Sip, shop and be merry

BENNETTSVILLE — This year’s annual Sip and Shop once again did not disappoint! Thursday night downtown Bennettsville lit up with holiday cheer and community spirit as several shops stayed open after hours to accommodate shoppers.

In addition to local brick and mortar eateries, attendees could also choose from food trucks such as BJ’s Krusty Krabs, Douglas Eatery, and Mug & Co. for their sustenance while maintaining shopping stamina.

Stopping to get a bite to eat before racking up some retail shopping hours, Latosha Edwards said, “Everything looks so beautiful, and I am excited to see what downtown has to offer.”

Her friend and fellow shopper, Tiffany Brigman added, “We are really excited to be out here tonight.”

Inside venue sponsor Bennettsville Councilwoman Caraline Harpe’s downtown space many vendors set up in anticipation for crowds and Bennettsville did not fail to show up and show out for 2025’s Chamber sponsored Sip and Shop.

Owners of Sweet Sensations by Cara, Toccara and Jefrey Covington, said they were very excited to be participating.

“We have been operating our business for the last three years,” says Tocarra who said the couple is expanding to begin catering weddings. “My two best sellers of the night are my Lemon Velvet Cake and my Cookie Monster Cookie- no one can say no to it.”

Anyone interested in local catering services or who needs to satisfy a sweet tooth can contact the Convington’s at (843) 535-2306.

Mary Kay business owner ViAngela Roach says she is in her seventh year of selling for the well- known beauty company. “I got started selling [Mary Kay] because I wanted to make my own money. I enjoy having girl time and helping people feel good about themselves.”

For those who know you really can’t go wrong with a Mary Kay stocking stuffer, Roach can be contacted at (910) 206-8991.

Business owners Jim and Krystal Helsel said this is their second year participating in the Sip and Shop but have been entrepreneurs for the last five years.

“Its always exciting to be here and this year I am pleased to see a bigger turn-out than last year even was,” said Jim, who says he was impressed by how well attended 2024’s Sip and Shop also was.

Krystal said to her it meant a lot to them that there was no charge for vendors to participate.

“We’ve had a great night so far. We set up and instantly sold something,” added Krystal, who says their most popular items are their handmade soaps and candles.

“Our soaps are made from goat milk; our candles, everything is made from products that come from South Carolina,” said Krystal, who says the couple also specializes in refurbishing old furniture. The Helsel’s business is called Vintage Hustle, and they can be found through their Facebook page with the same name.

Looking around at the buzzing hive of activity she, and the other Marlboro Chamber Board members are responsible for creating, Chamber President Alexa Boan said, “This is always such a fun event, and it is one of my favorites. It brings together so many aspects of our local commerce, from food trucks to concrete stores, and vendors. When our local economic puzzle pieces are put together by our community, the picture it makes is perfect,” said Boan, gesturing around at the throng of community fellowship enveloping her.

She said attendance this year even surpassed her expectations.

One reason for the increased attendance could be due to the Chamber and Main Street Bennettsville’s efforts to keep this year’s event festive and interactive.

Main Street Bennettsville challenged attendees to a friendly scavenger hunt for Small Business Saturday and the night’s Sip and Shop event.

Additionally, the Chamber added BINGO cards to the Sip and Shop this year. Participants were encouraged to take their cards around to the various contributing vendors and retailers to get their squares marked off as they shopped. If cards received at least six marks, they were eligible to enter a chance to win a basket full of local goodies.

“This event sets the tone for the year to come and we of course hope for this event to be even bigger and better in 2026,” said Boan, before continuing, “We are also very grateful to Heath and Caraline Harpe for the use of their space for this event. There are so many people to thank I’m sure I would forget a name,” says Boan. “But we, at the Chamber, are very appreciative for all the work and time put in by so many in our community. The Chamber is grateful for all of our sponsors and volunteers who made tonight possible.”