Bog-Off gets state OK
By JENN CAUSEY
tribjenn@tabor-loris.com
Months of planning what promises to be a very different Loris Bog-Off Festival have paid off, with state approval for the 41st annual celebration slated for Oct. 17 received Friday.
Approval from the S.C. Department of Commerce required a plan that meets COVID-19 regulations developed by the Department of Commerce, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Preparation was thorough, with Commerce officials granting approval just hours after the Chamber submitted its plan.
“Each application is evaluated individually,” an email to the Chamber said. “Following a careful review of your application, the relevant Executive Order from the Governor, guidance from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and applicable law, your event request has been GRANTED.”
Events that anticipate more than 250 people “must be able to comply with social distancing guidelines and best practices,” the notice said.
Thousands typically attend the Bog-Off festival. This year’s plan includes several entry and exit points for the downtown events, in contrast with the open entries of the past. Tickets to attend will be sold online.
Social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced. Because the festival footprint will be smaller, there will be fewer vendors this year.
Vendor applications and Bog-Off cooking applications are now being accepted. Deadline for all applications is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1.
Applications for the Miss Loris Bog-Off Festival Pageant are due no later than Sept. 16.
For details contact Chamber Executive Director Samantha Norris at 843-756-6030.
