April 2022 Council Highlights

  • Summer Youth Employment Program applications are being accepted through May 6. The youth employment program has successfully served the Sumter community since 1994, reaching well over 2,000 families in its lifetime.

There are two award-winning options:

  • Youth Corps:Kids Ages 14 and 15 are hired to work in various departments of the City of Sumter government offices.
  • Youth Co-Op:Kids Ages 16 and above and in High School are hired by local businesses throughout the Sumter Community as part of our co-op program.

The program also offers training alongside the employment piece that focuses on the 17 principles of success training from Napoleon Hill (Hill, N. (2008, 1928). The law of success. Penguin). A parent and/or guardian is required to attend the workshops in conjunction with their child to maximize impact.

Some of the topics include:

  • going the extra mile, personal initiative, positive mental attitude, self-discipline, accurate thinking, teamwork, adversity & defeat, creative vision, budgeting time & money and many more.

Students must live in the city limits and meet income requirements set by the federal Housing and Urban Development office. 

Students may also pick up applications from the Liberty Center, 12 W. Liberty Street, Office H., Sumter, between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

  • You can also join the City of Sumter's full-time team! More than 30 positions are available at the City currently... carpenters, inspectors, police officers, firefighters, drivers, lifeguards, maintenance technicians, and many more. Apply online at sumtersc.gov.
  • Palmetto Tennis Center's First Serve Program is a scholarship program designed to provide an opportunity for low to moderate-income children between the ages of 5-18 to experience tennis. The 2022 Summer Session begins June 6 and the City’s Community Development office is accepting applications. First Serve players will participate in Palmetto Tennis Center’s regularly scheduled summer programming. Any unused slots will reopen for public registration. If there are more applications than available slots, the center will provide a field trip session for ages 5-10 and 11-18 at $3 per child.
    • First Serve breaks down to an average of $240 per child, depending on age. The First Serve Summer Lesson Program is 16 lessons per child and includes a Wilson racquet, or there is also a 5-Day Summer Camp from 9AM-12 Noon which also includes a Wilson racquet.
    • Application requirements include parent/guardian’s contact information, current utility bill, driver’s license and a current financial statement.
    • Download the application on our website or visit theCommunity Development Office located inside the Liberty Center at 12 W. Liberty Street, Suite 4.
  • While more events are listed on our website calendar at sumtersc.gov. Some highlights to the current community calendar are:
  • Art in the Park & the City’s annual Earth Day Celebration will be held at Memorial Park, Saturday, April 23, 9AM-4PM. Event is free to attend. There are over 70 vendors, with plenty of family and earth friendly activities.
  • The Duke Ellington Orchestra has been performing for the past 88 years continuing the Duke's tradition of touring and sharing his high-intensity, hard-driving jazz with the world. Charlie Young, the very talented alto sax player and arranger and also a professor at Howard University, will be leading the Famous Duke Ellington Orchestra when they bring their big band sounds to the Sumter Opera House stage on April 23 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $40 / $46 / $49 at sumteroperahouse.com.
  • The Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is back at Alice Drive Baptist Church, May 5th at 6:45AM. The guest speaker this year is Jeff Streucker, member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. Jeff is a true leader and award-winning author with six books in print. His military thrillers and life story are in constant demand. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Tickets are available at The Olive Tree Bookstore, The Sumter YMCA, Shaw AFB Chapel and Swan Lake Visitors Center. Visit sumterprays.com for more info.
  • Join the Sumter Opera House Thursday, May 5, for a once-in-a-lifetime performance featuring one of the Violins of Hope’s exquisitely restored violins which were played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. The performance includes soloists from the Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble of Bulgaria with their award-winning conductor/composer/soloist Georgi Andreev on the “Gadulka” (a Bulgarian folk instrument). A meet and greet reception will follow with refreshments and opportunities for guests to meet the performers. Tickets are $25/30 and Students $10 at sumteroperahouse.com.
    • Tickets include admission to the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center for Friday, May 6th 1-5PM to view six of the historic violins on display.
  • Sumter Senior Services, in partnership with Downtown Sumter and the Young Professionals of Sumter will be hosting their annual Downtown Microbrew HippieFest on Friday, May 13 from 6-8:30PM. Tickets range from $10-35 and can be purchased online at SumterMicrobrewFestival.org.
  • Join us for our annual Carolina Backcountry Springtime on Saturday, May 14 from 10AM – 4PM as we travel back to the year 1800 in the backcountry of South Carolina. You'll see costumed interpreters demonstrating skills like spinning and weaving, blacksmithing, cooking over an open fire, and more! They'll have games and toys for children to try. And they’re bringing back the weaponry display! Don't forget to try some food samples including biscuits, freshly churned butter, stews, pies, and more! This is a FREE event that is fun for all ages.
    • All museum facilities including the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center will be open for free from 10AM to 4PM the same day. More info at sumtercountymuseum.org/
  • In 1967, a little-known vocal group recorded the song "Up, Up and Away" and was catapulted to instant stardom. Even after relentless touring and several Grammys, original member Florence LaRue and company continue to deliver dynamic performances that stand the test of time. Come experience one of the most prolific soul, R&B groups in musical history with The 5th Dimension on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30PM at the Sumter Opera House. Tickets are $35 / $38 / $42 at sumteroperahouse.com.
  • Sign up today for the 2022 National Police Week Golf Tournament. This is an annual fundraiser for Sumter Crime Stoppers. The event begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start on May 19 (Rain Date: May 20) at The Links at Lakewood. To register or for more information, contact Sgt. Maj. J. Sinkler, 803-436-2723.
  • 80th Iris Festival is coming up on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29 at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. The 3-day festival includes an 80s party, unique arts & crafts shopping, plants & flowers, classic cars, contests, entertainment, and lots of kids’ activities. Free admission & parking.
    • Opening Thursday at 6PM with the Crowning of the King and Queen and the Taste at the Gardens
    • Friday and Saturday 10AM-6PM and Sunday 10AM-5PM. A full schedule is online IrisFestival.org
  • City Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday at 1 PM and on the third Tuesday at 5:30 PM on the 4th floor of the Sumter Opera House (enter through the back entrance off the parking lot). Public comments may also be submitted online anytime through our website at sumtersc.gov/council/meetings, or city citizens can contact the Mayor or their Councilmember any time prior to any meeting to discuss a concern or idea you may have for the City. For our regularly scheduled meetings, agendas are announced the Friday before each meeting on our website and include links to detailed agenda items as well as location, and more. Next month our regularly scheduled meetings are on May 3 at 1 PM and May 17 at 5:30 PM.