A holly-jolly Bennettsville Christmas

BENNETTSVILLE — Saturday’s chilly weather did not cool the enthusiasm for Bennettsville’s Christmas Parade and block party. Bundled up crowds full of the Christmas spirit lined the sidewalks from John Corry Rd. to Main St. to Broad St. awaiting the 11 a.m. start time.

First in the lineup was the Bennettsville Police Department who kept losing their prisoner the Grinch. To the delight of children and adults, the Grinch kept trying to escape the police car and make a run for it. He ran around the outside of the car and tried to get the crowd to save him, but each time the officers told him to get back in the car, he did.

Following the police was the Marlboro County High School Marching Band and many other parade units. There were churches, government officials, local businesses, more bands, and dance troupes. There was a women’s 3-wheeler club, people on motorcycles and golf carts and in classic cars. Santa came riding in at the very end with the county firetrucks. Many floats threw out candy which thrilled the children in attendance. The city of Bennettsville also handed out Christmas ornaments along the parade route.

The parade had the theme “Christmas In Toyland” and there was a $300 prize and trophy for most creative float. Trophies were given for best of in other categories. There was a $25 entry fee for the float competition.

The Pilot Club of Bennettsville won the $300 and the trophy for Best in Show/Most Creative. In the category of Non-profit/Religious/Government, the trophy went to Bennettsville Church of God while Wallace Elementary won in the education/school category. The Stockyard won the trophy for commercial businesses and Greenville CYO won for performing groups. Results were announced Tuesday.

As the parade ended, the fun was just getting started over on the courthouse square as Bennettsville hosted their 1st annual Christmas Block party. A DJ blasted tunes as the crowd milled around checking out the vendors.

If you were hungry, there were turkey legs, wings, hot dogs, cheesecake, and more for sale. There was also hot cocoa and lemonade available.

You could also get a little Christmas shopping done as other vendors hawked jewelry, Tupperware, bedazzled insulated cups, and other items.

The block party ended at 3 p.m.