In September 1999, the town of Elloree completed a revitalization project, spending $1,200,000 to renovate the downtown business area, which encompasses the 2700 block of Cleveland Street. The project included the installation of new streets, sidewalks, and medians with brick trim, the addition of 36 shade trees, benches, landscaping, and new street lamps. New water lines, water meters, and storm drains were also added.

Approximately 19 downtown businesses have been sold to private investors, 13 of which were purchased and resold by the town. These are now being renovated to become homes to antique and specialty shops, art galleries, and cafes.

With the extension of the town's water lines along Cleveland Street to Santee State park, there are plans being discussed for new housing developments, inns, retirement communities, and other tourist related businesses.

In recent years, the town and its merchants have begun hosting numerous events, including the March Elloree Trials, March Trash to Treasures and Cooking on Cleveland Cook- Off, April Pork Fest, October Arts and Antiques Festival, and the December Small Town Christmas. This vibrant community is attracting visitors from across the state and has gained publicity as a family- friendly location for shopping and recreation.

Elloree Loyns Park Over the last 200 years, the Elloree community has grown from a two- rut dirt road to the river into a community, which is becoming a tourist destination for golf, fishing, hunting, horse racing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife photography, camping, tennis, and shopping.

The Elloree Heritage Museum, along with other entertainment venues being considered, offers something for everyone. If history does repeat itself, you will not want to miss what is happening in this Southern, rural town on the west bank of Lake Marion.

Visit www.elloreesc. com or call (803) 897- 2821 for more information. Come see us, and you might stay a day, or maybe the rest of your life.

The South by Southwest Pig, a Pork Fest Pig The Elloree Trials Cooking on Cleveland festival shoppers Next Week: Cowpens