The first Gopher Hill Festival was held Saturday, June 24, 1972. Jack Brantley suggested the festival be named the Gopher Hill Festival. He suggested this name because Gopher Hill was Ridgeland’s name prior to 1902. Mrs. Zenie Ingram served as the first chairman, Mrs. Elynor Price served as co-chair and approximately 200 people were in attendance. It was held at the old school grounds on Wilson Street and was sponsored by the Ridgeland Business Association with Mr. Chris Frame as acting President. 

 

Live Gopher Tortoises were on display at the festival, although they are now on the SC endangered species list and require a permit to have one in possession. Educational displays were present including a narcotics exhibit with live marijuana plants grown special for the festival in the Sheriff’s office by Sheriff J.P. Raymond. Arts and Crafts, paintings, ceramics, and other handmade articles were for sale. Entertainment was provided by the Youth Choir from Ridgeland’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. “Gopher” burgers were offered for refreshments washed down by “Turtle” juice. Prizes were offered by local merchants and winners had to be present to claim their prizes. And the first “Turtle” race was held, suggested by Mr. Gene Able.

 

In 1973, the Gopher Hill Festival expanded with Saturday activities held in Ridgeland and Sunday activities held at Millstone Landing near Hardeeville. A golf tournament and historical tour were held in Hardeeville with bike races, games, a bake sale, and an air show at Rentz Memorial Park. Millstone Landing offered exciting boat races and delicious barbecue. A fireworks display capped the final activities on Sunday.

 

In 1974, the festival name was changed to the Sergeant Jasper Festival with Gopher Hill Day in Ridgeland and Catfish Day in Hardeeville. Many activities filled both days and there was a Catfish dinner provided by the Hardeeville Rescue Squad. The festival was called the Sergeant Jasper festival until 1977. By 1977, both festivals had grown so large in size it was decided they become two separate festivals. The tradition continued and the Gopher Hill Festival and the Catfish Festival grew, along with their communities.

 

Now 36 years later, the Gopher Hill Festival is held in the newly renovated downtown district. The festival has now grown to a five day event including: History of the Hill night, Family Fun night with the Pink Tub Races, Street Dance night, and Southern Sunday. And Gopher Hill Day is still celebrated on Saturday beginning with a parade and followed by an entire day of “Gopher” burgers, “Turtle” juice, and “Turtle” races.