Page 3 - Classically Carolina 2019
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INSIDE Mayor’s Message
9 / Downtown Welcome to Camden
From fine handcrafted
furniture to sweets galore
to fragrant flowers, Camden
is brimming with charm If ever there is a perfect place to enjoy opportunities and challenges that
South Carolina, it is right here in small communities face. Through a
Camden. Our hometown is laid-back
36 / People I lively. Timeless and thriving. variety of work sessions and social
gatherings we are pleased to have
and
We are a vibrant place to eat, shop, the opportunity to showcase Camden
The arts are thriving at ACKC & live, work, and play, with award- and all it has to offer.
nationally syndicated editorial winning places to stay. We have
cartoonist is drawn to Camden entertainment, history, cultural arts Another new program which is key
and education. We have great outdoor to our economic vitality, is our city-
sports, waterways and signature wide redevelopment initiative. We
43 / Music annual events that draw visitors from are partnering with some exciting
around the country and the world.
developers to help breathe new life
Classic rock, blues, classical: As a Council, we are always focused into existing retail sites, transform
and expand previously neglected
tune in to the sounds of on moving Camden forward -- sites, and bring a boutique hotel to
Camden positioning it in the best possible our iconic Clock Tower building.
light by showcasing all the amenities
56 / Growth we get to enjoy daily. To that end, our Council and Staff I am honored to serve as Mayor for the city of Camden
have accomplished some amazing transformational as we continue creating a vibrant community for our
initiatives. residents and visitors alike. We are a classic South
New visitors center complex Carolina destination. Come discover Camden.
will be hub for history, This year, the City of Camden serves as Host City for Alfred Mae Drakeford
the 2019 National League of Cities Small Cities Council
tourism and attractions Conference. Here, we bring together mayors and city
council members from small towns around the state Mayor
59 / Events and across the nation to talk and learn about unique
Mark your calendar for festivals,
horse racing, blues, barbecue,
dog shows & holiday events Camden City Council
COVER: Three-time Pulitzer
Prize finalist, editorial cartoonist
Robert Ariail shares Camden’s
magic, paying homage
to the late Camden
cartoonist Jak Smyrl,
known for his action-packed
and detailed cartoon maps.
Joanna B. Craig Deborah H. Davis Jeffrey R. Graham Stephen Smoak City Manager
Mayor pro tem Mel Pearson
4 / CAMDEN~CLASSICALLY CAROLINA CAMDEN ~ CLASSICALLY CAROLINA / 5