BENNETTSVILLE— Held Saturday at 655 Cheraw Street, local artist Courtney Medlin of Medlin Customs hosted a small business, local vendor Community Yard Sale. Braving the summer heat, turnout for the inaugural event was impressive, with many residents stopping to check out the sprawling tented area of vendors selling furniture, toys, home decor, shoes, clothes, bags, food and drinks— just about anything and everything Marlboro County has to offer!
She says the idea for the event springs from a deep desire to create opportunities for small businesses and local individuals to gain exposure in Bennettsville.
“And, if I’m being honest, I simply love a good yard sale and bringing people together! Even more so, as a new Marlboro County Chamber board member, I have a duty,” Medlin continued.
The Community Yard Sale was open to vendors from everywhere, however, Medlin says that as Saturday was the first, the event consisted mostly of businesses and individuals from across Marlboro County.
“Seeing the community come together shopping, ordering food, visiting with vendors, and simply enjoying the day made all of the planning worthwhile,” said Medlin. She continued, “It was exciting to watch so many people supporting our local businesses while having a great time. A special thank you goes to Brew and Bake, who helped keep me going by delivering my favorite coffee during the event; that thoughtful gesture meant more than they probably know! Organizing an event like this takes a tremendous amount of work, but the reward of seeing our community connect and support one another makes every minute worth it.”
The Community Yard Sale ran from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., featured more than 20 vendors, and Medlin says she is already looking ahead to hosting her next one.
“Because of today’s success, I plan to make the Community Yard Sale a monthly event, with the goal of hosting it on the first Saturday of each month,” Medlin says, adding, “We’ll be back in October. I can’t wait to do it all again! Stay tuned for more details.”
She says she was grateful to have so much support from local businesses and vendors for Saturday’s first Community Yard Sale.
“We were honored to have vendors including billy goat fries, Douglas eatery, Debbie’s designs, Medlin Customs, Hope cakes, Magnolia on Main Street, Spiritual Lemonade, Resin by Alexandrea, Sweet SenSationz by Cara, Gloria’s Creations, Next to New Boutique, and many other local vendors,” Medlin said.
Imani Williams of Spiritual Lemonade said Saturday went perfectly for her.
“The event went great for me— I had a good spot under the shade tree! My friend Courtney [Medlin] was a gracious host for the event. Everybody there was friendly— it was almost like being at a mini flea market when I walked around and browsed— I really liked it and it had a good vibe,” Williams said, following the event.
Local business owner and Bennettsville Councilwoman, the very busy Ms. Wanda Weaver came out to sell her wares and show her support for Medlin’s community minded endeavor.
She said, “I think one of the biggest benefits for everyone is how community yard sales bring people together. They create casual opportunities for people to meet people, support one another, and build community spirit.”
Weaver admits she didn’t buy anything Saturday, but says she found greater treasure in the experience.
“I didn’t buy anything this time only because I’m trying to get rid of things. But I truly enjoyed hanging out and seeing people that I normally don’t get to see,” Weaver explained.