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Upcoming Events
"The Gathering 2023"

 

September 14-17, 2023

100 Robert Castles Ln

Prosperity, SC

For the umteenth year in a row, sweeps from SC, NC, and around the southeast and beyond, will ‘gather’ on Lake Murray S.C to learn, share, and relax. ‘The Gathering’ has become an annual S.C. Chimney Sweep Guild event historically hosted by late SCCSG member, Herb Fulmer (Clean Sweep Chimney Sweep). Designed to follow in the wake of the famous ‘Connemara’ get-togethers in North Augusta, SC hosted by the late "Lucky Dale" Meisinger, these sweep gatherings were started in the mid 1980’s and went into this century even after his death. Sweeps would come from all over to trade sooty war stories, and to learn about new and advanced techniques in chimney maintenance and repair technology.  Clean Sweep of Prosperity is proudly carrying on the tradition of hosting this event in Herb Fulmer’s honor.

 

PLEASE  go to  Facebook page The Gathering - a Tradition Like No Other 

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/the-gathering-2023/807866170835169/

Please EMAIL either of the following email addresses to let us know how many will be in your party.

blume357@bellsouth.net

renee@sweepstuff.com

 

GENERAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(This schedule is subject to change in regards to content and timing at any point before or during the event.)

 

FEATURED EDUCATIONAL  EVENTS:

Electronic Ignition for Gas Appliances with Bob Wise

See us burn SaverSystems new LARGER PriorFire Fireplace with Stuart Karanovich and Chris Prior

 

The Gathering Agenda

Thursday the 14th will be set up. 

All are welcome to come in and get set up with campers or tents and help us set up the event.  This is the fun relaxing day, the time to get your tents or campers up then sit back and drink some ice-cold beer (if that’s your thing) and catch up with fellow sweeps on what’s been going on.  (Sooty War Stories) 

Thursday Night:  Pizza Party

 

Pizza Blow out cooked in the Herb Fulmer Memorial Oven.  Once again our food  through out the event will be designed, coordinated  and served by Master Chef  Renee Brigman and it promises to satisfy all. 

Friday the 15th

7:30    Firearm Safety Meeting for Stump Hunt

 Gunny, Blume and Art will host the gun safety meeting. 

(If you do not attend this meeting, you cannot participate in  the stump hunt)

 

7:30 -9:00   BREAKFAST - Country Sideboard

8:00 – 12:00   Stump Hunt

We are Back to Basics this year.   Bring your own toys to play with or play with something new from toys provided by our Hosts.

Safety glasses and ear plugs are required. (These will be supplied, but suggest you bring your own) 

This will last till ‘bout lunchtime or when the ammo and binary explosives run out.  Lunch to follow back at the Island.

12:00.   LUNCH - BBQ Extravaganza 

1:00-5:00  Electronic Ignition Service Training From SEHPBA

De-mystifying Electronic Ignition with Bob Wise (just THE most awesome gas instructor)
 
The class will discuss the most frequently encountered problems when working on electronic ignition systems.  We will be looking at six different module and valve combinations used by the majority of log and fireplace manufacturers and diagnosing varying performance issues.  These problems will extend from power source problems to failure of the burner remaining lit.  There will be a brief discussion on millimeters and manometers, but attendees are expected to understand the basic operation of diagnostic tools. Contingent on the number of attendees and desire for participation, hands-on application of the principles discussed will be available. Three CEU's are available for CSIA, NFI and NCSG.
 
 6:30   DINNER -  Down-home "Sunday" Dinner #1

8:30    Auction

What craziness will be available this year?  How much can you spend on a liner this year?  “The more you spend the better you feel” or so I’ve heard anyways.  But watch out for the solar powered flashlights. 

11:00   Is Quiet Time  every night.

You don’t have to be asleep, but don’t let each other "conversate" too loudly.  Some folks need assistance with this task.   Be their friend.

 

Saturday the 16th

7:30-9:00   BREAKFAST - Big Country Blowout

9:15-11:45   Flashing/Cricket Installations (classroom)

In depth detail on conventional and metal flashing and crickets.  Subjects to be covered:  shingle roofs; metal roofs; conventional crickets; metal crickets.  CEU's are available

9:15-11:45       Business owners’ round table

 Any business owner who is interested is welcome to sit around and discuss important business items. On going discussion with successful Owner/Operators sharing information.

12:00.  LUNCH -  Down-home "Sunday" Dinner #2

1:30-3:30  Flashing/Cricket install (hands-on)

In depth detail on conventional and metal flashing and crickets.  Subjects to be covered:  shingle roofs; metal roofs; conventional crickets; metal crickets.  CEU's are available

1:30-3:30    Business owners’ round table (continued)

 Any business owner who is interested is welcome to sit around and discuss important business items. On going discussion with successful Owner/Operators sharing information.

 4:00-5:30   SCCSG Meeting

6:00.  DINNER - Tailgate Grill, Chill & Fill

8:30ish.  Memorial Fireworks!  On the lake!

This year's Fireworks display is to celebrate the joy Jimmy Buffet inspired in Parrotheads and other just "regular folk".  

 

 

Sunday the 17th    

Wake up when you feel like it.  

8:00 - 11:00.  Come over to the kitchen and drink some good coffee and……....enjoy

BREAKFAST  - Country Brunch

Mostly anything you'd like from food you didn’t eat over the last three days along with some fresh bacon and eggs to order. 

Help us break down and pack up to leave the island  -- if you have time.  

The most important thing about Sunday is to say goodbyes because it will be another whole year before we can do this again in 2024.

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We would like to thank the following companies

who have graciously sponsored our event this year.

 

PREMIER SPONSOR

Lindemann

 

 

GRAND SPONSORS

Owens Chimney Covers

New England Chimney Supply

SaverSystems

CSIA

National Chimney Supply

 

 

MEAL SPONSORS

CUI

ERTC Expert

 

DRINK SPONSORS

 

CVC Coaching

 

MEMORIAL FIREWORKS SPONSOR

South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild
 

 PONTOON RIDE SPONSOR  

South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild
 
 

 STUMP SHOOT SPONSOR  

South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild
 
 

If you would like to be a sponsor, please reach out to Ron Rust.

Text:  803-730-5858

Email:  tophatswp@aol.com

 

 

These ‘Gatherings’ have always been an event any sweep wanting to expand their professional and personal awareness should attend. Not only do the planned seminars offer a sweep new and insightful venues but much can be learned by just hanging out with one’s peers. The late and still great sweep Pete Luter is quoted as saying it all, “ It don’t get any better than this.”
 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Onsite tent camping is available.

Accommodations for tents and RV’s are also available at

     Dreher Island State Park (803-364-4152)

     Lake Murray Vacation Rentals (803-798-8559). 

Fishing cabins are available at River Winds Landing (803-364-0036). 

If something a little higher on the comfort level chain is desired, there are a variety of Hotels in Newberry, SC.

 Email renee@sweepstuff.com  or art.cleansweepchimneysc@gmail.com  with questions. 

 

REGISTRATION

There is no cover charge/registration fee for this event, however, donations to help pay for the food expense can be made to the SCCSG and/or feel free to purchase liberally at our Annual Benefit Auction mentioned earlier.


Please go to the Facebook page The Gathering - A Tradition Like No Other

https://www.facebook.com/events/3920182638108876/?ref=newsfeed

or email Renee (renee@sweepstuff.com) or Blume (blume357@bellsouth.net) know  if you are planning to come, when you plan to arrive, and how many will be in your party so that we can get a bead on the head count for meals.

 

DIRECTIONS

GPS to 100 Robert Castles Lane, Prosperity, SC

 

Directions coming from South of Columbia, SC

  • Merge onto I-26 W toward Spartanburg.
  • Take the SC-773 exit, EXIT 82, toward Pomaria/Prosperity.
  • Turn left onto SC Highway 773/SC-773.
  • Turn right onto US Highway 76/US-76 W. Continue to follow US-76 W.
  • Turn left onto Elm St.
  • Turn right to stay on Elm St.
  • Take the 2nd left onto Pearl St.
  • Turn left to stay on McNeary St.
  • Turn slight left onto Ira Kinard Rd.
  • Ira Kinard Rd becomes Bonner Baxter Pl.
  • Turn right onto Robert Castles Ln. Then, go all the way to end of Robert Castles Ln.  There may or may not be signs along the way.  

Directions coming from  Prosperity

  • Turn at the light onto SC 391 (across from gas station and hardware store)
  • Go straight thru 4-Way Stop
  • Bear left onto Ira Kinard Rd.
  • Ira Kinard Rd becomes Bonner Baxter Pl.
  • Turn right onto Robert Castles Ln. Then, go all the way to end of Robert Castles Ln.  There may or may not be signs along the way.  


 


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The South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild is an association of chimney service professionals. We promote chimney safety programs for the public while helping to promote our member companies as the best local resource to care for your home safety needs.

We promote training programs and educational seminars for our members, helping assure they meet the industry's highest professional standards.