Thanks to the generous contributions of the City of Darlington, the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association played host to The Rick Strickland Band for its latest Bringing Downtown Alive! free Concert on Saturday! Thanks to everyone who came out to support our community! The concerts will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays on the Public Square with a different theme each month.

• September 4 - Race Week (Level 10 Band & Show will perform)
• October 2 - 80s-Themed Party (Bout Time Band will perform)

Funds raised by these events will go toward downtown revitalization efforts. Info: info@buildupdarlington.org or 843-992-1561

DAILY PRAYER GATHERING: All are welcome to join fellow believers daily at 7 a.m. as we pray for the upcoming revival at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington.

Today

Darlington County Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, and on the first Monday of the month at Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. Due to COVID-19, in-person access is restricted. Watch meetings online here. Info: 843-944-8270 or jbishop@darcosc.net

The Knitting & Crochet Club of Lamar will meet at 4 p.m. on Mondays at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Monday Night is Spaghetti Night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Served with salad, bread, and tea for $9.95. Info: 843-944-0626

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets weekly at 8 p.m. Monday nights at Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington. Use the Orange Street entrance. Info: 843-395-6897

 

Tuesday

Last day to register for the Darlington Academy Reunion will be from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. August 21 at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Heavy hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. with band beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cash bar. Cost: $50 per person. Mail checks payable to Darlington Academy Reunion 2021, 1517 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington, SC 29532. Head count needed by August 10.

Darlington High School JV Cheer Tryouts will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at the DHS Gym. Wear shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Bring water bottle.

The Darlington Police Department will hold the annual crime-fighting event National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the corner of Pearl and Dargan Streets.

 

Summer Story Time will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hartsville Memorial Library, 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Sign-up is required. Registration will open one week in advance of every story time. This program is designed for pre-school children, but all are welcome. To register, please call 843-332-5115 or visit the front desk.

The Rotary Club of Hartsville meets at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Pam's Restaurant, 1009 W. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville.

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night on Tuesday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

Wing specials, Drink Specials and Karaoke Every Tuesday Night at the Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington.

Each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Darlington Country Club will hold 9-hole scramble. $10 per player goes into the pot for prize money. 843-393-0236

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Call the Darlington Country Club to make your reservations for our Member Family Night Buffet. (843) 393-0236

Wednesday

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Virtual Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays and a Virtual Women's Bible Study at 12 Noon on Wednesdays. St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Church at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Sunrise Rotary Club of Hartsville meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 am at the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 214 N. Fifth St. The Rotary Club of Hartsville is a part of District 7770 of the Eastern South Carolina. (843) 229-2729 or hartsvillesunriserotary@gmail.com

Enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, from 4 to 9 p.m. with wine and wing specials. (843) 944-0880

Carolina Nightlife & Grill will hold a Cornhole Tournament every Wednesday at 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Anyone can play. Register at 6 p.m. with play starting at 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Tournament is blind/random partner draw, double elimination format. Cost is $10 per person for the Advanced Bracket and $5 per person for the Tailgate Bracket. If you can average 2 in the hole every time, we recommend the advanced bracket. Cash prizes for winning teams.

 

Thursday

This month's What the Fork theme is Cookout Classics! Join us on Thursday, August 12th at 6 PM at the Darlington Library and bring some homemade burgers, hotdogs, side dishes, and desserts! Anything that you think is a cookout classic is welcome!

On Thursdays, Darlington Country Club will hold an individual points game (points based off your USGA handicap). Tee off anytime during the day and add $20 to the pot. Blind draw at 6:30 p.m., need not be present to win. Everyone participating must play with someone else that is in the game.

Enjoy classic Shrimp-N-Grits (or pork chip and grits) at Joe's Grill on Thursday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington.

Al-Anon, a fellowship of adult relatives and friends of alcoholics for mutual support, will meet at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Hartsville AA Hut, 310 S. McFarland St. Info: https://al-anon.org or 843-992-2981

 

Friday

The Purple Fish Coffee Company, 104 W. Hampton St., will hold its Friday night live music and open mike sessions from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Free admission! (843) 944-0315

Enjoy Steak Night with Joe's Grill  on Friday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

Fahrenheit 225 will have Trivia & Rock Bingo Night on Fridays beginning at 7 p.m. Pick up to-go orders at 26 Public Square, Darlington. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call in take-out orders at (843) 944-0321.

Enjoy Karaoke Night at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, beginning at 7 p.m. every Friday night. Come through and kick back, relax and enjoy yourself.

 

Saturday

The Darlington Soup Kitchen is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 586 W. West Broad St.

Darlington Library's Teen Time Cooking Basics: Desserts will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 14, at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Learn how to make and decorate cupcakes and cookies. Info: 843-398-4940

The City of Hartsville is excited to announce that the 2021 Screen on the Green movie series is BACK! Grab a blanket or a chair and meet us at Burry Park for the summer movie series. Movie starts at dusk. Free.  Children and leashed pets are welcome. This event is held in an open-air park with plenty of room for social distancing.

• August 12th: National Night Out, Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse sponsored by LOL Steam Center
• September 11th: Aladdin (2019), sponsored by Sonoco
• October 23rd: Hocus Pocus sponsored by SPC Credit Union

Dobbins Softball Consulting & Development presents Carolina Collegiate Instructional and Exposure Clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Lamar Softball Complex, 600 Club Dr., Lamar. For ages 12-18. Cost: $150 per participant by July 16 and $175 each after that. Info: (432) 552-0490.

Darlington County Community Action Agency's Community Outreach Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Fitness World Gyms parking lot, 1032 Pearl St., Darlington. Harvest Hope food giveaway, Duke Energy Progress survival kit giveaway, and utilities assistance. If applying for assistance, please bring proof of household income for 30 days, Social Security cards for household, applicant ID, proof of disability or veterans status if applicable, last three utility bills (if asking for utility assistance), lease agreement or eviction notice if applicable, and mortgage statement if applicable.

 

Sunday

Darlington Presbyterian Church holds service at 11 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. at the church, 311 Pearl St.

Children's Activities begin at 5 p.m. Sundays with Kids for Christ at the Kid Central Building then share the love of God with them through teaching and songs from 6 to 7 p.m. for Children's Musical Practice at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St., Darlington.

St. Matthew's Church will hold an In-Person and Virtual Church Service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Info: 843-393-4112

Lee Street First Church of God brings the Word of God to you. Connect via Facebook Live or Zoom 646-558-86-56 ext. 222 777 7676. Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. Tuesday midday prayer at noon. Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p.m. Prayer Hotline 1-888-409-8880. Info: 843-393-2672

Parking Lot Church in the grassy area behind the ball field at 10:30 a.m. at Mechanicsville Baptist Church. There will be ushers directing you where to park your vehicle. Once parked, please tune your radio to 102.5FM. All are welcome.

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lamar will hold services at 11 a.m. in person or online. Masks required in person. (843) 332-1188.

 

Monday

Story Time will be live at 10 a.m. Mondays at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St. Info: 843-398-4940

Darlington's own Sarah Hardee, owner of Boards & Bakes, will be teaching a charcuterie class at The Grand Old Post Office at 6:30 p.m. August 16. Come join us for a fun time and learn the art of building a cheese board! GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE IT SELLS OUT! Tickets are $50. Please call us at 843-944-0157 if you need assistance purchasing tickets.

 

Mark Your Calendars

Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce invites businesses to its first Member Connect, an ice cream social from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Edward Jones, 66 Public Square, Darlington. RSVP: information@darlingtonchamber.com

South Carolina Wind Energy Workshop. 11 a.m. August 18. Join the Energy Office and other wind stakeholders throughout South Carolina for a virtual workshop about the latest wind energy developments nationally and regionally, as well as economic development and supply chain opportunities associated with wind energy. Panelists will also share information on past wind activities and projects in the state. Virtual. Register here.

Keep America Beautiful presents "How Litter-Free Initiatives Build Community Understanding & Shared Values" at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18. Register here.

Darlington Library presents Canvas Paint Class with Mrs. Drew and friends at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Register by calling the library or messaging us on Facebook. Info: 843-398-4940

Darlington Country Club presents This is How We Roll, a sushi rolling and sake tasting with a personal chef, at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at the club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Cost is $50 for members and $65 for others plus $10 for sake tasting.

Darlington Raceway will hold a Classic Car Show Saturday, August 21. Participants in the Classic Car Show will receive Dash Plaque, Awards & Prizes, Track Laps on the famous Darlington Raceway, 1 ticket to the Sport Clips VFW Haircut 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Sept. 4, and the 50 first entries will get to drive their car onto Victory Lane for a photo. Cost: $30 through June 30, $40 after. Info: Emily Webster at 843-395-8805 or email ewebster@darlingtonraceway.com.

Take your vehicle for a spin around the track Too Tough To Tame on August 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Benefiting Blessings in a Backpack. For just $20, you can take three laps around the unique egg-shaped oval. Track Laps proceeds will benefit Darlington Shares, a donor advised fund of The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable entity, that donates racing-related items and offers financial support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities. The last date for 2021 will be November 20, Benefiting Toys for Tots. REGISTER HERE.

The Red Fez Shrine Club Annual Bass Fishing Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 21, at Lake Robinson CPL Landing at Cloverdale Road, Hartsville. Register at the boat ramp at 6 a.m. with a 7 a.m. blastoff. Cost: $55 per two-man team. $5 of entry fee goes toward big fish winner. Pay out a percent to the top three places based on 20 boats. Info: Eddie Kirkley 843-680-0377 or Charles Howard 843-307-4345

DDRA Members Breakfast: 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St. Free for members and $5 for others. Members meet to network, make suggestions, and find out about upcoming events.

Get ready for an elevated tasting experience at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington. In this Wine 101 course, you will learn about the "Big 6" of wine with Director of the Wine and Beverage Institute of the University of South Carolina, Sandy Strick. No prior wine knowledge needed - come join us for a good time! Tickets: $40. Must be 21+ to attend. Members receive discounted ticket price. Info: 843-944-0157 or at thegrandoldpostoffice.com

The Grand Weekend, a grand time for grandparents and their grandkids, ages 6-11, will be held Aug. 27-28 at St. Matthew's Church in Darlington. An amazing weekend filled with music, puppets, and TED talks. Experience practical ways to connect with your loved ones as together you build close relationships with each other and the Lord. Register at www.saintmatthews.us.

Terrence F. Carraway Foundation Paint, Sip & Silent Auction: 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28, at Florence Little Theatre. Come enjoy and relax an evening of your choice of paint instruction, bid at our silent auction, hors d'oeuvres or enjoy the cigar bar out on the courtyard! Limited availability - Admission $50. 100% of the proceeds go to TFC Foundation.

SC manufacturers that have a DOD supply chain are invited to the S.C. Cybersecurity Summit to learn how to bolster cybersecurity resiliency from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 1 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia. SC Manufacturers with the DOD Supply Chain - learn how to bolster cybersecurity resiliency within your company.  Information about the SC Cybersecurity Assistance Program Grant will be shared and you will be able to engage with state resources from SLED, SCMEP, IT Cybersecurity providers, CyberSec, as well as an SC Infrastructure panel of experts. Free. Register here.

Darlington Raceway will host the third annual Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K presented by Brown's RV Superstore at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. There will also be a one-mile Kids Run as part of the event. Runners can register online at darlingtonraceway.com/memorial5k.

SCACED Landowner Resources Workshop series continues at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7 and provides landowners and producers the opportunity to learn about USDA-NRCS funding programs, methods to increase profitability, how start an agricultural business, Agri-heritage tourism, and conservation planning. USDA staff will be on-hand to help guide landowners through and answer questions about the EQIP application process. All Landowner Workshops will be held virtually in 2021. Limited capacity. Each participant that attends a workshop will receive a $10 Subway gift card. Learn more here. All landowners in South Carolina are welcome to attend. Other dates: Sept. 28. For questions, please reach out to Ken Harvin ken@scaced.org or 843-579-9855 ext. 3.

City and County Offices, the Landfill, & Solid Waste Collection Centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.

The City of Darlington Beautification Board will hold its fall Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, September 11, in conjunction with the National Day of Service & Remembrance. This project is a joint effort among the Beautification Board, the City of Darlington, and the Darlington Garden Club, and we would like you to be a part of this community-wide effort to unify our town and make it a better place to live. Refreshments and restrooms available at the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, 38 Public Square, from 9 a.m. to noon, and this location will serve as home base for tools and job lists. We will also provide Darlington Proud t-shirts to the first 100 volunteers! The project is branching out to other areas of town beyond the Square. We will be doing work at the Darlington Library; at Bill Cain Tennis Complex; at Liberty Lane; at the Public Walkway; at Wells Park; at the Washington Street City entrance; and at the South Main Street City entrance. If there are other projects you would like to tackle to help improve Darlington, please let us know and we'll add it to the list for that Saturday morning. Tell us what tools or supplies may be needed to accomplish these tasks, so volunteers can bring the appropriate equipment or purchase these items. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com or 843-992-1561

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced its 2021 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit for September 13-15. This year's events will spotlight the resilience of America's entrepreneurs and the renewal of the small business economy as they build back better from the economic crisis brought on by a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. The virtual summit will honor the nation's 30 million small businesses for their perseverance, ingenuity, triumphs, and creativity.   

Come join the Grand Old Post Office for our first annual Small Business Expo and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at 201 Pearl St., Darlington. Retailers, crafts, samples, raffle, prizes, food truck and more. If you are a vender looking for space, please call for details or email for an application to join this event. Spaces will fill up fast. info@thegrandoldpostoffice.com or 843-944-0157

Third Annual Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County Heroes For Health Golf Tournament will take place Thursday, September 23 at Darlington Country Club.

The 2021 Association of South Carolina Energy Managers (ASCEM) Fall Conference will be held October 6, at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC. Registration information and a draft agenda will be available soon on the ASCEM conference page of the Energy Office website.

On October 9 at 9 a.m., the 3rd annual Panting for Paws 5K will take place beginning and ending at the Fitness World Gym on Pearl Street. There is also a virtual 5K if you cannot make it. This race benefits the Darlington County Human Society and their efforts to build a new shelter with indoor facilities for the homeless dog and cat populations in Darlington County. You can register here.

Freedom Baptist Church will hold a Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at the church, 1416 Lamar Highway, Darlington. Bouncy house for the children, volleyball, corn hole, crafts, lunch, drinks, and other activities. Info: 843-393-8047 or freedomdarlington@outlook.com

 

Freedom Baptist Church will hold a Movie Night from 6 to 8 p.m. October 21 in the church fellowship hall, 1416 Lamar Highway, Darlington. Snacks provided. Children, wear your favorite pajamas and bring a pillow or blanket to enjoy the movie. After the movie, there will be a Bible story. Info: 843-393-8047 or freedomdarlington@outlook.com

Freedom Baptist Church will hold a Bring a Friend Day from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 11 in the church fellowship hall, 1416 Lamar Highway, Darlington. Children will have a Bible story and a Christmas craft. Adults will have a class on budgeting with a breakout session on working on their independent budgets, followed by a Q&A sessions. Info: 843-393-8047 or freedomdarlington@outlook.com

 

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

DHEC Careline 855-472-3432: Get answers to common questions about the Corona Virus from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

DHEC Sponsored Testing at Darlington County Health Department,305 Russell St., Darlington. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays, with a break from 12 noon to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary. Preregistration encouraged: 1-855-472-3432 or scdhec.gov/gettested.

The Covid-19 Vaccine hotline for the public to schedule vaccine appointments is 843-876-7227. The hotline is open every day from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. and intended only for those who cannot access online scheduling, having difficulties with online scheduling, or to help non-MyChart users cancel appointments

 

CITY SERVICES

Darlington City Hall has reopened to the public at a limited capacity. Hours of operation remain 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Individuals may only enter through the front door of City Hall, 400 Pearl St.
• Individuals must wear a mask.
• Individuals must maintain social distancing of six (6) feet from others.
• A maximum of three (3) people will be allowed in the reception area at any one time. Others must wait outside.
• Restrooms will not be open to the public.

Individuals are still encouraged to do as much business by telephone and email as possible. City staff will be available, and essential services will not be interrupted. Below are the numbers to call for specific questions.

You may call the following numbers with service-related issues

• Emergencies, call 911
• Business Licenses - 843-398-4000 ext. 101
• Permits - 843-398-4029
• Water/Sewer, Normal Business Hours,  - 843-398-4040
• Water/Sewer, After 5 p.m.,  -  843-758-1127
• Fire, Non-emergency - 843-398-4013
• Police, Non-emergency - 843-398-4026
• Municipal Court - 843-398-4004
• Streets & Sanitation - 843-398-4035
• Media Inquiries - 843-992-1561

Download the DDRA Membership Application here. Download a Map Location Form for your business. Return to info@buildupdarlington.org or DDRA, P.O. Pox 57, Darlington, SC 29540.

To have your event listed on our websites, please email info@buildupdarlington.org or call 843-398-4000 the week prior to your event. The DDRA office has moved to City Hall, 400 Pearl St. If you need us, call 843-992-1561 or email info@buildupdarlington.org. Thanks!