SC250 Colonial Picnic (Simpsonville)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Re-enactors talk about instruments on the battlefield during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
by Sean Rayford
Before I was a full time photographer, I tended bar for a decade at a live music venue and during that time Tim McManus was a regular fixture with his accordion and traditional music, breaking rank among the many punk and metal bands performing at the club. So when I saw him on stage at the SC250 Colonial Picnic on Saturday in Simpsonville, it was a pleasant surprise. Also known as TC Costello, Tim now lives and regularly performs in the Greenville area. And I hear he’s become a fixture at DragonCon in Atlanta.
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Tim McManus performs during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Performing as The Green Stripes Band with fellow musician Brighid, they provided the live soundtrack for most of the day. Other performances, including actor portrayals of historic South Carolinians, were sandwiched between their sets.
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the state of South Carolina is embracing its historical significance with our nation’s break with monarchy rule. With more battles and skirmishes fought in the Palmetto State than any other colony during the Revolution, the people of South Carolina have planned a plethora of activities and celebrations across the state this summer.
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Children look at a coloring book page during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Among other things, SC250 has developed a “Carolina Days Menu,” to “help counties plan meaningful and manageable local commemorations” from June 27 through July 5. This framework encourages each county to interpret themes attached to each date, connecting the past and present.
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: People walk across a field during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Children pose for a photo during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: People in costume watch a presenter during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: People watch re-enactors during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Patriotic hats are displayed during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Larry Bounds, portraying Major-General Nathanael Greene, speaks to a crowd during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: A re-enactor leads a musket demonstration during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Sally Hammond talks with other costumed participants during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: People watch a presentation on the founding documents during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: A young person writes with quill and ink during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Chris Weatherhead portrays Rebecca Brewton Motte during the SC250 Colonial Picnic on May 16, 2026 at Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Members of the color guard stand under bunting during the SC250 Colonial Picnic at Hopkins Farm on May 16, 2026 in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in the state where the most Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)