Lauren Monica | Herald Advocate
BENNETTSVILLE — Thursday night the streets of Bennettsville buzzed with late night shoppers enjoying the Marlboro Chamber sponsored Sip and Shop which wound down city streets and culminated at a new stop this year, the Marian Wright Endelman Public Library, where guests were treated to books, treats, and pictures with Santa and the Grinch. Additionally, on this festive night, the Marlboro County Civic Center offered a special holiday treat; the Voices of Christmas.
The Civic Center did its best to keep the night’s much anticipated list of performers secret, but a parital list still leaked, and attendees of the performance were honored with the talents of Demarcus Benjamin, Freddie Ratliff, Luke Hall, Natasha Covington, Scott Johnson, Tyler and Trevor Murphey, and local favorites, Elevate Dance Academy, amongst others.
The evening brimmed with music, heartwarming storytelling, audience participation, as well as lots and lots of holiday fun!
Outside, the Marlboro Civic Center was decked in holiday cheer and guests could snap a few Christmas memories from the special night amongst the decorations.
Director Charlene McDowel said she was thankful to be a part of Bennettsville’s holiday community night.
“Everything has gone so well for us tonight. Of course there have been a few hiccups, as there is with any show, but our performers are all top-notch, and so the show goes on,” said McDowel, adding, “We are so thankful to be included in this tonight.”
The December 4th presentation kicked off at 7 p.m. and this year’s show honored the memory of Mrs. Fay Reed McLaurin, who was a gifted pianist, educator, and champion for music in the Bennettsville community.
“We are honored to dedicate this year’s show to her legacy and to celebrate the joy she brought to Bennettsville for 95 beautiful years,” shared the Marlboro County Civic Center in a released statement.