“Somebody told me there was a Taste of Marlboro coming and I knew I had some good collard greens,” said Deputy Santoria Young of the MCSO, who also moonlights as the undisputed Collard Green Queen of the office. After purchasing some additional collards at Food Lion, Young slow cooked her perfection, adding a smoked turkey leg for flavor. “I know collards are a comfort food for a lot of people, especially here in the South,” she added.
Finding a quiet table, Randall Benjamin and Daisy Oxendine said for them, neither the food nor the music could be beat.
MARLBORO COUNTY — Thursday night, music, laughter, and the scent of good food was in the air at Taste of Marlboro. Held at McArthur Farms, organized by the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce, and presented by MPD Electric Cooperative, Taste of Marlboro proved to be an incredible night with local culinary talent on full display, music, and dancing. Tickets for the event were a bargain at $40 per person. Combatting the early November chill, fire pits and heaters were spread throughout the grounds to keep guests warm.
A true success, Taste of Marlboro featured a large variety of local flavor- from inside and outside the county. With so much talent, it was hard to narrow down, however, winners were chosen for five categories. Best Table Display went to Bennettsville Health & Rehabilitation Center, Best Dish went to Hardee Lumber & Barns and Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co., Best Dessert went to the Bennettsville Police Department, and the night’s People’s Choice award went to Priority One Home Healthcare, Inc. and Mug Shot Company.
Attendees Eunice Ray and Sarah Smith, said they were having a really good time enjoying the cozy atmosphere and music from the event’s featured entertainer, the Mark Mckinney band. Smith added, “And the food is really good.”
Finding a quiet table, Randall Benjamin and Daisy Oxendine said for them, neither the food nor the music could be beat.
“I have really enjoyed all the variety in foods and am having a good time listening to the band,” said Benjamin.
Oxendine said all the food she tasted was good, but Chris Hardy’s shrimp and grits and BK Cakery’s desserts stood out to her.
Not just established restaurants showed up for Taste of Marlboro, county law enforcement agencies also got in on the act, with the Bennettsville Police Department and the Marlboro County Sheriff’s office both entering a dish.
“Somebody told me there was a Taste of Marlboro coming and I knew I had some good collard greens,” said Deputy Santoria Young of the MCSO, who also moonlights as the undisputed Collard Green Queen of the office. After purchasing some additional collards at Food Lion, Young slow cooked her perfection, adding a smoked turkey leg for flavor. “I know collards are a comfort food for a lot of people, especially here in the South,” she added.
Chamber of Commerce President Alexa Boan said the event was the Chamber’s most successful to date and she could not be more appreciative or pleased with the incredible turnout.
“What an incredible night celebrating our community, our local flavors, and the amazing talent we have right here at home,” said the Chamber in a statement, adding, “A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors whose support makes this night possible year after year. Your commitment to Marlboro County and your local Chamber helps us continue creating events that bring our community together.”
The Chamber did not forget praise for the chefs who made Taste of Marlboro possible, stating, “The creativity, the flavors, the presentation… every single dish showcased the passion and pride you put into your craft. Our community is better because of you. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the evening unforgettable. We are already excited for next year.”