World Famous Gardener Coming to Fenton this Week

On Wednesday, October 10th, the Fenton Film Series will show "A Man Named Pearl", the inspiring story of gardener and self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar.

After hearing bigoted comments about how blacks don't keep up their yard, Pearl Fryer set out to be the first black man in his small town of Bishopville, South Carolina to win "Yard of the Month" award. After a three minute pruning lesson from a local landscaper and using plants discarded by the local nursery, Pearl Fryar began to transform his yard. Not only did he eventually win "Yard of the Month" award, but in the process he turned his three acre yard into a
world-famous topiary garden.

Because of the popularity of this man and his garden, Bishopville has become a major tourist destination and Pearl Fryar has become a much-sought-after speaker.

The movie starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for
free food and music. Everyone attending the movie will be entered in a raffle to win two free tickets to meet Pearl Fryar in person.

Later that same week, on Saturday, October 13th, Pearl Fryar himself will be in Fenton at Gerych's on Silver Lake Road, giving demonstrations on the art of topiary gardening. Shows will at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and the ticket price is $22.50. For groups of 10 or more tickets are $17.50. There will also be a V.I.P. party on Friday night. For more information, call Gerych's at (810) 629-5995.

The Fenton Film Series continues it mission of showing free, high quality movies every month in downtown Fenton in the ballroom of the Fenton Community & Cultural Center.

Built in 1937 and designed by world-renown architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen, the Fenton Community & Cultural Center is an artistic jewel in its own right.
The movies are presented free of charge thanks to the generousdonations from sponsors, including the Fenton Downtown Development Authority, Tanglewood Assisted Living & Home Care, Edward Jones financial advisor Patrick Perfitt, Behind Your Design, Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation, and Comfort Keepers. Thanks to these additional sponsors, free refreshments will also be available, including sandwiches from Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, pastries and coffee from the Laundry, homemade sodas from the Fenton Winery & Brewery and appetizers from Bangkok Peppers.