American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show

Originally published March 2020 · p. 36

Dave Topper used the event to introduce a new book, his first in over thirty years.

MT. PLEASANT, SC—January 4-5, 2020. The artifact show season kicked off once again with the American Digger Lowcountry Show, featuring exhibitors and dealers from across the country. Traditionally a relaxing and laid back show, this year’s attendance topped any show held here since American Digger Events, a part of American Digger magazine, took on its management in 2016. This year marked the show’s 25th continuous year. Over 1,200 people came through the gate to enjoy 200 tables of historical displays and sale tables of artifacts, books, jewelry, weapons, paper, and Americana. The larger crowds were in part due to aggressive promotion including news coverage on both radio and TV. Also, children under 12 received not only free admission but also a prize package that included Civil War bullets, fossils, arrowheads, and more, courtesy of Smoky Mtn. Relic Room. Awards were given as always, and the judging was very tight this year due to several new displays being presented. This year’s winners were: Most Educational: Clifford Krainik, The Slave Tag Project; Best of Show: Robert Bohrn, Wilde’s African Brigade; Best Dug: Jerry Bochex, 6th NC belt plate with hooks; and Best Non Dug: Mike Fisher, ID badge with photo of soldier wearing it. Show dates have already been announced for January 2 & 3, 2021 at the same location. To reserve your table space for next year, contact 770-712-7648 or email Anita at [email protected]. Pleasant, SC.

Best of show display, by Robert Bohrn.

Event promoter and publisher Butch Holcombe and Bill Hayes at the American Digger Magazine tables.

Crowds were at a record number at the event, held in Mt.