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.   

The 2021 Taste of Darlington will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 14, in the garage area at Darlington Raceway as a fundraiser for the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA). Call DDRA Executive Director Lisa Rock at 843-992-1561 for more information, to sponsor the event, or to sign up for a table. You also may email info@buildupdarlington.org for an application or visit www.BuildUpDarlington.org/taste for more details.

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.

Saturdays on the Square: 80s Block Party will have Bout Time Band perform live for the DDRA's Bringing Downtown Alive! Concert Series from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 2, at the Public Square. Car show, food, cornhole tournament, Pepsi, and more. Bring a chair. Vendor Application. Sponsor Information. Thanks to City of Darlington for funding this project! Costume contest sponsored by Sassy Girl Vintique! Final concert Saturday, Nov. 6. Funds raised by these events will go toward downtown revitalization efforts. Vendor Application. Sponsor information. Info: info@buildupdarlington.org or 843-992-1561

 

Today

Darlington County Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, 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

City of Darlington Historic Landmarks Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, and November 1 at City Hall, 400 Pearl St. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

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

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

Keep Darlington County Beautiful Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 14 and on the second Tuesday of the month at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St., or County Fire HQ, 137 N. Center Rd., Hartsville. Info: Gary White gwhite@darcosc.net

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

Pizza & Pen Pals, Sending Hope & Love to the Elderly will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 14 and the second Tuesday of the month at Northwood Family Worship Center Fellowship Hall, 1100 E. McIver Road, Darlington. Pizza, drinks, and pen pal info provided. RSVP to Teressa Wright 843-731-5586

The Williamson Park Committee meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at City Hall.

Darlington County School District Board of Education holds its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 and on the second Monday of each month at DCSD Administrative building, 120 E. Smith Ave., Darlington.

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

Book Club will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15 and the third Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

The Darlington Professional Women meet at noon on Sept. 15 and on the third Wednesday of the month at the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, 38 Public Square.

The Darlington County Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. on Sept. 15 and on the third Wednesday of the month at one of the County library locations. Info: 843-398-4940 or jimmie.epling@darlington-lib.org.

The City of Darlington Beautification Board meets at 5 p.m. on Sept. 15 and the third Wednesday of the month with no meeting in November and December. Remaining dates for 2021 are September 15, and October 20. Info: 843-398-4000 x 103 or rock@cityofdarlington.com

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.

Test-N-Tune / N/T Grudge held every Wednesday night at Darlington Dragway, 2056 E. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville. Gates open at 5 p.m. Testing starts at 6 p.m. Spectator admission: $15. Testing Fee: $10. Info: 843-383-0008

 

Thursday

Florence Area Big Band comes to Darlington at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., for a benefit concert hosted by The Grand Old Post Office Foundation and The Florence Center for Contemporary Music. Let this 18-piece, big band entertain you with tunes from the 40's to modern-day music. Tickets are $25. Info: 843-944-0157

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.

Darlington Kiwanis Club will meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 16 and the first and third Thursday of the month at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Speaker: Mary Winfree, President-Elect of Carolinas District of Kiwanis. She will do the induction ceremony.

BINGO will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 16 and the third Thursday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

The Darlington County Airport Commission meets at 8 a.m. Sept. 16 and on the third Thursday of every month at the Darlington County Jetport, 313 G. Graham Segars Parkway, Darlington. Info: 843-307-7710, 843-393-9928, or bkennett@darcosc.net.

DCC Dinner Club for Members. Join Darlington Country Club from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 16 and on the third Thursday of each month for a night of elegant dining and good company at the club, 125 Country Club Road. Reservations are required. (843) 393-0236

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: 843-992-2981

 

Friday

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.

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

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

Sunday

Prayer on the Square will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 19 and on the third Sunday of each month. Come together for fellowship and spiritual uplifting. Open to all.

 

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

Mechanicsville Baptist Churchwill hold indoor church services and Facebook live service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 2364 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington. 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.

 

Mark Your Calendars

South Carolina Department of Commerce Supporting SC Businesses - 2021 Workforce & Retention Series featuring SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department one-hour webinar will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. Free. Register here.

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

Evening Under the Oaks: Friday, Sept. 24, at Oak Manor Inn, enjoy a beautiful evening featuring food, spirits, and a live band to benefit the Darlington County Humane Society Capital Campaign for a new indoor shelter. General admission, from 7 to 10 p.m., $50 each. Limited VIP Experience, from 6 to 10 p.m., $100 each.

Trinity United Methodist Church will hold Revival Services at 6 p.m. nightly Sunday, September  26, through Wednesday, September 29, at the church, 126 Pearl St., Darlington. Speaker: Rev. Tim Rogers. Communion and singing every night. Come commune with Jesus. Nursery available.

The Witch's Run 5K is a family friendly 5K that is sure to be a ghoulishly good time! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume or attire and join us in beautiful Downtown Hartsville! Mark your calendars and get those costumes ready - SPC's Witch's Run returns to Downtown Hartsville on Saturday, October 2, at YMCA of the Upper Pee Dee, 111 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville. Cares2Share, the community outreach of SPC Credit Union presents this Halloween-themed 5K. Prizes will be awarded to winners in various categories including best costume. Racers who sign up by Sept. 17 are guaranteed a Witch's Run T-shirt. Packet Pick-Up will be Friday, October 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. at SPC Credit Union, 204 N. Fifth St., Hartsville, behind the Center Theater. Visit thewitchesrun5k.itsyourrace.com to sign up.

Saturdays on the Square: 80s Block Party will have Bout Time Band perform live for the DDRA's Bringing Downtown Alive! Concert Series from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 2, at the Public Square. Car show, food, cornhole tournament, Pepsi, and more. Bring a chair. Vendor Application. Sponsor Information. Thanks to City of Darlington for funding this project! Costume contest sponsored by Sassy Girl Vintique! Info: 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org

Fifty Shades Live, a two-hour long show that combines a perfect blend of music, high energy dance moves and theatrics, providing a spell bounding performance inspired by the movie Magic Mike at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Carolina Nightlife & Grill. Tickets: $30.

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.

The FDTC Educational Foundation presents The Magic of Motown - an evening of food, drink, dancing and Motown hits performed by Painted Man at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing & Technology. Proceeds benefit the FDTC Educational Foundation and its mission.

Wild and Mild Taste of High Hill Baptist Church will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 8, at the church, 1880 Timmonsville Hwy. Darlington. Live entertainment, live auction, silent auction, country store, and lots of Vendors cooking their favorites. Tickets are $10 per person. Children age 10 and younger are free. Info: Pastor Randy James 843-617-5331

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.

The Pilot Club of Darlington presents Darlington County's longest running festival, the 38th Annual S.C. Sweet Potato Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Public Square in Darlington.

2nd Chance Ministries will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at Temple Free Will Baptist Church, 1660 N Governor Williams Hwy, Darlington.

House of Refuge Outreach Ministry along with the Mayors of Darlington and Hartsville, The Naomi Project, Pee Dee Coalition, Lydia's Nest, and others will be on the courthouse grounds to discuss the statistics and services in the Pee Dee to help Stop Domestic Violence at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

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

The 2021 Pee Dee Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, October 23, at FMU Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Dargan St., Florence. Check-In: 9 a.m. Start Time: 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.

The City of Hartsville will conclude its 2021 Screen on the Green movie series October 23 Hocus Pocus sponsored by SPC Credit Union. 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.

The Second Annual Chafee Jones Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road. Registration at 10:30 a.m. with shotgun start at noon. Awards to follow. Box lunch included. Cost: $100 per player, $400 per team. Info: 843-616-0414

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

I Dreamed a Dream: A Night of Broadway with the Trent Hill Center will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Center Theater , 212 N. Fifth St., Hartsville. Proceeds from the event will benefit the development of Trent Hill Center's newest community program, Supervised Independent Living (SIL). SIL will serve youth in foster care ages 18-21 and is designed to teach life skills necessary for independence and self-sufficiency.

The Pee Dee Antique Bottle Club will hold its Second Annual Show on Saturday, Nov. 13. Free admission. Info: clarence@criswell.net or 843-326-5061

 

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

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number (844) 684-6333, TTY (800) 462-7585. Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

 

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!

Established in 1956, family owned, Thad Weinberg's Sausage makes our sausage using our family recipe. We sell pork products as well as process wild game at 1014 Pearl St. In Darlington. (843) 393-2544