AME Church returns to Florence in growing numbers

For several years now the African Methodist
Episcopal (AME) Church has been gathering in Florence for its annual Christian
Education Leadership Congress which will begin Monday, July 6th through
Friday, July 10th at the Florence Civic Center. This 2009 AME Leadership
Congress is expected to generate a direct economic impact of $1.4 million and a
rollover in the amount of $3.5 - $4.9 million for the Florence area. Additionally,
the conference is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees per day contributing to
an increase in the purchase of food, accommodations, products and services for
the Florence area.

“We strive to provide our community with an array of civic engagements similar to
the AME Convention” says Tina Dean, Director of Sales and Marketing for the
Florence Civic Center. “We provide professional conference coordinating for the
group not only to host a successful engagement, but to also supply economic
value to the surrounding area via the several thousand patrons in attendance.”

This year’s AME Leadership Congress will feature dynamic worship experiences
each evening, Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m., with the closing service on
Friday at 10 a.m. Powerful preaching will be delivered all week long from
Reverend Merrit Graves of Mt. Zion AME Church, SC; Bishop Violet Fisher,
retired Bishop of United Methodist Episcopal Church; Reverend Carey Grady of
St. Peters AME Church, Lisle, IL; retired AME Bishop Zedekiah Grady and Dr.
Jamal Bryant of Empowerment Temple Church, Baltimore, MD. Dr. Jamal Bryant
is the son of AME Senior Bishop John Bryant and currently serves as pastor of
The Empowerment Temple, the fastest growing church in the AME
denomination.

Each day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the AME Leadership Congress will also
offer workshops on a variety of subjects such as Black Church History,
Entrepreneurial Exploration, and Youth and Young Adult Biblical Studies. For a
complete listing of activities contact the AME Church at (803) 935-0500 or
www.ame7.org.

Coming in March

The Florence Civic Center is proud to announce its temporary transformation from civic hall to gospel temple on March 14 as the BLOCK BUSTER SHOWDOWN invades the Pee Dee. The BLOCK BUSTER SHOWDOWN GOLD CUP AWARD featuring Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, The Canton Spirituals, Don McKenzie & The Gospel Hi-Lites and many other inspiring artists shall commence at 5 p.m. to provide hours of hope, music, fun and gospel performances.

Tickets purchased by Jan. 20 are only $15 during our New Years savings special. $20 Early Bird Tickets are available beginning Jan. 21. Regular admission price is $25; tickets purchased on the day of show are $30 each.

The BLOCK BUSTER SHOWDOWN GOLD CUP AWARD is an extended compilation of legendary gospel musicians from around the United States and local Pee Dee based favorites. Join the artists in worship and praise for an awe aspiring event. Doors open at 3 p.m.; devotion begins at 4:30pm.

Tickets are obtainable at the Florence Civic Center Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 843.679.9333 / 1.800.745.3000.

Eat, Drink and Be Larry

The man who added the catch phrase “Git-R-Done” to the American lexicon is coming to Florence 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Dan Whitney, known better as Larry The Cable Guy, has proven to be one of the most successful comics.

For a limited time, the Florence Civic Center is offering an ‘Economic Recovery Package’ where select tickets are buy one get one free. This offer on select seats is valid Dec. 5 at 10am until Dec. 29 at midnight**.

TICKET PRICES: $43.75 Artist Circle and **Limited Time** 2 for 1 - $43.75, additional taxes/fees may apply
SALES LOCATIONS: Florence Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.com
CHARGE-BY-PHONE: 843-679-9333

ARTIST WEBSITE: Larrythecableguy.com
FOR MORE INFO:outbackconcerts.com, florenceciviccenter.com

American Strongman Event and Jamboree in Florence

The American Strongman event will take place from 1- 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25.

American Strongman “Live” is on the road early this year joining the 4th Annual Kid’s Jamboree in Florence South Carolina at the Florence Civic Center. The event drew 14,000 children and families last year and is complete with entertainment from Snake Master Steve Scruggs, Medieval Times, a giant Slide, rock walls and much, much more. “We are very happy to be part of a fun day for children and families. We expect to reach many new fans and get them excited about non-violent, family friendly sports events.” said ASC Dione Wessels.
“The day is filled with hands on activities and exciting entertainment for the children and we are
beefing up our show this year by bringing in American Strongman,” said Tina Dean, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Florence Civic Center. “The competitions are action packed and we know the kids will love it.”

Bull Riders Coming to Florence Civic Center

The Florence Civic Center and Ken J Productions are proud to announce the Florence debut of several highly respected and world renowned Bull Riders for the PBR Copenhagen Challenger Tour on Nov. 21st and 22nd.

For the first time in history, Florence has taken the next big step in bull riding … the PBR! The Copenhagen Challenger Tour is one of the most exciting bull riding events in the world and stars all the riders and bulls you see and know on television. There are more than 40 riders scheduled for this event.