Cooterfest

May 10-11, Allendale, S.C.

Now that you’ve stuffed yourself full of barbecue, grits and pickles, why not try some cooter soup? In case you’re wondering exactly what a cooter is, it’s an aquatic-dwelling, hard-shelled turtle, found primarily in the southeastern United States. Although cooters are considered to be a delicacy and desirable food source in some regions, Allendale’s 29th Annual Cooterfest really isn’t about eating cooters, although there are recipes on the festival’s website. In fact, the festival is much more about celebrating the livelihood and character of cooters with a two-day throwdown that includes a cooter race and contests for smallest and largest. While size and race contests are limited to cooters, other breeds are welcome to attend. The festivities begin Friday, May 10 at 4 p.m. with vendor booth openings, followed by carnival rides and street dance parties, with The Tams and, later in the evening, a live D J.