• Community steps up for Darlington Nativity scene
• Duke Energy Grant to fund school supplies in Darlington County
• Central Baptist Church's Rev. Tim Coker wants people 'fly' above their own expectations
• Darlington wins Turkey Shootout championship

 

$2500 Matching Fundraiser Challenge to Benefit Bridge Boarding. Home at Last has challenged us to raise $2500 starting Nov 29 and running for 25 days, until Dec 24. We are over HALF WAY to reaching our goal so YOUR HELP is needed now more than ever! IF we raise $2500 BEFORE Home at Last does (they are running a similar campaign to ours), a $2,500 match will kick in, and every dollar you donate towards this special campaign will be doubled. Please, click and give and then share this email and or link on your Facebook page, and together we will cross the finish line first and your donation will be matched! Thank you for your support! Darlington County Humane Society Rescue 

Want to be at the top of our Weekly Update? Email Lisa Rock at darlingtonplanner@gmail.com or call 843-992-1561 for rates.

 

Today

Darlington County Council will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at the Courthouse Annex/EMS Building on Harry Byrd Highway in Darlington. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 7.

Seymour and Santa are going to make your holiday season splashtastic with our Cyber Monday Sale! Get your 2020 Season Pass to Neptune island for 20% off during our Cyber Monday Sale! Mark your calendars because this deal is only available for 2 DAYS! Cyber Monday Sale is valid online and in-person December 2-3 only. Our Admissions Office will be open for In-City Resident Season Passes and in-person purchases from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3. Happy holidays, Mateys and Mermaids! For more information, navigate to www.neptuneisland.com/cyber-monday-sale.

Tuesday

The DDRA Board of Directors has rescheduled its December meeting for 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the City Administration Building, 410 Pearl St.

At 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings, men are invited to join a special devotion time at the Purple Fish Coffee Company, 110 W. Hampton St. Great coffee and fellowship.

The Darlington Country Club Sundowners meet at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the club, 125 Country Club Road.

Darlington City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at City Hall, 400 Pearl St.

The Darlington Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW GREY/FARROW Post 3609, meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St.

Joe's Grill will have 50-Cent Wing Night for supper at 306 Russell St. Dine-In only.

Tenampa Mexican Restaurant will hold Taco Tuesday for lunch and supper at 40 Public Square. $1 crunchy beef or chicken tacos and various drink specials. Dine-In only.

Tuesday night is WINGS and KARAOKE with S&T Karaoke at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., downtown Darlington. The wings are 75-cents each, and the songs are free.

The Black Creek Grill at the Darlington Country Club opens for members and their guests for dining from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays at the club, 125 Country Club Road.

Come hear some of your favorite Christmas songs along with a few new ones at Hartsville Community Chorus free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at West Hartsville Baptist Church, 1003 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville! This concert is offered free to the public, though a goodwill donation will be accepted.

 

Wednesday

Free Exercise Class at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Harmon Baldwin Recreation Center, 300 Sanders St. 843-398-4030

Crab Night every Wednesday night at Darlington Elks Lodge, 836 Timmonsville Highway, Darlington. 843-393-1451

Darlington County Picklers meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday nights at the Bill Cain Tennis Center at the corner of Orange and Liberty Streets. Learn to play and meet new friends.

 

Thursday

The Darlington County Historical Commission Board meets from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month, excluding July and August, in the research room at the commission, 204 Hewitt St., Darlington. Info: 843-398-4710 or dchc@darcosc.net

The Rotary Club of Darlington meets at noon on Thursdays at the Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice's staff will hold Mobile Office Hours from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Darlington City Hall, 400 Pearl St.

Join us in downtown Hartsville for Christmas on Carolina on Thursday evenings from December 5-19. During Christmas on Carolina evenings, Camden Carriage Company will pick up riders on East College Avenue and stroll them through our downtown on a 20-25 minute ride. Carriage rides will be $10 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under); Camden Carriage Company will only be able to accept cash on these evenings. Hartsville's Te'Quan Coe and his violin will fill Carolina Avenue with the sounds of the holidays to top off these perfect holiday nights. For more information, visit www.HartsvilleForTheHolidays.com or call 843-917-0602.

 

Friday

Friday is the LAST day to donate winter coats to the Darlington Recreation Coat Drive at Harmon Baldwin Recreation Center, 300 Sanders St., Darlington.

Arbor Day: The City of Darlington Tree Board and Darlington Garden Club will hold its Annual Arbor Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at 1336 S. Main St. Park at CVS and walk to see the seven Yoshino Cherry trees planted in the first phase of the South Main Street Tree Project.

Darlington County Coordinating Council board will meet at 10:30 a.m. followed by the entire membership at 11:30 a.m. at Genesis Healthcare in Darlington on the first Friday of every other month in Darlington, except July. Networking and complimentary lunch following each meeting.

Festival of Trees: The Opening Night Preview Party will be Dec. 6 ($35 per person) with general admission to the show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 and from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Black Creek Arts Council, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. The trees and wreaths will be auctioned off to raise funds for Black Creek Arts Council's Art Education Program, our most underfunded program.

Check out Claus & Paws from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Dargan Farms, 1301 S. Charleston Road, Darlington. Enjoy a magical evening at the farm with a visit from Santa Claus and some of his furry friends from the Darlington and Florence Area Humane Societies. Admission includes entry to a large play area including a giant tube slide, human hamster wheel, rope maze, dirt mountain, corn hole games, and more. Includes two cookies, a hot chocolate, hayride, and visit with Santa.

 

Saturday

Darlington Church of God of Prophecy will hold a yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the church, 920 W. Smith Ave. Info: 843-393-8538

Darlington Country Club opens for a members' breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays at the club, 125 Country Club Road.

Darlington County Delinquent Tax Sale will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the County Courthouse. No personal checks. No tax payments will be accepted on the day of the sale. Info: 843-398-4180.

Good Samaritans Christmas Giveaway will be 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7, at Butler High Gym on Sixth Street in Hartsville. Free food, clothing, toys, and other items for all persons in need. Info: Rev. Eddie Thomas 803-459-4989, Robert Ervin 843-383-5488, or Ted Williams 843-332-0374

The Southeastern Bluegrass Association of SC SEBGA presents the award-winning Flatland Express Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Music Hall, 1945 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington. Flatland Express is the 2013 Winner of The Little Roy and Lizzy Band Competition, the 2015 Third Place Winner of the South Carolina State Band Competition at RenoFest, the 2016 Third Place Winner of the South Carolina State Band Competition at RenoFest. Doors open at 4 p.m. for jamming and socializing. Also on stage will be our talented local musicians for our 6:30 p.m. set. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for those younger than 12. Info: 843-669-6952

Enjoy Christmas at Medford at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Medford Nursing Center in Darlington.

The DRAF Christmas Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Darlington Dragway.

 

Sunday

The 251st Annual Christmas Dinner will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the SC National Guard Armory in Darlington. We welcome the family members of all our Soldiers to come join us on this day to fellowship over a great meal, come see what we have accomplished over the past year, and get to know the 251st.

The Darlington Rescue Squad's Annual Christmas Parade will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, followed by the Darlington Kiwanis Club's Annual Carol Lighting Service at 6 p.m. Christmas Festival will be held at the Public Square from 4 to 8 p.m. Announcement. Application to be in the Parade. Vendor Application.

You are cordially invited to Share the Holiday Spirit with Kalmia Gardens at the Historic Hart House, c.1820, on December 8 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kalmia Gardens, 1624 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville. The house will be decorated in period style, and there will be light snacks and a visit from Old Saint Nick. Along with the Hart House tour, the Hart Cottage, Jacob Kelley House, AND Hartsville Museum will also be open free of charge.

All Hunt Bonz Deli locations inside Fastrack Convenience Stores will be open for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come on out and have breakfast and lunch with us on Lamar Highway, South Main Street, or Hoffmeyer Road.

Darlington County Picklers meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday nights at the Bill Cain Tennis Center at the corner of Orange and Liberty Streets. Learn to play and meet new friends.

Recovery/Self Discovery with Susie Bloodworth will be held at 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 8 at Black Creek Arts Council, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville.

 

Mark Your Calendars

The Darlington County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Training Room of the DCSD Administration Building, located at 120 E. Smith Avenue, Darlington.

Levon Kirkland, recently inducted into Clemson's Ring of Honor, will make an appearance, sign autographs, and speak from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Dominion Church in Darlington. Admission $10 for adults and free for children.

Join Groucho's Deli in Hartsville as we GIVE BACK 10% of sales from 4 to 9 p.m. to Hartsville Young Professionals (Mingle and Jingle benefiting Child & Family Resource Foundation) on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The MORE You Eat; The MORE We Give! #GrouchosGivesBack #GrouchosHart #Deli4Dinner #HelpUsHelp #YouCanHelp

Get in the holiday spirit and join us for a Christmas Zumba Class at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 hosted by Caroline Williams at Fitness World Gym, 821 S. Fifth St., Hartsville. Fitness World Members can attend for free, non-members will need to pay a $10 entry fee, which will go directly to benefit the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault.

Santa's coming back to Fahrenheit 225 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 26 Public Square. Bring the kiddos and come enjoy some delicious food!

Join the Hartsville Young Professionals for an evening of holiday cheer to support Child and Family Resource Foundation from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13 at Black Creek Arts Council, 116 College Ave., Hartsville. Limited ticket sales of 120. Cost: $30 for singles, $50 for couples. Age 21 and older only please. This will be a fun-filled evening to help raise awareness of the needs Child and Family Resource Foundation has, while also celebrating all the successes that the group has had impacting youth in our area. This year our goal is to raise $10,000! Cocktail Attire.

Trinity United Methodist Church will hold a HUGE Yard Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Youth Center on Orange Street across from Carolina Bank. Furniture, dishes, pictures, jewelry, shoes, toys, baked goods, games, and more unique items.

Enjoy Cookies with Santa from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Hartsville Memorial Library, 147 W College Ave, Hartsville. Cookies, crafts, pictures with Santa, and more. Free.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce and Light Up Darlington Christmas Committee will hold Christmas on the Square from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, with shopping, Santa, hot cocoa, and more.

Bring your little ones to the Hartsville Museum for pictures with Santa before the Hartsville Christmas Parade from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the museum, 222 N. 5th St, Hartsville. Feel free to bring your own camera for this wonderful photo opportunity.

The 2019 Hartsville Christmas Parade will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. To register to participate in the 2019 Hartsville Christmas Parade, visit https://hartsvillefortheholidays.com/hartsville-christmas-parade/.

Restoration Outreach Ministries will hold Prayer in the Square at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, on the Public Square.

Join the Darlington County Historical Society as we celebrate the Sound of Christmas with carols, organ music, & refreshments at the historic Trinity Church. Prepare yourself for a glorious afternoon celebrating the holiday season with friends and family in the style of the 19th Century from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Trinity Church, 171 Burns St., Society Hill. Dress warmly and come ready to step back in time. Rain cancels.

The Darlington Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, and the third Thursday on the month at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St.

Free showing of Dr. Suess' The Grinch at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Harmon Baldwin Recreation Center, 300 Sanders St. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy!

Featuring the Columbia City Ballet, the Nutcracker Ballet, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at The Center Theater, 212 N 5th St, Hartsville. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at 843-332-5721 for special seating.

Don't miss this incredible night of laughs and fun as Dominion Church holds its Ugly Sweater Party with a white elephant gift exchange at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at the church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington. It's going to be a night of incredible FOOD, FAMILY, and FELLOWSHIP! A prize to the ugliest sweater and everyone that brings a gift will leave with one!

In observance of Christmas Holiday and New Year's Day, City and County Offices will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1. The Landfill and Solid Waste Collection Centers will close at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24, all day on Dec. 25, at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, and all day on Jan. 1. Residential city trash collection will run on its normal schedule. The Wednesday commercial city trash collection for Dec. 25 will run on Dec. 26 and the collection for Jan. 1 will run on Jan. 2.

Take the plunge in the Prestwood Pool at 3 p.m. on January 1, 2020, to benefit the Pee Dee Coalition and Darlington County Dancing with the Starts Team #1 Matt & Tracee at Prestwood Country Club, 534 Prestwood Dr, Hartsville. The $20 entry fee gets you an AWESOME t-shirt and bragging rights! Must register by Dec. 13 to guarantee a T-shirt.

 

MORE HOLIDAY FUN

During the construction happening at Darlington Country Club we have been invaded by 6 mischievous scout elves. These elves are running rampant around the clubhouse, Red Bar, Pro Shop and golf course. They are trying to see which of our members have been naughty or nice and sending reports to the North Pole! We need your help to keep an eye out for these guys and gals. We are going to have a contest to see who can spot the most elves at Darlington Country Club. This contest will be called Elfie. It requires a "selfie" with an Elf... an Elfie! Elfie is for all ages! Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and we guess kids can play too! As a reward for your help, we will have a drawing for prizes. Prizes for both adults and children! Remember, Santa is always watching! Here are the rules of Elfie:

1. If you find an elf or elves (there are 6 elves in total), you must not touch them!! They must remain at their post of the day per Santa's instructions.
2. Snap a selfie with the elf. You must be in the picture! However, one person per picture.
3. Post your picture on your Facebook timeline. If your child or someone you know does not have a Facebook, you may post their selfies on a different account. You must tag the Darlington Country Club and include #ElfieDCC2019 for each photo. This will help us track your findings.
4. Each time you tag a picture with the elf your name will be entered into a drawing for prizes. This cannot be the same picture reposted every day. Only one picture per elf per day. So up to 6 different pictures per person, everyday!
5. If you are at a Darlington Country Club sponsored event and find an elf at the club- dinner, family night, breakfast, Sunday lunch, gofing, etc. Your name will be entered into the drawing...TWICE!

The drawing will be done at our member's Christmas Drop In at 7 p.m. on December 17. You must be present to win. The elves have to return to the North Pole December 15th to prepare for Christmas Eve. So please have all of your Elfies posted by 5:00 P.M. December 15, 2019.

 

Become a Member!

Join the DDRA and show your support for our community. Download the Membership Application here. Members can share news about your business or organization by giving us a call, 843-992-1561, or sending us an email, info@buildupdarlington.org, and we will feature yours news on our site and distribute it through our News Alert system via text and email to people interested in Darlington as well as TV stations, radio stations, and newspapers. We can come take a photo or use what you already have. This allows you to share employee recognitions, new products, sales, special hours and events, and more - all as a benefit of being a member of the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association!

If you are already a member, please make sure to submit any updates to your businesses' Map Location Form to info@buildupdarlington.org.

To have your event listed on our websites, please email info@buildupdarlington.org or call 843-398-4000 x 103 by the week prior to your event.