BENNETTSVILLE — Laughter, candlelight, and the soft tinkle of glassware drifted softly through the air at Bennettsville’s premier event location, The Skye, Saturday night, March 14, during the Marlboro Chamber’s 2026 Southern Soiree: A Night in Venice. Further setting the intimate tone of the evening, saxophone player Mr. Nigel Graham, played lightly in the back.
Truly an experience, the night was well attended with party goers arriving in glamorous style for the black-tie attired event.
Tables were adorned with Havana Night themed arrangements crafted by the Marlboro Chamber’s business of the month, the Ivy Shop. Centerpieces overflowed with delicate calla lilies, roses, and hydrangeas in colors of red and white, while some featured Bells of Ireland, stock, salal, and carnations, among other floral delights.
Guests were treated to Venetian themed dishes, desserts and fruits catered by Kyle Hardee’s Down Country Dining Group. In a special hometown twist, SC State Rep. and attorney at law, Jason Luck, sponsored hors d’oeuvres.
Bennettsville Councilman Cy’Heim McRae shared that he had a wonderful time at the event and looks forward to attending many more in the future.
“It was a beautiful, magnificent night and the vibes were awesome. I don’t think I have ever seen the Skye decorated so lovely. It was wonderful to see our community coming together, having fun and everyone dressed so nice,” McRae said. He added, “I want to thank the Chamber for extending an invitation to the Council. Everyone involved did an amazing job, and I am glad to see the people of Bennettsville having something nice and elegant to take part in — my goal is for this event to have even more attendees next year. I really think it is wonderful how the Chamber is bringing so many great experiences to the people of Bennettsville.”
Speaking on behalf of the Chamber, Chairman of the Board of Directors Gage Speight thanked everyone who helped make the 2026 Southern Soiree: A Night in Venice a success, as well as all the local businesses, community leaders, and residents who supported the local business community.
“This event would not have been possible without the support of our Top Hat Sponsor, Priority One Home Healthcare. Their generosity and commitment to our community played a major role in making this year’s event possible. We are very grateful for their continued support of the Chamber and local commerce,” Speight said, going on to add praise for other sponsors of the event like Tuxedo Sponsors MPD Electric Cooperative and Scotland Healthcare System. He also thanked Kyle Hardee’s Down Country Dining Group, along with BK Cakery and Mugshot Coffee Co.
Speight also thanked all the local businesses who were Black Tie Table Sponsors [The Merchant, Breeden’s Quality Meats, CareSouth Carolina, Midgley Agency Insurance and Real Estate and the McColl Gin Company] chamber staff, board members, and volunteers who helped organize and put together the successful evening.
“Events like the Southern Soiree help the Chamber continue its mission of supporting local businesses, encouraging partnerships, while supporting and promoting our local economy. We appreciate everyone who helped make the night possible and we look forward to continuing to support and grow local commerce through future events and initiatives,” Speight said.
Other sponsors thanked by the Chamber for all their hard work and time include Sully Blair State Farm for sponsoring the Wine Wall, B&B Construction who sponsored the event’s DJ, and Cudds Allstate Insurance who sponsored linens.
Next up for the Chamber is its fifth annual Community Golf Classic May 1 at the Marlboro Golf and Recreation Center. More information about this exciting upcoming event can be found on the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.