Events | Farm

Kiawah River’s Goats Head to Downtown Charleston for SEWE

Each year in early spring, artists, craftsmen, collectors and sporting enthusiasts flock to downtown Charleston to celebrate the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE). From Birds of Prey flight demos to the thrilling dock dog competitions at Brittlebank Park, SEWE combines all the best aspects of outdoor Southern living into one weekend. The latest celebration was held February 17-20, 2022, with an estimated 40,000 attendees of all ages and interests. 

Since the inaugural SEWE was held in February 1983, it has become a beloved event for locals and visitors alike and kicks off the official tourism season in Charleston. This year’s event welcomed around 500 artists, exhibitors and wildlife experts, including Kiawah River’s The Goatery as an official local participant.   

SEWE’s mission perfectly aligns with Kiawah River’s commitment to outdoor living and sustainability, and this was the second year that The Goatery participated. This year, The Goatery’s co-owner Missy Farkouh was on site teaching attendees and their children about farming and livestock in the Lowcountry and offered visitors the chance to get up close and personal with Kiawah River’s famous residents. This is a subject that Farkouh touches on weekly during private tours of Kiawah River’s Farm.   

The Goatery at Kiawah River currently has 90-plus goats encompassing a variety of breeds including Nubian, Alpine and Lamancha. Daily operations include milking the goats and conducting wellness checks, led by herdsman Danny Sillvant and Farkouh herself. Committed to humane farming practices, Sillvant and Farkouh will soon provide top-of-the line dairy products to restaurants across the Lowcountry including Husk, Charleston Grill and Sorghum & Salt. 

You can book a private tour or goat yoga class through The Goatery’s website, or find their products at local Charleston restaurants and farmers markets.