Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic canceled for 2nd year

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The annual Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic, scheduled for March 26-28 at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, has been canceled.

The decision to cancel the event for the second year in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic was made by the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund in coordination with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

“The health and well-being of South Carolinians and others traveling to South Carolina’s largest hunting, fishing and outdoor expo remain our top concern,” Dan DuPre, Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic director, said in a news release. “We must take every precaution to protect the thousands of attendees, vendors and volunteers expected to attend the event.”

Nearly 40,000 people attend the annual event, according to the release, and its proceeds have funded millions of dollars of conservation work in South Carolina.

 “Organizers of the 2021 Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic did not come to this decision lightly,” DuPre said. “Over the last several days, we have heard your concerns and are taking our cues from similar events across the country.”

The 2022 Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic is tentatively scheduled for March 25-27.