February 2018 Park of the Month: Marion Square

Starting this month, one of Charleston’s busiest parks will host a bevy of events you won’t want to miss. While you’re there, check out the garden beds cared for by Conservancy Park Angels.
From fundraisers to fashion here are a handful of dates you’ll want to put in your calendar.
Beginning on Friday, February 16th the Southeastern Wildlife Expedition will begin its three-day program across Charleston. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, also known as SEWE, celebrates wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, food, drink and the people who honor them all. Several programs are offered, including the Birds of Prey Flight Demos, The Orianne Society Reptile Ecology and Conservation, and Chef Demos. will be taking place in Marion Square throughout the weekend on February 16th.
If you’re looking for something that will add flavor to your weekend, Charleston Wine + Food Festival is the thing for you. Starting on Sunday, February 28th and lasting through, March 4th, Charleston will be filled with chefs, winemakers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival will consist of more than 100 events throughout Charleston, but the famed Culinary Village will be in Marion Square Friday through Saturday.
Coming March 13th through the 17th the Charleston Fashion Week will make its return to the lowcountry. This event will showcase Charleston’s most fashionable boutiques and trendsetters and emerging fashion from across the country. The event will be hosted in Marion Square.
Our final recommendation will be to put on your best pair of running shoes and register for the 2018 Cooper River Bridge Run. The ten-kilometer race will take place on Saturday, April 7th at the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and finishing at Marion Square.
If these events aren’t your cup of tea there, come back for the Charleston Farmers Market in mid-April and check out the garden beds maintained by Conservancy Park Angels.
The plant life in Marion Square may be keeping a low profile in February, but come late spring and early summer garden beds will be in full bloom. Right now you can catch the cherry trees as they begin to bud out around the park. In the springtime you’ll be able to see the unmissable blooming of the pink Big Daddy Hydrangeas. In May the Conservancy will be planting hundreds of caladium bulbs so that they can join us in the sunshine in June. Finally, one of Charleston’s most beloved flowers the Blush Pink Noisette Rose will make its triumphant return in the beginning of summer 2018.
A future Conservancy project includes renovation of the Meeting Street side of Marion Square. “The Meeting Street side of Marion Square will share the same lush floral look as its King Street counterpart,” said Jim Martin Director of Programs at the Charleston Parks Conservancy.
To learn more about the coming to Marion Square in February click the links below.
Southeastern Wildlife Expedition