Sumter, SC

Located in the midland region of South Carolina, Sumter is 45 miles east of the state capital, Columbia. The approximately 39,000 people who live in Sumter enjoy the city's recent downtown revitalization, moderate weather and a cost of living that is significantly lower than the U.S. national average.

Sumter was established on January 1, 1800. In 1855, the town was named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Thomas Sumter, also known as the "Fighting Gamecock." The town is the seat of Sumter County and the county's largest city. The city is recognized as the first in the country to adopt the council-manager form of government in which a six-member city council is headed by the mayor.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The Sumter Economic Development board works to promote diversity in the city's economy. Sixty manufacturing companies are located across Sumter County, including Caterpillar, Copper Tools, and Becton Dickinson and Co. Health care is another prominent sector and Tuomey Regional Medical Center, located in downtown Sumter, is one of the city's top employers. The city sees 600,000 visitors each year and tourism accounts for a sizeable portion of city revenue.

Shaw Air Force Base is home to the largest U.S. combat F-16 wing, the 20th Fighter Wing; Headquarters Ninth Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central. The base provides jobs to military personnel and civilians.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Sumter has about 16,000 houses with occupied houses accounting for more than 14,600 houses. Out of these occupied houses, owners use about 7,800 houses and renters approximately 6,800 houses.

Downtown Sumter has undergone a major revitalization, including a new streetscape, renovations of buildings, and the construction of several fountain plazas. Downtown has become the entertainment center of the city, due to the presence of the "Sumter @ Six" outdoor concert series, numerous street festivals, the beautiful Sumter Opera House. Downtown is also home to many city and county government offices, as well as the Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

EVENTS

Throughout the year, Sumter residents enjoy a variety of community events, including.

• Iris Festival: South Carolina's oldest continuous festival began in 1940. The three-day event features concerts, arts and crafts, food, a golf tournament, and the crowning of the Iris Festival King and Queen. The Swan Lake-Iris Gardens are home to the festival.
• Sumter-Shaw Street Fest: This annual street festival is held in honor of the men and women of Shaw Air Force Base. The event includes live music, food, and activities for children such as face painting, clowns and a puppet show.
• Sumter Scottish Country Fair and Celtic Fest: A celebration of early Scots-Irish settlers and their descendants, the festival features Highland games, music, and dance. The annual event is hosted by the Sumter County Museum.
• Sumter @ Six: This free concert series runs in downtown Sumter from April to October on the second Thursday of each month. The series offers live music, food and beverages.
• Fantasy of Lights: A visit from Santa, entertainment and a stunning display of lights and lighted figures are some of the features of this annual holiday festival held at the Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The fun continues with the Poinsettia Festival, named after botanist and statesman Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, who is buried in Sumter County.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

History and art play vital roles in the attractions regularly enjoyed by Sumter residents and visitors.

• Sumter Opera House: Located on North Main Street, the Opera House is the centerpiece of the downtown district and was the city's first movie theater. Dance and theater performance, classic films, concerts, and comedy shows are some of the cultural activities offered.
• Artist Colony of Sumter: The space provides local artists with a place to create and sell their works.
• Sumter Gallery of Art: Local, regional and nationally recognized artists display their work at this facility.
• Sumter County Museum: A 1916 Edwardian house preserves the artifacts of Sumter County. The museum features a textile collection, a military history exhibit and a number of historical objects and documents. The museum campus also includes the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, which includes a log cabin, settler's house, smokehouse, barn, commissary, loom house, outhouse and blacksmith shop. The Martha Brice Gardens are also located on the museum grounds and are famous for their massive, 100-year-old pecan trees.

FAMILY FUN

The moderate weather around Sumter makes outdoor activities accessible and popular with area residents and their families.

• Tennis: The Palmetto Tennis Center provides numerous tennis courts.
• Swimming: The Aquatic Center offers competitive-level swimming lanes, slides, and a wading pool with a fountain. Swim lessons, camps, and exercise classes are also available.
• Walking/Running: The Swan Lake-Iris Gardens feature trails for walkers and runners that are surrounded by the beauty of Japanese iris blooms, camellias, azaleas, day lilies and Japanese magnolias. The public park is the only one in the United States to have all eight species of swans in its waters.

SPORTS TEAMS

Baseball: The P-15s, South Carolina's premier American Legion team, play in the 4,000-seat Riley Park.

EDUCATION

Three universities have branches at Shaw Air Force Base: Webster University offers three graduate programs and one certificate program for working adults. Troy University has been located on Shaw Air Force Base since 1990 and developed another campus in downtown Sumter in 2003. The university provides educational opportunities to civilian and military students. Evening and weekend course are available at St. Leo University. Their SAFB division offers degrees in areas such as business administration, criminal justice and human resources.

Other local education institutions include:

• University of South Carolina Sumter: About 2,000 students attend the university each year to pursue associate and baccalaureate degrees.
• Morris College: Established in 1908, this historically black college offers baccalaureate degrees in an academic community based on Christian values.
• Central Carolina Tech College: This two-year college offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates to more than 3,000 students each semester.