Lakeside February - March 2023

PUBLISHER

Vince Johnson EDITOR

Kayla Green

COPY EDITORS

Rhonda Barrick

Melanie Smith

WRITERS

Cal Cary

Shelbie Goulding

Alaysha Maple

Ashley Miller

Bruce Mills

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cal Cary

PUBLICATION DESIGN

Micah Green

Janel Strieter

ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cary Howard

Janel Strieter

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Karen Cave karen@theitem.com

Devin McDonald devin@theitem.com

Mark Pekuri mark@theitem.com

Spring has sprung, and that means a return to non-freezing outdoor fun.

This is always a refreshing and renewing time of year. In some ways literally because things are renewing and refreshing. I know. Duh, right?

Being able to go outside without a heavy jacket on and seeing that newgrowth green just makes me feel good. Just like the grass is starting to regrow, so are our spirits.

If you're looking to get out and find some intersting things to do, this is the issue for you. We've got our regular series featruing events coming up around the Midlands, Pee Dee and into the Columbia area. One is featured as a story in this issue as the Carolina Cup is set to return, bringing big-brimmed hats, minty drinks and springtime festivities to Camden.

Also in this issue is an intriguing story (well, four stories, really) about local collectors of antiques, buried treasure, niche interests and sports memorabilia from local legends both retired and currently atop their game.

We've also got a story about Sumter's dirt racing track for RC cars. The father-son duo describes their remotecontrolled racing hobby and venue as

about us from the lake on the cover

"playing with toy cars as grown men," and doesn't that bring you straight back to your childhood Hot Wheels days?

Our cover story features Nelson Walker, a Clarendon County stalwart of lake fishing. This is Lakeside, after all. We spent a day on Lake Marion with Walker to learn about his love for fishing and to get some tips and tricks for novices looking to get into the wealth of opportunity around the region.

And last but not least, this is a special issue because it features The Sumter Item's 2023 Bridal Guide, your go-to for lists of local vendors, including venues, photographers, caterers, bride and groom gifts and more. The special section also features an in-depth look at Clarendon Club, a breathtaking hunting and wedding venue, and five things to know about Christi & Co. Catery to help you make your best decisions in planning for your special day.

Hope you enjoy this issue. As always, thank you for reading.

KAYLA GREEN

EDITOR OF LAKESIDE

Nelson Walker posts with a fishingthemed sweatshirt on Lake Marion this January. Walker is well-known in Clarendon County for his fishing prowess, and for this magazine he gave us tips and tricks to lake fishing for novices.

Photo by Cal Cary

8

friends this spring season

12

22 30

37

bringing hats and horses and mint juleps

The races return to Camden,

treasure Carolina Cup

from antiques to memorabilia to hidden

Collectors Meet four locals who collect everything

tidbits on fishing for novices

Fishing Clarendon's Nelson Walker gives tips and

brings the fun to Sumter R/C Raceway

Events Places to take the family and things to do with FEATURE

local vendors and exclusive features

what’s inside

STORIES

& What to do Where to go

BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER

KERSHAW COUNTY

Caring Hearts Ball

The United Way of Kershaw County will present the Caring Hearts Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at 833 S. Broad St., Camden. This black-tie affair features dinner, spirits and dancing. The Finesse Band will provide music. All proceeds will benefit New Day Transitional Housing. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.uwkc. net or by visiting the United Way office, 110 E. Dekalb St., Camden.

Irish Fest Camden

Celebrating its seventh anniversary and fifth year with the grand final day celebration at Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, 222 Broad St., Camden, Irish Fest Camden will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. This day-long, family-friendly event features food and beverage vendors, including an authentic Irish pub. A staple of the festival since its beginning, the Highland Games brings together athletes from throughout the Southeast to compete in such events as the open stone throw, the Braemer Stone throw, the Sheaf and the light and heavy hammer toss. Stations will feature soda, water, beer, coffee and Irish coffee. There will also be a whiskey-tasting event as well as a kids’ zone. Toronto-based Celtic rock band Enter the Haggis will make their first appearance in Camden and at Irishfest Camden. Admission into the main event is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 through 12 and free for infants a year old and younger. For more information, visit www.Irishfestcamden.com.

The 13th-Annual A Day in the Life-Sheep Shearing

The event at Old McCaskill Farm will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert. Visit a working farm and experience wool from sheep to shawl as well as other farm-related activities. Farm fresh concessions will be available. Admission is $8 per person with children ages 2 and under admitted free. Visit www.oldmccaskillfarm.com.

SUMTER COUNTY

“God of Carnage”

Sumter Little Theatre will present “God of Carnage” Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 9-12 and Feb. 16-19, at 14 Mood Ave. In this play by Yasmina Reza, couples Alan and Annette and Michael and Veronica meet to discuss a playground altercation that transpired between their sons. As the night wears on and drinks are imbibed, what started as a civil discussion breaks down into fighting with the men ganging up on the women and the spouses switching sides. The play is a comedy of manners, without the manners. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.sumterlittletheatre.com.

Sons of Mystro

A musical duo that plays more than 10 genres of music using the violin, Sons of Mystro will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, at the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Born to a Barbadian mother and Jamaican father, brothers Malcolm and Umoja honed their violin-playing skills in the south Florida school system and now tour and share their reggae style music with the world. Call (803) 436-2616 for information.

Made in Sumter Craft Fair

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. This event will feature handmade crafts and merchandise as well as food trucks. Email droof@sumtercountymuseum.org or visit www.sumtercountymuseum.org.

Main Stage Series

The Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., Main Stage Series will present the following: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, singer/songwriter Haley Reinhart; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, soul/R&B group the 5th Dimension. For details about these shows or to purchase tickets, visit www.sumteroperahouse.com/mainstage.

Beech Creek Golf Course

Dress up in your best St. Patty's Day attire and head out to Beech Creek Golf Course, 1800 Sam Gillespie Blvd., on Friday, March 17, for the annual

Rub o’ the Green Golf Tournament. Registration/ check-in and lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. For information, contact Breanna J. Hughes at (803) 775-1231 or via email at breanna@sumterchamber.com.

“Into the Woods,”

“Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the theme of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical “Into the Woods,” presented by the Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave., Thursday-Sunday, March 23-26 and March 30-April

2. The story follows the Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to go to the king’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. After the Baker and his wife are visited by a witch, who reveals that she placed a curse on their family, the couple sets off on a journey into the woods to reverse the curse. Along the way, we meet Little Red, the Wolf, the witch’s daughter Rapunzel and the princes who are chasing after their loves. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Visit https://www.sumterlittletheatre.com.

10th-Annual

Barbecue Cook-Off benefiting Boy Scout of America

The 10th-Annual Barbecue Cook-Off benefiting Boy Scout of America will be held Friday-Saturday, March 24-25, at the Sumter County Fairgrounds Agricultural Building, 700 W. Liberty St. Wing ding will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday with barbecue tasting and competition being held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For information, call Glenn Button at (803) 9839934 or email glenn.button@yahoo.com. Visit https://peedeescouts.org/support-scouting/ bbq-cookoff.

Sumter SwanCon

Sumter SwanCon is back and better than ever. Presented by USC Sumter and the Sumter County Cultural Commission, SwanCon will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road. This family-friendly even will feature products and/or services related to comic books, comic strips, animation or other related pop culture items.

CLARENDON COUNTY

Sweets Stroll

Enjoy Manning’s Downtown Sweets Stroll from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. Visit participating businesses in downtown Manning and enjoy a sweet treat.

The Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT)

The Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) Santee Cooper Tournament scheduled is as follows: Qualifier 1, Saturday, Feb. 11, John C. Land Landing; Qualifier 2, Saturday, Feb. 18, John C. Land Landing; Qualifier 3, Saturday, March 11 Gold, John C. Land Landing; Qualifier 4, Saturday, March 25 Gold, Blacks Camp; Qualifier 5, Saturday, April 8, John C. Land Landing; and Final, Saturday, May 20, John C. Land Landing. Must fish Final with your partner or a sub your team used. Enter one Santee Cooper Spring Qualifier and you're eligible to enter the Santee Cooper Spring Final. Contact Derrick Mclead, Santee Cooper Division Director, at (803) 491-4256 or email dwm_2175@yahoo.com.

Manning High School Baseball 2022

Alumni Game and Field Dedication

The Manning High School Baseball 2022 Alumni Game and Field Dedication will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the MHS baseball field on Pine Street. The gates will open at 11 a.m. Adult tickets are $5 each, and children 12 years old and younger get in free. Organizers of the event are encouraging former players of beloved teacher and baseball coach the late Rick Coker to play in the annual alumni game as a way to honor Coker's memory. Players are asked to make a $40 donation to participate in the game. The donation includes a meal the day of the game and a T-shirt. To guarantee your T-shirt, please send information and your donation before March 4. Players can register by filling out a participation form and making their donation addressed to Coach Justin Gandy at MHS' front office, or it can be mailed to the school. Make checks payable to Manning High Baseball. All additional donations are also appreciated. Players need to provide their name, daytime and evening telephone numbers, email address, graduation year, position played and T-shirt size.

FLORENCE COUNTY

8th- Annual Icebreaker

The Florence Motor Speedway will host the 8th-Annual Icebreaker Friday-Saturday, Feb. 1011, at 836 E. Smith St., Florence. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fmspeedway.com.

Palmetto Destruction Demolition Derby

The car wrecking, metal smashing event of the year, the Palmetto Destruction Demolition Derby will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence. Visit the Florence Center website at www.florencecenter.com/ events to purchase tickets.

Annual Lucky Shamrock Festival

The Annual Lucky Shamrock Festival, hosted by the Junior League of Florence, will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17, on the 100 block of South Dargan in Downtown Florence. The festival will feature live music, a kid’s fun zone, food and beverages. Email juniorleagueflorence@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/luckyshamrockfestival.

Power Comicon

Featuring the best in comics and collectibles, the Power Comicon will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence. From comics, toys, art and cosplay, there will be something for everyone at this event. Visit the Florence Center website at www.florencecenter.com/events to purchase tickets.

7th-Annual American Heritage Festival

The 7th-Annual American Heritage Festival will be held Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 18-19, at Graham’s Historic Farm, 843 State Road S-21-85, Lake City. Attendees will experience first-hand sensations of World War II and Revolutionary War battles, hear and smell the powder from guns and cannons and see the movement of infantry, horses, military vehicles and World War I airplanes. Visit https://www.theamericanheritagefestival.com.

Downtown Chocolate Crawl

The Downtown Chocolate Crawl, sponsored by Florence Downtown Development Corp., will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Make your way through Downtown Florence’s shops and restaurants to sample unique chocolate treats. Tickets are $15 and include chocolate tasting in more than 10 locations, a chance to win one of the golden ticket prizes and a box to collect your chocolate treats. Adult tasters will have the option to upgrade their experience along the tour route to sample creative chocolate cocktails, wines or brews. Upgrade prices will vary from $4 to $6, depending on specific locations. All ticketholders must check in at the Greater Florence Chamber office, 100 W. Evans St., to get your ticket scanned prior to beginning the crawl. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-chocolate-crawl-tickets

“Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite”

Florence Little Theatre will present “Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite” Friday-Sunday, March 10-12, and Tuesday-Saturday, March 14-18, at 417 S. Dargan St., Florence. The recommended age for attendance is 13 and older as the production has some mild adult themes. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors age 62 and older and $15 for students under age 18. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.florencelittletheatre.org.

Florence Wine & Food Festival

A weekend to savor, the Florence Wine & Food Festival will be held Thursday-Saturday, March 30-April 1, in Downtown Florence's recently redeveloped historic district. On the schedule: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, the Meat & Meander event; 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sip + Savor Wine Stroll with VIP add-on available; 7 p.m. Friday, signature dinner; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Wine Class: Oregon 101; noon-3 p.m. Saturday, introduced for 2023, The Grand Tasting; and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, the Final Pour and Feast. For complete details and to purchase tickets, visit www.florencewineandfood.com/index.html.

“Shrek

Jr.”

Florence Little Theatre’s Rising Stars, young performers in grade 7-12, will present “Shrek Jr.” Friday-Sunday, Feb. 18-20, at 417 S. Dargan St., Florence. This family friendly production is 60 minutes and recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $7 per person for all ages. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.florencelittletheatre.org.

Closinginon The Cup

Prepare your flowy spring dresses and big hats for the one-day-only event of the spring. It’s the 88th-annual Carolina Cup on April 1

Once again, professionally trained steeds will sprint for a champion title in the Southeast’s biggest horse race right in Camden.

Hannah Marsh, event manager for the Carolina

Cup Racing Association, said this year’s grand prize is $50,000 with up to $140,000 total in prize money up for grabs between the six races.

“It’s a beautiful day of spring racing. Just a lot of fun with family and friends. It’s experiencing things that really only happen one day a year in Camden,” Marsh said. “It’s a family experience for all.”

Words by Shelbie Goulding | Photos by Cal Cary

Although the Carolina Cup Racing Association doesn’t have an exact number of horses racing in the event until closer to the day of, Marsh said the maximum number that can run in each of the six races is about 12. The 2023 event schedule begins with all gates opening at 9 a.m. The Paddock Shoppes and Vendor Village will open shortly after at 9:15 a.m.

Children can enter the Truvista Kids' Zone at 10 a.m . and burn some energy before the Hospitality Luncheon Tents open at 11 a.m.

The annual Hat Judging Contest will begin at 11:30 a.m . in front of the Grandstand.

All in attendance will enjoy a social hour until 12:50 p.m., when the colors will be presented, followed by the national anthem. Then at 1 p.m. sharp, the horses will make their way to the paddock . Post time will begin at 1:30 p.m. New things participants should know is there will be a couple of expansions to last year’s additions.

“The Skyline Club and Kids' Zone will be bigger and better,” Marsh said.

The Kids' Zone will feature more activities for young attendees, and the Skyline Club will expand through the middle of the Grandstand to add more space and a club-level experience, Marsh said.

Participants can attend with a general admission ticket, tailgate, Grandstand ticket seating, The Meadow packages or Skyline Club access.

To purchase tickets, visit www.carolinacup. org or call (803) 432-6513 . Everyone is encouraged to visit the Carolina Cup website for information and to watch the live countdown to April 1.

A COMMITMENT TO

What does it mean to be a collector? To hoard, to stock up, to obsess over, to lose control? By definition, a collector is “a person who collects things of a specified type, professionally or as a hobby,” but that doesn’t tell the whole story. People collect for an assortment of reasons, and the following go beyond that very definition. There are no limits, no qualms and no time constraints with these enthusiasts. At the surface, each collector and each collection may be different, but in reality, are all based in the same mindset. This is a dive into the lives of four local collectors: the hunter, the mechanist, the treasurer and the hobbyist.

Words and photos by Cal Cary

THE COLLECTION

ART

AGOSE

Art Gose is a bottle hunter. He was born in Sumter and has been digging for antique glass bottles since he was 16 years old. And not just for any type of bottles. He is searching in the timeline of the pre-to early 1900s. He goes inside ruined buildings, digs up previous locations of privies and gets covered in dirt, all for the chance to find a bottle worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When he goes into a dig, he is after South Carolina Dispensary bottles.

The bottles are identifiable by their oval egglike shape with a palmetto tree printed on the face. “People all over the state, collector-wise, are looking for those. I like them just for the fact because when I dug with my dad, the first time I ever dug, I found 12 of them. And he got so jacked up about finding those two with the trees on them that it just sparked my interest for them,” Gose said. After Gose’s dad passed away in 2009, his love and interest in bottles and bottle hunting only grew. And now, Gose’s collection is in excess of 1,000 bottles.

It doesn’t end there, though, for Gose. He is the founder of South Carolina Bottle Hunters, a group created to maintain the history of bottle hunting. He wants to reach a wider audience and pass it along to a next generation. Even with Gose’s massive collection, he is still after certain bottles he has yet to dig with his bare hands, one of them being the elusive Imperial Bottling Works from Sumter. After 15 years of digging, he has found

pieces but never a full, intact bottle. Still, Gose has come across some rare finds over the years. A couple of his bottles, such as the Charleston Exposition bottle from 1901-02 and a Tombstone Dispensary bottle from 1893-1895, have gone for thousands of dollars. He has also sold a bottle that alone paid for his wedding and honeymoon. That is just scratching the surface of what is out in the antique bottle world.

Unlike many, Gose gets his satisfaction for what he does by literally pulling it out of the ground. There are not many people who can say they spend their weekends kneeling in a hole in the ground.

PPATRICK LEWIS

Patrick Lewis is a bicycle mechanic. But to be fair, he is more than that. He sees value in a variety of ways when it comes to bikes, his judgement separating him from the lot. To him, a sentimental value is worth as much as the bike itself. “Bicycles were a part of my freedom when I was a child. Like I was 5 years old and my dad would say, ‘You can ride your bike to town.’ I was a kid, and I had a lot of freedom at the time, and I still have that love for bicycles,” Lewis said.

The collecting started for Lewis when he was 20 years old. He saw an old bicycle in his father’s barn and heard stories about how he acquired it. At the time, his brother took it apart, but Lewis wanted to be the guy to put it back together. After assembling it back to its original form, he started riding it. Realizing it was still his father’s bike, the necessity to have some of his own snowballed into obtaining one, then two, 10, 20, then 100-plus.

As a premise to collecting, Lewis’ thoughts are that the more original it is, the better it is.

He takes pride in fixing up a bike, as original as possible, and then riding it how it is. In Lewis’ back shed sits a Schwinn Panther III from 1961-62 with a tree branch that has grown in between its frame. He found it in the backyard of someone’s house at their yard sale and paid $15 for it. The branch does not impede the functionality of the bike, and Lewis intends to keep it the way it is. In his eyes, condition is secondary character. If it tells a good story, why take it away? His wide collection also contains a P.T. Stallard road bike, a trader bike and a shopper bike, all from England. He obtained those while overseas during his time in the Air Force.

As long as there is a history to it, Lewis wants it. Bikes are meant to be a tool and are utilitarian by nature. Each bicycle that Lewis owns is road-worthy, while a bike that sits on display is merely a hunk of metal.

Want to see this story in motion?

Scan this QR Code or head to www.theitem. com/studiosumter to check out our Lakeside Features video series.

SSCOTT ESTEP

Scott Estep is a sports memorabilia treasurer. If it’s related in some way back to Sumter, it’s most likely hanging in his restaurant downtown, J. O’Gradys. He calls it the "Sumter County Sports Hall of Fame.” And if it is not hanging up, he either has it at home or he is pursuing it.

Estep remembers collecting cards with his father. It was his introduction into the world of sports and memorabilia. As Estep’s collection grew, it got to a point where he wanted to narrow down the spectrum of what he had. An easy way to do that was to affiliate sports with Sumter.

Estep started collecting in 1988. “I would buy 10 Dwight Gooden rookies in Columbia, bring them to Sumter and sell them at Carl’s Card Shop and double my money. It worked well. I would buy things to sell,” Estep said. Over the years, people have approached him asking for appraisals or have given offers on their collections. And although he has formed many relationships with people through collecting, in Estep’s mind, it matters more that he can attribute a souvenir back to the town of Sumter.

In J. O’Grady’s, it is obvious that inspiration came from Bobby Richardson. Richardson played second base for the New York Yankees, and his 1960 World Series MVP win is the only such title to go to a player on the losing team. Estep has Richardson’s high school jersey from 1953, signed baseballs, seats and a third base from Yankee Stadium, tickets and more.

Richardson is just the tip of the spear when it comes to famous athletes from Sumter. He has Freddie Solomon’s cleats, Billy McMillon’s baseball bat, jerseys from Jordan Montgomery and Ja Morant, the line-up card for JP Sears that hung in the dugout and even a NASCAR tire from Cale Yarborough’s car.

Estep wanted to create a place for people to come and see the rich history of sports in Sumter. The walls are so filled now that he needed to start hanging stuff on the ceiling. Estep wants to share his collection with everyone he can. His worry is that if people don’t see it or talk about it, then it will be forgotten.

MMATHEW MORSE

Mathew Morse is a collector of hobbies. He is not constricted to a single topic but a bundle of different items. His interests come and go, and his range in collections reflects his constant curiousity. Currently, Morse is pouring his enthusiasm into four different collections: pens, cameras, hats and artwork. Each has its parameters. The high-end fountain and ballpoint pens are hand-crafted from titanium. The digital cameras are all from the early 2000s. His hats are not of professional teams but of minor league baseball teams with whacky logos. And the artwork has a modern style that is full of color, blobs and shapes. Anything that contrasts itself from the environment around it is what draws Morse’s attention.

His collection of collections is spread throughout his home office. They are neatly organized among each other on the walls and tables as extensions of himself.

Morse’s collecting had humble beginnings, stemming from his days in school. He would get excited about shopping for pens and stationery, and when he moved on to art school, the functionality of the item turned into the aesthetic.

“There is a little bit of this fomo, too, fear of missing out,” Morse said. “A lot of what I collect is limited edition or limited run. So, they will say, ‘We are going to make this from say June 1 to June 30, and after that window closes this will never be made again.’” Morse is constantly researching, gathering and trading. He is always looking to pick up something new at the drop of a hat, the click of a pen.

His infatuation with collecting is what switches his attention from one topic to the next. He is always pushing his creativity and strives to pursue unexplored mediums. Morse is unbound by the single-source collection. Why be a master of one when you can be a master of many?

CClarendon native Nelson Walker is one of the region’s most experienced fishermen.

The Midlands of South Carolina, featuring Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, is desirable because of its mild weather that makes fishing a possibility basically year-round. Now that it's spring, people are gearing up for another season on the water.

Fishing is accessible to novices and experts, but it always helps to learn from the best. So, we spent a day in January with Walker on Taw Caw Creek at Lake Marion.

Walker has been fishing the area since early childhood – more than 50 years –and considers it his “home lake.”

He still fishes every week generally from January through June, has fished lakes across the U.S. and has been active on the tournament scene.

Walker discussed with us everything from the best way to enter the sport, to the best times of day and months to fish in South Carolina and the role of technology in sport fishing today.

Fishin’ with the finest Lakeside spent a day on Lake Marion with Clarendon County’s Nelson Walker

Words by Bruce Mills | Photos by Cal Cary

Question from Lakeside: What is your favorite fish to go for?

Answer from Walker: “Bass. It’s the challenge of it. I became addicted to it, which is crazy because you can fish all day sometimes and not get a bite. Or you might catch two or three. A good day is 10 fish. Whereas crappie fisherman go pretty consistently and catch 30 or 40 fish, your typical bass you are trying to catch your five biggest, so you really want to catch some 3to 5-pound fish. They fight the best. You may catch a 7- or 8-pound one – and that’s a whole different category with different rods and equipment.”

Lakeside: What is the best fish to start with when learning the sport, and how do you start?

Walker: “Normally, you want to start the youngsters out with the panfish – the bream and the crappie. Something that can give them activity so they are not bored because like I say on bass fishing, you are making 2,000 to 3,000 casts a day, and you may get only 10 bites on a good day. I have fished all day and never had a bite. That kind of day makes you want to sell everything you got, but I swear it just makes us want to go even more because you want to figure out why you didn’t catch any.”

For youngsters, start with a pond. “As they get a little older, they can try to get into a bass club. Then, even if you don’t have a boat, you can fish with somebody. That is how you learn and continue on.”

Lakeside: What is the best bait to use when someone is learning to fish?

Walker: A plastic worm since there are so many different colors, styles and there are a lot of different applications for it. “It’s a cheap way, also. If you lose it, it doesn’t cost that much.”

Lakeside: What is the best time of the day to fish?

Walker: “It all depends on the fish, but early in the day and late are always good. It does not matter even if it is 29 degrees. They are going to bite normally at the daylight window – in the first hour. Then they tend to kind of fade away from that, and then they may bite again in the middle of the day. There is usually a window during the day when they will feed again.

If you have a full moon, they can feed all night long. So, typically, they will feed again in the middle of the day with a full moon. All animals will do that. The deer will do that, too. They will get up and walk in the middle of the day when it is a full moon.”

There is no such thing as a favorite spot. Every area has its time and place.”

Lakeside: What are the best and worst months of the year to fish in the state?

Walker: Generally, the best month is April in South Carolina. September is overall the worst month because fish do not like to eat in the hot water when it’s hot. Tournaments are generally held January through June, and then they also pick back up in the fall.

Lakeside: Are there certain “hotspot areas” for fishing at particular lakes and other bodies of water?

Walker: “There is no such thing as a favorite spot. Every area has its time and place. One thing that fish do is they do certain things, certain times of the year, every year. Based on the season, you know whether you want to be fishing shallow or deep or what you are fishing for even. Right now in January is a good time for crappie fish. Early spring is when the bass spawn. Right behind them is when the bream and shellcracker spawn. Catfish you can pretty much fish for anytime.”

Lakeside: What is the biggest bass that you have ever caught?

Walker: “Well, the world-record bass is 22.4 pounds, and it was caught like in the 1930s. Another one was caught in Japan a couple

years ago, and it tied it, literally.

I have caught a couple of 10-pounders. I don’t catch a lot of big fish. I am more of a numbers kind of guy for some reason. I have netted three over 10 for other people as a guide in the boat with them, which is weird.

A 10-pounder used to be the goal. Now, it’s hard to catch a 10-pounder. An 8-pound fish I consider to be a really big fish (now).”

Lakeside: Why do bass like to be near tree stumps in the water?

Walker: “A stump is an ambush point for them. It’s a cover and gives them comfort and security, particularly because ospreys and other birds are looking at them, too, from above the water. They use the stump as an ambush spot so when something comes by they can dart out and hit it.”

Lakeside: How has technology changed the sport?

Walker: “You can still catch fish on a pier, or you can get on a boat and go looking for them. With the electronics and sonar technology, you can go find them now. You don’t have to just depend on them living there. The electronics with the sonar technology just shows you that there are fish everywhere. They just don’t bite, which can make it more frustrating.”

Lakeside: How can weather conditions affect fishing?

Walker: A major change in the weather will change everything. Variables can be if it's cloudy or sunny, water temperatures, wind and more.

“It can change in a heartbeat. Just wind direction or clouds change things. There are so many variables.

It’s like playing golf, but the hole moves in mid-putt. You are putting, and the hole moves. Or you are teeing off, but you don’t even know where the hole is. You ask yourself, ‘Where do I hit this ball?’

“So, you would study the tree line and try to figure out where the green might be. That is kind of how fishing is. You have to find the green before you can find the hole.

It will humble you, I can tell you that. Fishing is humbling. I have had tournaments here on my home lake where I have walked up to the pavilion with zero. I did not catch one.”

The Sumter Item is the only source of daily local news in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties.

We hold the powerful accountable and help you make informed decisions, celebrate your wins and educate your children, all to live your best life. Without us, your stories would often go untold.

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Ontrack

Sumter R/C Raceway is a family affair that will bring out your inner child.

Words by Ashley Miller | Photos by Cal Cary

Many describe it as “a bunch of grown men playing with toy cars.”

RC racing, or remote control car racing, has become a popular sport in Sumter and all over the Southeast. Some locals have even traveled to Japan to race.

Austin Snyder and his dad, Michael, own the dirt track at Sumter R/C Raceway, next to Shaw Air Force Base, for people to sign up and come race on the weekends.

The father-son duo started racing 22 years ago but at a different location in Dillon Park.

“Dad and I got in it about the same time. We are on our 22nd year now of playing with toy cars as grown men,” said Austin with a laugh.

The racetrack property is owned by Sumter County, but Austin and Michael own the equipment.

Like other RC enthusiasts, Austin has traveled all over to race his remote-control cars, from Myrtle Beach to Georgia and

North Carolina.

Austin said there are few racetracks still running.

“We are one of the fortunate ones who have been able to continue to run and keep our doors open for our racers,” he said.

Because so many tracks are opening, sometimes races overlap, which cuts attendance and participation at each spot.

Austin and Michael do not make money off their racers, Austin said, with racing fees going toward keeping the raceway updated.

“There is a couple of tracks that had to shut down just because of the property or

they couldn’t afford to keep it open,” Austin said.

Austin said there are two ways to look at R/C racing: from the track crew's perspective and from the racer's perspective.

“As a track crew, we come out here every day, pick up trash, replace zip ties, fixing the barriers that we have. If it rains, we are out here pumping water and removing standing water from the track,” he said.

Austin said most people don’t realize how much work goes into running a remotecontrol car track.

Then from the racer perspective, some say

it's about family and coming together as a community.

“It's more family orientated. We all come out here, and it's like a family reunion,” said Jeremy Lawrence, who came to Sumter R/C Raceway from Moncks Corner on a chilly Saturday in January to race.

Austin and his dad are surrounded by family on race days in ways that extend beyond their relationship. Sometimes Austin’s daughter joins him to race cars.

One piece of advice Austin had for new racers is to come into it with the top-tier parts for the cars.

“

Dad and I got in it about the same time. We are on our 22nd year now of playing with toy cars.”

“You don’t want to have sub-standard parts and have to constantly replace them. I’m not saying you need what I have, but having pretty good parts will save you hundreds of dollars,” Austin said.

He said some people can make six figures by R/C racing, mainly at bigger racetracks in different parts of the world.

“I have traveled to Japan to race; I have traveled to a lot of different places racing,” said Robin LeBeau, who is from Columbia and races in Sumter.

Racers are all ages. At Sumter R/C Raceway, trailers are parked with kids

Lawrence, the Moncks Corner racer, said “Racing! And hanging out with come from all over, new generation of racers will

shapes the

“I want to see it grow through generations. I want my daughter’s kids to come out and race R/C cars with their mom and their grandpa, but I want it to stay fun,” Austin said.

Some might think the ins and outs of building and racing the small cars might simply involve buying a toy car from a store that could stand a chance against one of the cars out at Sumter R/C Raceway. Many racers will disagree.

Austin said he has put a lot of money into his cars. Another racer said he has most likely put in a little over $7,000 for some of his cars.

When it comes to building a remotecontrolled car for this type of racing, Austin said it’s all about what the driver wants out

“ I want to see it grow through generations. I want my daughter’s kids to come out and race R/C cars with their mom and their grandpa.”

of it.

“Some parts might work for me, but for someone else they might not work great,” he said.

Austin showed off different tires, from the mini wheels to the much bigger wheels that have different types of treads.

He said there are different engines you can put in your car depending on whether you have a nitro car or an electric car.

Austin has a monitor that tells him the breakdown of the car from oil to speed, and he can log different cars in it. It also controls the car from steering left and right and gas and brake.

To Austin, it all comes down to what type of racing that racer wants to do to build the right type of car.

The world of RC racing is filled with classes based on skill level, but at Sumter R/C Raceway, they offer oval and dirt offroad at both 1/10 scale and 1/8 scale races.

While some places might have stricter rules, Austin said they are lenient.

“We just want to have fun out here,” Austin said.

And even though the racer's are competing against each other, Austin said each racer will help another when needed.

“You know in NASCAR if a racers car needs a specific part, they can’t just go up to their competition and ask for that part. But here, someone can walk in needing a part, and even though they would probably beat me, I would still give it to them,” Austin said.

He said the R/C world to him is about one thing.

“It really comes down to we are grown men and it gives us a chance to come out here and be a kid again," he said, "play with our toy cars and just have a blast."

iris irisbridal preview

Your guide

To all things bridal in Sumter County and the surrounding areas.

2023

Wedding venues with history and flair for your big day

SPARKLE INSouth Carolina

An engagement ring is often the most visible signifier of a couple's bonded commitment to one another. But as common as they are, the varieties, styles, price points and even jewel colors offer every couple the opportunity to make a statement about the personality of their eternal love.

There are several places to shop for your Big Question ring, as well as wedding bands and other jewelry for your loved one, around the Sumter region. Use this list as an initial guide to where you'd like to find out more.

Galloway and Moseley Fine Jewelers

Jewelry Wholesale

BigT Jewelers

520 W Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102

https://www.facebook.com/bigtjewelers/

Galloway and Moseley

Fine Jewelers 444 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 www.gallowayandmoseley.com

Jewelry Wholesale 41 E. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter, SC 29150 www.jewelrywholesaleinc.com

Decor

A Ring Around the Roses 95 Market St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.aringaroundtheroses.com/

Flowers & Baskets 29 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.flowersnbaskets.net

Garden House Floral Studio 7 W. Boyce St., Manning, SC 29120 www.ghfstudio.com

Lake Murray Event Rentals 7522 Irmo Drive, Suite 3 Columbia, SC 29212 www.lakemurrayeventrentals.com

Let’s Party!

584 Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 www.letspartysc.com

Newton's Greenhouse and Florist 417 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.newtonsflorist.com

Parties R Us

780 S. Pike West Road, Sumter, SC www.facebook.com/PartiesRus01

Party in a Tent www.partyinatent.com/manning-sumter

The Flower Shoppe of Manning 14 E. Keitt St., Manning, SC 29120 www.theflowershoppeofmanning.com

Where You’re Planted https://tinyurl.com/fpzpndhj

From hunting season to wedding season

By Alaysha Maple | Photos by Cal Cary

At the southern tip of the county, Clarendon Club, at 1219 Dingle Pond Road in Summerton, sits surrounded by towering trees and acres of lush greenery. Owner Whitney Phillips says the seclusion from the city allows couples to get lost in their own little world when joining together in holy matrimony. When they’re not housing duck hunters during the peak of hunting season, the Clarendon Club’s small crew makes big moves to help couples say, “I do.”

Afairytale transformation

Phillips resides in Summerton with her husband, Trey, and their two children — 11-year-old Troy and 8-year-old Clara. Early on in her career, she worked as a nurse at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter before becoming a school nurse and an employee at her family drug store, Summerton Drugs. When she wasn’t taking care of others, she spent her time in the great outdoors. She developed a love for hunting after her marriage, and it became a family activity that soon led Phillips and her husband to turn their family hobby into a business.

Phillips purchased land in Rimini, a prime area for duck hunting in the state. Looking to move closer to home, the pair sold the land and purchased property close to Summerton and successfully set up their duck hunting property. When looking to house their hunters in a comfortable and convenient lodge close to the land, Clarendon Club came up for sale five minutes down the road.

After purchasing the club, it was soon filled with duck hunters. In their absence during the off-season for hunting, the property became a venue for one of the most sacred, traditional events known to manweddings.

Owning and operating the versatile Clarendon Club has been a learning experience for Phillips.

“There are always new opportunities, and people come and ask to use the place for things that we have never even thought about. It’s been fun because weddings seem like they could be boring over time because you feel like if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to them all,” she said, light laughter following. “But it’s not true; every wedding

From left, Anastasia Patterson (Wedding and Event Coordinator) and Whitney Phillips (Owner) standing in front of the barn at Clarendon Club.

Appreciating rural South Carolina's splendor

Clarendon Club takes advantage of the great outdoors, as the property features open-air ceremony sites with a rustic atmosphere and outside event spaces to host receptions and cocktail hours.

Newlyweds can enjoy celebratory drinks, dining and dancing in the Pavilion, a covered outdoor area that can be personalized with lighting, floral arrangements, table layouts and other decorations. Photo opportunities are endless thanks to the aesthetic backdrops of the barn, the front pond and the woods.

Photo By: Laurel & Oak Photography

Photo By: Marcela Rowe Photography

Photo By: Jess Sonderman Photography

is different. People kind of make them their own, which is what it’s supposed to be. So even with the weddings, it’s not boring because it's always a different group of people, so we learn different things about the way people like to do things but also what we are able to do as well and things that we know that we need to improve on.”

Here to lend a hand

Daily, Phillips and Anastasia Patterson, who doubles as the wedding and event coordinator, hold down the office while someone assists with property maintenance. When more manpower is needed, the club has nearly 12 to 15 people ready and willing to help.

Unlike traditional indoor venues, the Clarendon Club is “not a cookie cutter venue,” Phillips said. It takes advantage of the great outdoors, as the property features open-air ceremony sites with a rustic atmosphere and outside event spaces to host receptions and cocktail hours. Newlyweds can enjoy celebratory drinks, dining and dancing in the Pavilion, a covered outdoor area that can be personalized with lighting, floral arrangements, table layouts and other decorations. Photo opportunities are endless thanks to the aesthetic backdrops of the barn, the front pond and the woods.

After the newlyweds say, “I do,” they can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, another enchanting experience to add to their magical day.

Peak season for the venue includes March-May and SeptemberNovember. The venue has a maximum capacity of 1,000 guests, and pricing, during both peak season and off-season, starts at $4,850, according to its Wedding Wire listing. Aisle markers, altars or arches, centerpieces, photobooths and tables are a few of the event items offered by the venue. Lodging accommodations, cleanup and get-ready rooms are a few of the services provided to wedding parties.

Though the venue does not offer in-house wedding planning, Phillips deems it nearly impossible for a wedding venue not to be involved in the process of planning a wedding. While she and Patterson are willing to lend a helping hand wherever they can, Patterson can also be hired outside of Clarendon Club to plan and coordinate the events.

Patterson got her start with event planning in college as her sorority’s philanthropy and event chairperson, which gave her the experience needed for Clarendon Club.

“It’s been really cool getting to plan community events as well as weddings, retreats and reunions,” Patterson said. “I kind of work with people as much or as little as they want, so I can do everything down to planning the entire event from scratch, start to finish, or helping source vendors that will best serve them for their event.”

Patterson described the process of planning weddings like “opening up a Christmas present.” It’s a “fresh slate” for ideas and possibilities, as no idea is too big or too small for Clarendon Club. However, Phillips encouraged brides to understand that no wedding is perfect; hiccups are bound to happen.

“Be open to all of the options,” Phillips said. “Be as flexible as possible and always have backup plans for backup plans, especially if it’s a wedding that’s going to be outside.”

But, rest assured that with Clarendon Club, you’ll never have to face any hiccup alone.

A family affair

Being a hunting club as well as a wedding venue is one of the many attributes that sets Clarendon Club apart from the rest, but there is even more to the venue than meets the eye.

When booking with Clarendon Club, you’re not just booking a venue. You’re also becoming a part of a family, Patterson said. In the past, the club has gone beyond their traditional means of conducting weddings to ensure the day is a memorable one for newlyweds and their families.

Patterson reminisced on her childhood friend’s wedding where the grandmother — who played a huge role in the wedding - was unable to make it down the aisle, or so everyone thought. Using a four-wheeler, the club made sure the grandmother was able to participate in the ceremony. When she passed away, the club sent a letter to the family with their condolences.

Phillips recalled a time when a groom and his family were stuck in stand-still traffic on Interstate-95.. As the time came and went for the ceremony and the sky was covered in darkness, the wedding party and guests present remained entertained with other items and scenery on the property until the groom arrived. The wedding was still as beautiful as ever under the twinkling stars, she said.

From praying over anxious brides before they take their first steps down the aisle to those unforgettable improvised moments, the club and helping grandmothers steer a four-wheeler to keeping guests occupied while a groom and his family are stuck in stand-still traffic on Interstate-95, the club forms a bond with its clients and cherishes the memories made alongside them on their special day.

“We always want to be the people who do exactly what is expected of us and then some,” Patterson said. “We take that extra mile with all of our brides and grooms, and all of our brides become like our family because we’re with them so much and they talk to us on a day-to-day basis. Even though we’re an outdoor venue, we try to make it seem like there are four walls that are surrounding them at all times and that their wedding is built on a firm foundation, and we want them all to have fruitful relationships.”

Office hours for Clarendon Club are Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bridal appointments are by appointment only. To reserve an appointment, call (803) 478-2010, email the venue at clarendon.club@outlook.com or message Clarendon Club on Facebook.

Venues view TO

You don't have to travel out of town to get the wedding destination of your dreams.

From an indoor arrangement with decorations galore to a rustic outdoor setting that is sure to stun in photos, make your wedding one to remember by holding it at one of these local spots.

Bridlestone 920 E. Brewington Road, Sumter, SC 29150

Clarendon Club

1219 Dingle Pond Road, Summerton, SC 29148 www.facebook.com/clarendonclubsc

La Piazza

35 S. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.Hamptonsfoods.com

Matrix Center

4648 Kingstree Hwy., Manning, SC 29102 www.Thematrixvenue.com

Mill Creek Park 7995 Milford Plantation Road, Pinewood, SC 29125 www.sumtercountysc.org

Old McCaskill’s Farm 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert, SC 29128 www.Oldmaccaskillfarm.com

Tanglewood Plantation 2100 SC-341, Lynchburg, SC 29080 www.Tanglewoodplantation.com

The Cabin at Old Spur 750 Old Spur Road, Timmonsville, SC 29161 www.Thecabinatoldspur.com

The HIVE @ Lavender Field Estate

1695 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 29153 www.lavenderfieldestate.com

WHEN SHOPPING VENUES, ASK ABOUT WHAT'S INCLUDED, SUCH AS DAY-OF COORDINATOR OR CATERING.

The HIVE @ Lavender Field Estate

Photo By: Megan Manus

The O'Donnell House Sumter 120 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.theodonnellhouse.com

Quixote Club 875 Pinewood Road, Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 775-5541

Ruach Banquet Meeting Facility 245 Oswego Hwy., Sumter, SC 29150 www.theruach.org

San Souci Farm 1935 Sans Souci Road, Sumter, SC 29154 www.tinyurl.com/58jxpszk

Sumter County Museum 122 N. Washington St., Suite A, Sumter SC 29150 www.Sumtercountymuseum.org

Swan Lake Iris Gardens 822 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.sumtersc.gov/community/swanlake

Wagon Trail 600 Concord Church Road, Sumter, SC 29150 www.Wagontrail.org

seating McKenzie

Photographers

Celebrating the love you two found for forever can be emotional and overwhelming in all the best, unforgettable ways, but it's the photo albums that will keep you remembering it like it was yesterday. A good photographer is critical to eternalizing your special day and for being able to share it with loved ones who were unable to make it and future family members who hadn't come along yet. Check out some local wedding photographers featured here.

Megan Manus

Photo By: Megan Manus

Photo By: Laurel & Oak Photography

Leah Daugherty Photography

Photo By: Leah Daugherty Photography

Amanda Rae Photography www.Amandaraephotography.com

Brittany Briley Photography www.bbriley.mypixieset.com

Chappell’s Video & Photography www.chappellsvp.com

Elevate Light www.elevatelight.com

Jess Sonderman Photography www.jointhisjoyride.com

Julie Lee Photography LLC www.julieleephotographysc.com

Laurel & Oak Photography www.laurelandoakphotography.shootproof.com

Leah Daugherty Photography www.leahdaughertyphotography.com

Limelite Photography www.mrbrent.com

Lindsey Overby Photography www.facebook.com/lindseyoverbyphotography

Megan Manus www.meganmanusphoto.com

Memories in a Shutter Photography www.memoriesinashutter.wixsite.com/photography

Rebecca Koenig www.rkphotographysc.com

Sam Levy & Sons www.samlevysonsphotography.com/gallery

STAR5Photography www.facebook.com/star5photo/about

We are your one-stop shop for all of your event and wedding needs. We are accredited event designers offering complete event design, coordinating and elegant draping services. We also have one of the largest selections of event rentals, tents, tables, chairs and so much more!

Let’s turn your dream wedding into reality!

www.LetsPartySC.com 584 Bultman Drive - Unit #1 • 803-774-7444 Mon., Tue. & Sat. 10am-3pm • Wed. - Fri. 10am-6 p.m.

Voted Best Party Supply Store & Party Rentals!

At 120 E. Liberty St. in Sumter sits The O’ Donnell House. With its large white pillars and intricate designs along its exterior, your eyes can’t help but linger on its architecture. But what lies inside are the sweet smells of its in-house catering service, Christi & Co. Catery. If you’re looking for a caterer for your special day this year, take a few minutes to get to know five things about Christi & Co. Catery.

1. OVER A DECADE OF SERVICE

Not long after The O’ Donnell House opened its doors in December 2009, a multitude of caterers came through its doors. According to Becky Nettles, sales manager and event coordinator for the catery, “most were mediocre and really did not respect the property as I would have liked.” However, the handful deemed “excellent” led Wanda Hunter to establish a catering service of her own.

The kitchen was completed at The O’Donnell House in 2010, and Christi & Co. was established that same year — the business being named after Hunter’s oldest daughter, Christi, who always had a love for cooking. For nearly 12 years, Hunter and Nettles have worked as full time employees. Alongside the duo are 25 part-time employees who help on an as need basis in various duties from chef to waitstaff. This team has worked to provided catering services to approximately 300 wedding receptions, averaging 30 receptions per year. The catery offers its services at weddings and events at The O’Donnell House and off-site.

Outside of catering to couples joined in holy matrimony, Christi & Co. has catered to more than 1,000 events, including rehearsal dinners, birthday and anniversary celebrations, meetings, galas s and numerous other special occasions. Whether it's 40 guests or 450 guests — which was the catery’s largest event to date - any event will feel both intimate and grand.

2. WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

When booking Christi & Co, be aware that there are over 100 items on its catering menu — with each option sounding better as you browse. The menu is grouped into sections to make it easy for clients to make their choices. Another great thing about the menu is that anything can be customized to fit what the client wants, Nettles said.

Out of the variety of items offered, Nettles said their most popular dish is the Lowcountry Shrimp & Creamy Grits — described as Grits topped with andouille sausage etouffee. A close second is the homemade and individually rolled Asian beef spring rolls. A crowd favorite specialty item offered by the catery is its gnocchi, a traditional type of Italian pasta that is known to be served with a variety of options for sauces.

Christi & Co. does offer menu tastings for clients to get a taste of what’s to come for their special day. If one is not scheduled prior to your day, the catery works with clients to ensure they're able to taste the items they’re interested in. Clients need to inform the catery of any allergies that they are concerned with, and Christi & Co. will make sure to exclude those ingredients.that they are concerned about.

As far as preparing and cooking the chosen items, the majority of the prep is done the day before the wedding. In order to ensure freshness, all items are cooked on the day of the wedding.

3. DINNER IS SERVED

With so much about the menu, another question posed to clients is whether a buffet or plated meal best fits your special day. Regardless of what you choose, Christi & Co. can provide will make it mouthwatering and elegant.

“We do offer buffet and/or sit-down plated dinner service in addition to reception style events. All of the above are just as important as the other depending on the atmosphere of the event the client is wanting,” Nettles said. “There is not one that is better than the other.”

Packages are offered for reception, buffets and plated dinners. The packages also include serving products, beverages and desserts. Reception style packages start at $20 per person, buffet style packages start at $25 per person, and plated dinners start at $32 per person.

4. STYLE AND SERVICE

When it comes to the style of your dishware or the efficiency of your food service, Christi and Co. has got you covered.

All events booked with Christi & Co., whether at The O’ Donnell or off-site, have servers for set up, maintaining and clean-up.

When it comes dishware, a variety of choices are offered from disposable to the Co.’s own fine china — all of which is included in the package prices. A couple options also involve specialty China that has been used for several years at a variety of events. What happens if a package doesn’t have the dishware you want?

No fear, as “it can always be customized,” Nettles said.

5. BOOKING WITH CHRISTI & CO. CATERY

With her years of experience, Nettles has learned that the sooner a client knows what they want, the sooner they should book.

Once a budget is determined, clients will be able to decide if they need to limit their number of guests. Yet, the catery is always willing to work with clients if they do not want to limit their guest count by looking at other packages suitable for their budget and the number of guests and find a way to fit their favorites on their specialized menu.

For weddings and special events, clients should book their caterers as soon as they have a date and location. Though the catery does take last minute appointments, it also depends on availability.

What sets Christi & Co. apart from other catering services is its “fine catering operation,” Nettles said.

“The selections and quality of food stand above most local caterers. Not to mention, the excellent service we provide. In addition, ours provide "classic" style catering equipment including Premium Eastern Tabletop Chafers, sterling silver trays, utensils and more that rival the finest caterers in the area,” Nettles said. “Although we are primarily known as the catering company for The O’Donnell House, not many people know that we offer catering off-site that has a wide range of menu items that you could choose from. We can be contacted for any type of event or celebration.”

If you know you want to book with Christi & Co. Catery, call (803) 774-0088 or email Nettles at becky@theodonnellhouse.com to learn more .

Bakers Sweets

1089 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 www.bakerssweets.com/contact

Catering For All Occasions

505 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102 www.facebook.com/CateringForAllSC/

Christi & Co

120 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.facebook.com/christiandcocatery

D&H Bar B Que

412 S. Mill St., Manning, SC, SC 29102 www.facebook.com/ dandhbarbquemanning/

Hamptons

33 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.hamptonsfoods.com

Jeffrey Lampkin Country Boy Kitchen

5642 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29154 www.thelordssoulfood.com

Lucy's Traditional Southern Bakehouse

5 W. Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102 www.facebook.com/

LucysTraditionalSouthernBakehouse

New Beginning Catering Service

1335 Peach Orchard Road, Sumter, SC 29154

(803) 494-2109

Serendipity

2320 4 Bridges Road, Sumter, SC 29153

www.serendipitycaterers.com

Sisters’ Catering

109 Broad St. # B, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 236-4842

Tasteful Kreations

www.facebook.com/ tastefulkreationscatering

Triple Bs Big Bad Bobs BBQ

www.facebook.com/BigBadBobsBBQ

Triple Bs Big Bad Bobs BBQ

B ride

AND

Groom

Gift Ideas

Grady Ervin 2 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.gradyervin.com

Naomi and Warner 13 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.naomiandwarner.myshoplocal.com

One Accord 1 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 www.oneaccordmarket.com

Silverpaper 662 Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 www.silverpapersc.com

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods 40 W. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter, SC 29150 ShopSimpsons.com/bridal

Southern Flair Gifts 103 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102 www.southernflairgift.com

The Olive Tree and Doolallies 600 Bultman Drive, # 6, Sumter, SC 29150 https://tinyurl.com/yask5k4r

The Elephant Ear Gallery 672 Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 www.facebook.com/ElephantEarGallery

Southern Flair Gifts

Available at: www.southernflairgift.com

Most couples register for gifts, but if you're looking for something a little more unique than big-box kitchenware, check out these local stores for gifts galore. From home decor to clothing and jewelry tailored to one half of the newlywed couple, Sumter and Clarendon counties have a large selection of Southern gifts to suite anyone. Ask for a gift receipt just in case.