Another more traditional Southern sport, NASCAR racing, can be found
at the nearby Darlington Raceway. It hosted the first stock car race run
totally on pavement some 56 years ago, thus claiming the honor of
being NASCAR's original super speedway.
You can also find local racing at the
200+ lap Florence Motor Speedway. Another popular event is the
"Skirmish at Gamble's Hotel - Confederate Reenactment" at the
Columns Plantation.
The Florence Regional Arts Alliance serves area artists, arts
organizations and school arts programs.
The region's oldest cultural
organization is the Florence Little Theatre. It was recognized in 2005
with the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award in the Arts. The
long established Florence Museum of Art, Science and History also
helps to promote arts and sciences. Another area attraction, Timrod
Park, commemorates Henry Timrod, the Poet Laureate of South Carolina
and the Confederacy. It features the one-room structure where Timrod
taught school. The park also hosts many events like the annual Spirit
of Florence festival, plus monthly Concerts in the Park series, the
summer Jazz in the Park series and tennis tournaments. Visitors can
also visit the War Between the States Museum with artifacts, pictures
and other period items.
Johnsonville is part of the
award-winning Florence County School District. The state department
of education recently awarded Johnsonville High School the Palmetto
Gold Award.
The Johnsonville Elementary School
has also been recognized for its outstanding environment and
customer service efforts.
Francis
Marion University is one of 14 state-supported universities. In nearby
Conway, the Coastal Carolina University offers various baccalaureate
degree programs.
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