From Food to Parades, Five Incredible Activities in Our Town
SMALL-TOWN FUN IN WAGENER, SC
Wagener is a small town by any standard. With a population of under 1,000 residents, our home can’t compare in terms of scale to most nearby cities like Aiken and Augusta, GA. However, just because we are small does not mean we don’t have a lot to offer. There is plenty of fun to be had locally, but some residents may not be aware of all our local activities. So, here are details on just five of the many outstanding things to do in here Wagener, SC.
1. JOIN THE WAGONS TO WAGENER FESTIVAL.
Held each May, the Wagons to Wagener Festival is a huge gathering consisting of numerous events. You simply cannot miss it if you live anywhere near Wagener. The festival draws attendees from as far as several states away. Competitions include a beauty pageant for various age categories, a quilt show, and a car show competition.
Additionally, there are plenty of carnival rides, live music performances, games, dancing, food, beer, and more. You will also find face painting, a cake walk, craft demonstrations, pony rides, a parade, and a petting zoo. The two-day party is concluded with a massive fireworks show, emphasizing that Wagons to Wagener just might be the best festival in the Midlands.
2. GRAB A BITE AT THE LITTLE BAKE SHOPPE.
You would expect mouth-watering pastries from any establishment named the Little Bake Shoppe, and you would be right to. But our hometown bakery also offers so much more. People routinely travel from Aiken, Columbia, and further just to grab a delicious deli sandwich here. In fact, this Aiken Standard article sings the praises of visiting the bakery for a tasty lunch.
The Little Bake Shoppe is open for breakfast and lunch. Of course, you can place special orders for cakes for any event like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. You are also welcome to indulge your sweet tooth at any time with one of their cupcakes, doughnuts, or strudels. Just be certain to brush afterward and keep your appointment at the local dental office, Bela Family Dentistry of Wagener, to avoid sugar-induced cavities.
3. STAY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND ENJOY THE CELEBRATION.
Wagener’s annual Christmas parade is held the first weekend in December with a different theme each year. Of course, Santa makes an appearance, but there is a lot more in addition to a visit with the jolly old elf. You can enjoy the Christmas pageant, choir performances, and a fireworks display in the evening.
Wagener really pulls out all the stops for Christmas. Horse-drawn wagon rides are available in addition to horse and carriage rides. There are also crafts and hot drinks available, but the highlight of the celebration is probably the tree lighting ceremony which occurs just prior to the fireworks show.
4. ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT OUR STATE PARK.
Admittedly, it’s not technically in Wagener, but Aiken State Park is certainly in close proximity to our town. A drive of fewer than 20 minutes will take you to this natural haven where you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more. The state park has three picnic shelters available to rent and 25 campsites on site for overnight visits.
At just over 1,000 acres, Aiken State Park has plenty of room for all your activities. There is a total of four lakes for fishing or just an afternoon of relaxing boating. Also, part of the Edisto River winds through the park, making nearly 2 miles of waterway available for kayaking or canoeing. If you visit this natural jewel of Midland South Carolina, you will have the chance to observe much of the local wildlife. You may even catch sight of a bald eagle if you are especially fortunate.
5. ATTEND AN EVENT AT OUR LIBRARY.
Sure, libraries are great (free books!), but “exciting” is not a word one normally associates with these public services. Our own Nancy Bonnette Library is an exception. Our local branch constantly features games, activities, and programs for young children, including group reading sessions and contests. Older teens and adults are not excluded as the library offers continuous art classes and activities for almost-adults and grown-ups as well.
The Nancy Bonnette Library is open Monday through Thursday. There are a dozen public computers available along with thousands of books for checkout or in-house reading. A journey to the library is a perfect activity for a rainy day.
And what could be more fun than visiting us at Bela Family Dentistry of Wagener? We know what you’re thinking—that sounds about as fun as a root canal. But visiting with our team twice a year for a cleaning and checkup is way more fun than a root canal. We promise. Schedule your appointment today.
