BENNETTSVILLE—Bees buzzed, birds chirped, and the residents of Bennettsville rolled up their sleeves Saturday, sinking their hands in the soil together as part of the City on the Move’s continued Pollination Project largely spearheaded by Chelsea Carabo, Cindy Stone, and Main Street Bennettsville Board members.
Enjoying an impressive turnout that included community members, elected officials, the Bennettsville Fire Department (BFD) and members from the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce, many new beautiful flowers were planted inside planters outfitted with “self-watering” reservoir systems.
“The [BFD] comes by regularly to check on the water levels in the reservoir, and we are so grateful for their attention and care. They are a major player in keeping the flowers healthy and looking good,” Cindy Stone said, adding, “We get a lot of traffic from other places here and people always comment on our beautiful planters.”
And Ms. Stone knows because she is a co-owner and operator of Breeden’s Quality Meats with Cam Breeden, a local business in Bennettsville that has been in continuous operation for nearly 100 years.
“One of the most impressive things to me is it is all volunteer—all the work, time, and effort is put in by residents, local businesses, civic organizations, and sponsors. There really is something so beautiful about seeing a community coming together to care for itself, to take pride in where you live and come from. I do a lot of traveling, and it really says a lot about the communities you see taking pride in their towns. Those are the kind places you want to stop in and stay awhile—where the city streets and businesses look clean, well loved, maintained, and cared for,” Stone shares.
Integral in promoting the project, Chelsea Carabo is very proud of the project’s success.
“The Pollinator Planter Project is bringing life back to Main Street in a simple, beautiful way,” Carabo said. She adds, “With the help of local sponsors and volunteers, we planted 13 planters throughout downtown to add color, charm, and a warm welcome to everyone who visits Bennettsville. Recently designated as a Bee City, this project also reflects our commitment to supporting pollinators and creating a more sustainable downtown.”
Plants for the project are grown locally and provided by Lucille Schaurer of Blooms for Life Farm in Wallace.
According to Carabo, Schaurer’s green thumb is responsible for growing the stunning mix of flowers, herb, and foliage now filling Bennettsville’s planters, beautiful and hardy blossoms such as Mexican Sunflowers, Zinnias, Black-Eyed Susans, Basil, and Nasturtium.
A proud Bee City USA and Tree City USA community, Main Street Bennettsville says the City on the Move remains committed to supporting pollinator habitats and will replant 12 cypress trees in local parks throughout the city with the goal of fostering a healthier environment for all over time.
Carabo added, “And a very special thank you to the BFD, who take time out of their busy schedules to keep these planters watered. We are especially excited to see everything in bloom just in time for Beeville Fest on May 16.”
Local engaged couple Gage Speight and Kaitlyn Freeman were both thrilled to be a part of the project alongside their community.
“As chairman of the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, it is always great to see projects like the pollinator project bring our community together,” Speight shared, adding, “Initiatives like this really show what can happen when people invest in downtown Bennettsville. These planters do more than add color, they support pollinators, highlight our Bee City USA designation, and help make main street more welcoming for everyone. I am also proud Priority One Home Healthcare was able to sponsor a planter and be part of something that continues to make a positive impact. Projects like this are what make people proud to call Bennettsville home,” Speight said—and his fiancé agrees.
“It was great to get out in the community and help with beautification efforts that make our town feel more welcoming,” said Freeman, continuing, “I want Bennettsville to be a place people feel proud of, whether they live here or are just passing through.”
Many volunteers and supporters of the project also came out Saturday to lend a hand, including Mayor Tyron Abraham, Main Street Bennettsville Board members, Maria Franqui, Chelsea Carabo and family, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter.
Entirely volunteer and sponsor driven, additional generous sponsors for the project and Saturday’s event are Mayor Tyron Abraham, Scott Vision, Properties Pepsi of Bennettsville, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter, Priority One Home Healthcare, Inc., Breeden’s Quality Meats, Kinard Family Equipment Repair, LLC, Dear Bennettsville, McNiel Enterprises, and Magnolia on Main Café.
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