Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Creative Expressions Dance Academy wowed Scarecrow Festival attendees
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Navi’s Creations has been in business for about three years making one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Pictured left to right: Mackenzie Bethea, Ariana Bethea, and Gisele Prince
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Fellow attendees of the event were James, Chasady, and Romeo who said they all also had a great time. James said his favorite part of the Scarecrow Festival was the sweets he found at vendor Tweety’s Treat’s booth
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Library Director Bobbie Grooms had a wonderful time with Veronica Roberts and Gabriel Nowland. Kloe and Aubrey said their favorite part of the festival was the kid’s play area with “The bouncy castles!”
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Rahmel Rose, Samisha Short, and little Jayce Rose had a wonderful time at the Scarecrow Festival, praising the atmosphere and the music.
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
BENNETTSVILLE — In its tenth year, the Marian Wright Edelman Public Library and Main Street Bennettsville held their annual Scarecrow Festival Saturday, November 1 on the front lawn of Murchison School.
“We have a beautiful turnout, and the weather has really been perfect today,” said Library Director Bobbie Grooms. “It is so exciting to see so many people in our community coming together to have fun and participate in our event,” she added.
Featuring nearly thirty vendors, the event offered everything from baked treats, frozen sweets, home décor, candles, jewelry, and so much more. “I am so proud of all the local talent on display here today. This is our tenth year, and it is exciting to see how much it has grown,” said Grooms, adding, “We know Florence is having a big event today too, but we wanted Marlboro residents to have somewhere fun to be today without having to drive so far.”
Grooms also announced the library is participating in the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce’s Sip and Shop scheduled for Thursday, December 4 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
She said, “Just come through the back door of the library and we will be having free pictures with Santa, a huge book sale, silent auction, raffle, and light refreshments. We really hope to see everyone there.”
Attendee Lashawn Bingham agreed, saying, “I live in Columbia now, but I was born and raised here. Today is lovely and I am having a great time being back in my hometown. It is really nice to see the community coming together with vendors and games. It really gives the community something to look forward to.” Bingham added that her favorite part of the event was the atmosphere. “It’s a pleasure to see people laughing, talking, and just having a good time together. I really love the dancing and the music.”
Fellow attendees of the event were James, Chasady, and Romeo who said they all also had a great time. James said his favorite part of the Scarecrow Festival was the sweets he found at vendor Tweety’s Treats booth. Romeo enjoyed playing basketball and dancing, while Chasady really loved listening to the music.
Veronica Roberts and Gabriel Nowland attended the festival with Khloe and Aubrey who said they really enjoyed the kid’s play area and inflatables.
Director of Tourism, Parks, and Recreation, Jaharra Graves said she was really pleased with the large turnout and steady stream of visitors to the event.
“Every year it changes, and this year the crowds have been steady. Our vendors really worked together to coordinate the music and games and secure the inflatables — it is a really nice day,” said Graves, who is another organizer of the Scarecrow Festival.
In addition to vendors, Academy of Movement 2, Marlboro County Steppaz, and the Creative Expressions Dance Academy all performed throughout the festival. A dance contest with prizes was also held.
Continuing its effort to foster community cohesion and involvement, Graves said, “Bennettsville is holding its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 9 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with the Christmas parade scheduled for December 13 at 11 a.m., so we really want people to get those dates on their calendars.”