CHILI COOK OFF

The Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA) will be partnering with Joe's Grill for our Third Annual Chili Championship on Saturday, March 26! We invite you to showcase your business, church, or family recipe at our event as a contestant. This would be a great opportunity to display your brand and distribute menus or other promotional materials. DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM HERE. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. OUTSIDE with the public purchasing tasting wristbands to select the winners. The Darlington Cruisers will hold a car show that day as well. Cost: $10 cook teams, $5 tasting wristbands, and $5 per vehicle for the car show. Info: 843-944-0626

TASTE OF DARLINGTON RETURNS TO THE TRACK TOO TOUGH TO TAME THURSDAY, APRIL 7! The annual culinary event benefits the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA) and features some of the best cooks in the Darlington area. This year's event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, in the Garage Area at Darlington Raceway. Attendees will enjoy a host of hot and cold food and drinks. A variety of decadent and beautiful desserts, sandwiches and finger foods will overflow tables, but the grilled meats are the stars of the feast. The smoke and smell of tenderloins and ribs will draw out the carnivore in nearly any hungry guest. AGE 21+ ONLY. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate and are currently available in Darlington at the City Water Department, 400 Pearl St., Carolina Bank offices in Darlington County, Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., and in Florence at The Healthy Food Store.

Thank you to our sponsors: WBTW News 13, Georgia Pacific, North Industrial Machine, McLeod Health, First Citizens Bank, SPC Credit Union, The News & Press, Herald Office Systems, Cumulus Broadcasting, Q100.5, The Fox 102.1, Crown Beverages, Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, City of Darlington, and Coca-Cola

ANNUAL DDRA GOLF TOURNAMENT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, AT DARLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB! Download the information here.

Muddy Creek Revival opens the Saturdays on the Square season for 2022 from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 14, on the Public Square. Enjoy live music, classic car show, food vendors, and more. Concerts continue the SECOND SATURDAY from May through September! More details TBA! Sponsors. Vendors. Info: 843-992-1561

St. John's High School Class of 1972 will hold its 50th Reunion from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. Members of the SJHS Classes of 1970, 1971, 1973, and 1974 are invited to join the event. Hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and music. Tickets are $25 each before July 1 and $30 each after that. Make checks payable to St. John's Class of 1972. Info: Alexander Cohen, 18 Nez Perce St., Darlington, SC 29532.

Today

Canfor's Darlington Plant makes lumber for homes, buildings and construction projects and they're hiring for a variety of positions for day and night shifts. Learn more at an onsite hiring event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at 1100 Chesterfield Lumber Drive in Darlington to drop off your resume and talk to our amazing team. If you're not afraid to get a bit of dirt on your boots or break a sweat, come work with us! Canfor Southern Pine offers competitive pay, bonuses, benefits and training opportunities to build your career. For more information, visit https://www.canfor.com/darlington-jobs.

Darlington Library's Adult Craft Night will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Join us as we make Bee Baths, small watering stations for bees to decorate your garden. Info: 843-398-4940

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. The DDRA will present its Member of the Year Award during the evening as well. You may get your tickets online via our website at members.darlingtonchamber.com/events. 

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.

At 7 p.m. on Thursdays, the Atomic Mountain Bikers meet for a no drop ride through High Hill Creek Park off South Charleston Road. All skill levels are welcome, and no one will be left behind. Please bring a head lamp and or bike light as the sun will go down before we finish our ride.

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 Hartsville Memorial Library Brain Boosters theme for this month is Ancient History. Join the program for home-school students ages 6-12, at 10 a.m. Friday, March 25, at the library, 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Info: 843-332-5115

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.

Cruz 'n Karaoke is coming to Rambo's (formerly Mike's Corner Bar) Friday nights from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 1288 Timmonsville Hwy., Darlington. Come on out and bring your friends to have a good time. Let's make Rambo's THE place for karaoke night. Reminder! Use your Smartphone to submit Song Requests! Get your FREE Songbooks Online APP at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details... Register and Enter Show ID: TJB582. Select the songs you want to sing. and be added to the rotation without even leaving your seat.

 

Saturday

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

House of Refuge for Battered Women & Children will hold a Shoe Drive Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturdays through April 2 at the old Bank of America parking lot, 213 S. Main St., Darlington. Donations of gently used and new men, women, and children's shoes. You can get your friends and family involved and ask them to collect some as well. You bag them and drop them off on any Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. as well. You don't even have to get out your vehicle. Your donated items will help keep the services offered by our organization for battered women and children.

Lamar Library's Book Club will be reading The Sprit of Sweetgrass by Nicole Seitz. Stop by to pick up a copy from the library and join us to discuss the book at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524.

Mark Johnson & Emory Lester, two renowned instrumentalists, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. As a duo, they have brought their unique blend of music to audiences all over the world. Join us at 6 p.m. for food, drink, and listen to these incredible musicians. https://youtu.be/kCS5uIaTFDg Also, Mark and Emory have generously agreed to host classes in addition to the already scheduled concert. Total price for a ticket to the mandolin and banjo workshops, lunch and concert to $50. Workshops will be open to 25 each for banjo and mandolin. Novice - Intermediate levels welcome. Please respond to Stan Thompson Facebook page, gopofoundation@gmail.com, or 843 230-7118.

St. Matthew's Church will hold its Women's Movie Night on Saturday, March 26, at the church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington. Info: 843-393-4112.

The Pee Dee State Farmers Market is gearing back up for the spring with craft show  from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the market, 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence.

 

Sunday

Central Baptist Church will hold Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 512 Spring St., Darlington. Regular worship services are held at 10:30 a.m. Sundays in the sanctuary as well as via livestream. Info: (843) 393-8581

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.

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.

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

Our Lenten Study will be "Undiscovered Lent" by Rev. Peter Walker. The materials for this study are available in the Narthex and the Church office. Each week there will be a 15-20-minute video along with discussion. The study will start Sunday, March 13, and continue until April 6. In lieu of Adult Sunday School, meet at the Purple Fish and on Zoom from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at 104 W. Hampton St.

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.

Children's church for ages 6-12 will open back up at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Northwood Family Worship Center, 1100 E. McIver Road, Darlington. Praise & worship, puppets, Rovercomer the Dog, Deputy Dugan, crafts, & many fun things planned for upcoming services. Parents are not required to stay for adult services but are welcome to stay and get spiritually fed as well. It's about the relationship and not the religion. Come as you are but not leave as you came. Adult services are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

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.

On Sundays at 2 p.m., join Susan Wesener at the Fitness World Gyms Darlington location, 1032 Pearl St., Darlington, for a brand-new yoga class. Yoga is an amazing entry into fitness for those just starting out, and an ever-better way for hardcore gym members to find better balance, flexibility, and core endurance. Reduce stress. Improve mood. Stretch. Strengthen. Let's get fit together!

 

Monday

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Women's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Monday live from the Purple Fish. Contact Janet Stoda via Janet@saintmatthews.us for study materials.

Darlington Library will hold Monday Morning Meditations, a beginner meditation and light yoga session at 9 a.m. every Monday at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Ages 16 and older. Comfortable clothes are recommended.

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

Mark Your Calendars

Join SCACED on Tuesday, March 29, at 5:30 p.m. for their first Landowner Resources Workshop of the year where we'll walk through the USDA-NRCS EQIP/CSP funding program. Our Landowner Resources Workshops engage landowners and producers to learn how to increase profitability, start an agricultural business, Agri-heritage tourism, conservation planning, and the EQIP/CSP application process & implementation. Limited capacity. Each participant that attends a workshop will receive a $10 Subway gift card. For questions please reach out to Ken Harvin ken@scaced.org. Register here.

MEMBERS ONLY Darlington Country Club Junior Tennis Clinics will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays starting March 29 for ages 6-10 and from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays starting March 31 for ages 11-14 at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road. All clinics taught by Coach Ken Howle. Free. Info: 843-615-5886

Darlington County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 29, at 6 p.m., at the Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. Applicants will not make a presentation before the committee. The meeting room is restricted to Committee Members and required staff. Public and media access will be accomplished via live video stream on Darlington County Council Live Meetings Facebook page and archived on Darlington County website at www.darcosc.com. To access the live stream, click this link or go to the County website at www.darcosc.com, scroll to the middle of the page to Feature, and click on the live stream link. To access the archived video of the meeting, go to the County website at www.darcosc.com, from the Government tab, click on County Council, then scroll to the Council Meeting Video tab on the left of the page and select Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee Meeting.

JOB FAIR from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at Florence-Darlington Technical College SiMT Building, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence. Come dressed to impress. Info: 843-519-1245

Coker Black Alumni Network, the Center for Diversity, Interfaith, and Inclusion, and Tri-Alpha presents a Women's History Discussion Event at 6:30 p.m. March 31, at 300 E. College Ave., Hartsville. Panelists include Dr. Jennifer Heusel, Mrs. Barbara Carraway, Dr. Natalie Harder, Ms. Deitra Matthews, Ms. Sheila Haney, and Ms. Allissa Young.

St. Matthew's Church will hold its Spiritual Gifts Workshop on Saturday, April 2, at the church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington. Info: 843-393-4112.

Covered in Cotton will hold a Spring Pop Up Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Covered in Cotton, 2080 Society Hill Road, Darlington. Bring a friend and join us for Door Prizes, "Seconds" Sale, and the NEW The Rooted Throw Collection.

The Lamar Egg Scramble Jamboree will be held Saturday, April 2.

The Town of Lamar Community Sesquicentennial Worship Service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at Lamar High School Gym to begin a series of monthly events to mark the Town's 150th Anniversary. Each event will focus on a different topic. Tentatively, May, first responders; June, political servants; July, the military; August, sports; September, pictorial/oral histories; October, medical; November, education; December, Christmas on Main. Organizers said, "Lamar looks forward to this year to commemorate, educate and celebrate its town, as well as sharing retrospectives about the 'Small Town with a Big Vision,' its motto."

Lamar Library will be having a Spring-Cleaning Book Sale April 4-9 at the library, 103 E. Main St. April 4-8, books will cost $1 each. Fill a bag or box of books on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for only $1. Take advantage of these amazing deals and to support programming for the Lamar Library. Info: 843-326-5524

Let's save lives together! Sign up now for the Carolina Pines blood drive with the American Red Cross from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, in the Education Classroom at Carolina Pines.

The Darlington News & Press will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 8, at the office, 117 S. Main St., Darlington. To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter the code "newsandpress." All donors receive a Red Cross T-shirt.

Do you have gently used eyeglasses, sunglasses or shoes? Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Omega Omega Omega Chapter will collect gently used eyewear and shoes from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. April 9 at 90 Public Square, Darlington, as part of Target 5-Global Impact Day.

Darlington County Sheriff's Office will hold an Easter Egg Hunt from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Free for children ages 12 and younger. Fingerprint stations, various tables filled with goodies, and refreshments. Info: 843-398-4501

Hop on over to the Easter Egg-stravaganza at Coker University, 300 E. College Ave., from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, April 9. Join us for a day full of fun! Designated times to hunt will be given to age group categories. Golden eggs will be scattered around the lawn in each age group hunt! These golden eggs will be filled with prizes you do not want to miss out on. D's Mini Doughnuts, Kona Ice of Marlboro/NE Robeson County, and The Sweet Shoppe of Hartsville will make a special appearance. They will have tasty treats just for you. Bring your basket and a sweet tooth to a day full of fun!

The annual DCIT FFA Plant Sale will begin on April 11 and run through May 12 or until everything is sold. Spring Break is April 15-24 so unless you make an appointment, the greenhouse will not be open during that week. 

St. Matthew's Church will hold its Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 15, at the church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington. Info: 843-393-4112.

Come out for a day of family fun at the Dominion Church Easter Extravaganza beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at the church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington. Includes egg hunts for every child, starting at 11 a.m. for any child with a special need to 2 p.m. for the older group. More than 25,000 eggs filled with candy and prizes! Food truck vendors available to purchase food for lunch.

Murphy Farm's 1st Easter Egg Hunt will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Reserve your tickets for a fun day on the farm, $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Reserve by email murphyfarm94@gmail.com or text 843-601-8997 Tickets are limited! ALL proceeds go to our local humane society! To receive 50% off an adult ticket, bring cat/dog food to the event to donate with the purchase of a child's ticket.

The American Legion Post 13 will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the post, 1752 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. Schedule your appointment at redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code BLOODBATTLE or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Info: Brenda Jenkins 843-393-9116

Jebb Mac Band will be performing for our Member-Guest Golf Tournament party on April 30 at Darlington Country Club. Party included with entry fee to golf tournament. Tickets for food and the band, 6 to 11 p.m., are $45. Cost for the show, 8 to 11 p.m. only, $20. To purchase tickets, call 843-393-0236.

Darlington Raceway presents Track Laps for Charity from 6 to 8 p.m. May 4 for Darlington Shares; from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4 for the VFW's Sports Clips Help A Hero Scholarship; from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 for the Darlington County Humane Society; from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31 for Darlington Shares; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 for Toys for Tots. Cost is $20 donation. Enter through Gate 39A.

Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR May 6-8 at Darlington Raceway. You can get your tickets and camping lined up by visiting www.darlingtonraceway.com or calling 866-459-7223.

Bocce Bash will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at Byerly Park in Hartsville. Register now at blackcreekarts.org

Join Twist Kids Yoga for a workshop on how to teach yoga & mindfulness to children from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 25 at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. No prerequisites needed. Open to anyone with a love for children & yoga. Info: 843-332-6234

Kids will experience connection, breathing, movement and more during a Yoga Summer Camp June 22-24 at Black Creek Arts Center! There will be age-appropriate yoga & mindfulness activities for the kids. Camp will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-7 and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 8-12 at 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Benefits of Kids Yoga: Enhanced flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness; Concentration and an improved sense of calmness & relaxation; Playful exercise; Connection with self; Development of relating more with the natural world; and Learning to see their inner light. Info: 843-332-6234

Introduction to West African Djembe Drumming Summer Camp will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. July 18-21 for ages 4-12 at Black Creek Arts, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Only 10 spots available! This camp will align with the South Carolina public education Standards for General Music Proficiency. Info: www.blackcreekarts.org/classes

Gospel Singing with Molded Clay will minister in song at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Beauford Baptist Church 18182 S.C. 151 North, Mcbee.

 

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.
• 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!