Jocassee event harbinger of spring

An event in these parts that seems to correspond with the departure of Old Man Winter is planned less than a month away. It’s the annual BellFest at the Devil’s State Park, which the nonprofit Friends of Jocassee sponsors to celebrate the rare Oconee Bell, a flower that grows only in this part of the world.  BellFest this year will be 10 to 3 on Saturday, March 18.  You can learn about the Oconee Bell’s history and view it blooming inside the grounds of the state park.  For the first 20 new members of Friends, there will be free pontoon tours at the end of the March 18 event.  State Park entry fees will apply that day.