The fifth annual STRONG THREADS FESTIVAL will take place Saturday, February 18, 2012 on the grounds of the historic Harriet Barber House in Hopkins, SC. STRONG THREADS, Inc. celebrates the heritage, history and culture of African-Americans with music, dancing, storytelling, visual and creative arts, and drama for audiences of all ages.

The past four years have included appearances by authors Rose Rock and Joyce Hansen, storyteller Aunt Pearlie Sue, singer Regina Skeeters, the ABATSU African dance and drummers and many other speakers, entertainers, artists and crafts persons from South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. Thousands have enjoyed this free fun-filled day sponsored over the years by the Richland County Council, SERCO (Southeast Rural Community Outreach), the SC Humanities Council and the Network for STAAR.

This year, we will highlight the strong foundation families provide for a more secure and stable future for children to thrive. The Strong Threads Family competition will debut as a way to identify successful families across the state of South Carolina. The winning family will be honored at the event.

The historical connection to Sierra Leone, the country in West Africa where the majority of Africans enslaved in South Carolina originated, will be illustrated with music and storytelling by a noted artisan from Sierra Leone. The beauty and excitement of an African wedding ceremony will be celebrated as a part of the festivities, also.

This is a free event for participants of all ages. Vendors and community service organizations are invited to register for this well attended event.

For more information, please contact us at P. O. Box 30791, Columbia, SC 29230, or call 803-661-9612 or visit www.strongthreads.org.