvin Horton is the SEWE Featured Artist for the 2021 event. Known for his unique paintings of Lowcountry landscapes, Horton represents the heart and soul of southern life in each of his pieces. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities, while capturing the authentic beauty and essence of the moments that inspire him. His piece, Onward, has been selected as the Featured Painting and subject of the Official SEWE 2021 Poster.

• For more information on the event, please email sewe@sewe.com, visit sewe.com or call 843.723.1748.

Also in recent news:

Remembering Mayo.  The city of Charleston and Charleston Parks Conservancy planted a live oak tree Dec. 4 in Hampton park to recognize Arbor Day and in memory of the late Mayo Read, who influenced the planting of more than 1,000 trees in the city during his life.  Noted Mayor John Tecklenburg: “Mayo Read was a remarkable man, and I was honored to help plant this tree in his memory, adding it to the canopy of thousands of others he helped plant throughout our city. Together, they not only beautify our city and clean our air, but they remind us of the kinds of truly admirable citizens who make Charleston such a special place.”

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Legislation pre-filing starts this week.  Members of the S.C. House and S.C. Senate will be able to pre-file legislation for the 2021 session on Dec. 9.  House members also will be able to submit new bills on Dec. 16.  Because the two-year session begins anew in 2021, any legislation unapproved in 2020 must be resubmitted.  More.

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S.C. chief justice closes all state jury trials.  S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty has ruled temporary closure of all state jury trials due to the rise in coronavirus cases. More.

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