Norway gearing up for inaugural cotton festival

NORWAY, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina festival is literally in the high cotton for the first time.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports (http://bit.ly/u1ksST ) that festivities begin Friday at Norway’s inaugural Cotton Festival.

Organizers say more than 40 vendors and crafters are expected. Most of the money backing the festival is coming from donations, sponsorships and fundraising efforts.

Norway officials say proceeds from the festival will be used to fund other town-wide events like the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting program.