CAROLYN CHATMAN
ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN
from the lake
Mark Pekuri
markp@theitem.com
Alice and Gary Weathersbee and their son, Tyler, stand at Elliott's Landing and Campground this winter. The property has been in the family for centuries, evolving into a business over time and bearing witness to history since the American Revolution. While Alice and Gary run the landing and campground, Tyler focuses on their popular crawfish farm.
Photo by Adam Flash
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Elliott's Landing Landing holds on to family history through the centuries. Events Places to take the family and things to do with friends.
Jen Erickson Clarendon Chamber of Commerce sees new leadership making impact.
New AR technology at Santee Indian Mound allows visitors to see history in new way.
Santee Indian Mound
Helping an endangered bird How Shaw Air Force Base is providing habitat management for the threatened species.
Bridal The 2025 Bridal Guide offers tips, lists of local vendors and exclusive features.
BERKELEY • CLARENDON
KERSHAW • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER
& What to do Where to go
KERSHAW COUNTY
Irish Fest Camden 2025
Celebrate Irish and Celtic heritage at Irish Fest Camden 2025 on Saturday, March 1, on the grounds of Kershaw County Airport, 2203 Airline Drive, Camden. Founded in 2017, this festival has grown into a beloved community event, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Visitors enjoy live Celtic music, Irish dancing, storytelling, a large selection of Irish beer, delicious food from more than 40 food trucks, whiskey tastings and more. The Lucky Leprechaun 5K takes place on Saturday morning, followed by the Highland Games, where athletes compete in traditional Celtic sports. The festival supports the Irish Cultural Foundation of SC, a South Carolina nonprofit. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://irishfestcamden.com.
Carolina Cup
The 90th running of the Carolina Cup on Saturday, March 29, at Springdale Race Course, 200 Knights Hill Road in Camden, marks the beginning of spring and draws more than 70,000 fans from throughout the Southeast to the running of the steeplechase horse race. Put on your spring clothes and enjoy the tailgate parties while watching the race. Schedule is as follows: 9 a.m., gates open; 9:15 a.m., Paddock Shoppes and Vendor Village open; 10 a.m., Truvista Kids’ Zone open; 11 a.m., Hospital Luncheon tents open; 11:30 a.m., Hat Contest judging sponsored by WachFox 57 in front of the grandstand; 12:50 p.m., color presentation; 12:55 p.m., national anthem; 1 p.m., Horses to the Paddock sponsored by Karesh at Beechwood; 1:30 p.m., post time. For additional information, visit https://carolinacup.org/ or call (803) 432-6513.
SUMTER COUNTY
Valentine's Day Acoustic Café
Enjoy a live performance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, with a special Valentine's Day Acoustic Café with Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood. Sherwood, a born storyteller, uses a blend of folk and pop music to bring enjoyable live performances that thrive on intimacy to
the Sumter Opera House stage, 21 N. Main St. Champagne and specialty desserts from Brubaker's Café & Bakery are included with the purchase of a ticket. Seating is general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.sumteroperahouse.com/ian-sherwood. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m., and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Reignite your love with rock 'n' roll and experience the timeless classics of Creedence Clearwater Revival, performed by the Georgia Players Guild, at Ramble Tamble: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Tickets are between $28 and $32 and can be purchased at www.sumteroperahouse.com/ ramble-tamble.
Sumter Springfest
The second-annual Sumter Springfest, presented by Quixote Hospitality, Thompson and Thompson Turner, returns to Sumter for another day of food and tunes the whole family can enjoy at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22. This year's lineup includes Chappell Court, Candi Band, 20 Ride and Party on the Moon. Tickets will be available soon at https://sumterspringfest. com/.
Art in the Park
Sumter's free celebration of creativity and culture, Art in the Park including Reading in the Park, will once again flow through Sumter Memorial Park, 417 W. Hampton Ave., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Arts and crafts, vendors, delicious food and Reading in the Park will ensure a day of fun activities and a chance to support local causes.
CLARENDON COUNTY
Santee Cooper Phantom Outdoors
The Santee Cooper Phantom Outdoors is March 22 at Santee Cooper at John C. Land Landing, and first place is guaranteed $10,000. Entry fee is $210 per team online or $220 at the ramp. Enter one or more side pots or none. Blastoff
number will be determined by order of payment.
Puddin' Swamp Festival
Prepare to do the stomp at this year's Puddin' Swamp Festival in Turbeville Town Square from Friday, April 11, to Sunday, April 13. There is always plenty of food, games, rides, entertainment and more at the event.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
TFT Blackwater Flock Conservation Dinner
Turkey hunting aficionados, enjoy a night of fellowship and tasty food to support wild turkey conservation during the TFT Blackwater Flock Conservation Dinner on Friday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. You may also win a raffle prize during the dinner and meet fellow Turkeys for Tomorrow members. If you're not a member yet, you can sign up or renew your membership at the event to take part in the raffles and help support the wild turkey population. The event is at Govindbhai Community Center, 1175 Five Chop Road, Orangeburg. Get tickets at https:// tftregistration.org/registration.
Foodees Food and Culture Festival
Remember the Foodees Food and Culture Festival that visited Sumter in 2024? In 2025, it's coming to Orangeburg for three days full of food and fun for everyone. Check out dozens of food trucks from Feb. 28 to March 2 at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds, 350 Magnolia St., Orangeburg, and try something you've never eaten before. When you're stuffed, browse booths from dozens of crafters and artisans. The event organizers call this "the Southeast's No. 1 touring food truck festival," so don't miss out! Friday's hours are 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday's hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday's hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.foodeesfest.com or follow Foodees for updates and announcements on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok @foodeesfest.
COLUMBIA
Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic
Take the family and spend the day at the largest wildlife show in the Carolinas, the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic, March 28-30 at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia. The classic features presentations on archery, animal displays, antler scoring, DockDogs, the Hawg Trough (an aquarium of 400 gallons of water and multiple types of fish with a pro angler sharing fishing tips and lure presentation), the SCDNR fishing pond, hunting, conservation, fishing and more. If it has to do with the outdoors, you will find it here. Hours for the classic are Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.psclassic.com.
ELLOREE
Elloree Trials
Join the 60th running of the Elloree Trials for a full day of family fun, tailgating and horse racing on Saturday, March 22, at Elloree Training Center, 170 Wishbone Circle, Elloree. Also on site will be food trucks, souvenir tent, merchandise vendors, parachute exhibitions and hat and tailgate contest, the Miss Elloree Trials Pageant and a live broadcast with Haley from CAT 105.3 New Country. Gates open to the public at 8 a.m. for tailgating and festivities. The first race begins at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate by cash only: adults, $25; children 12 and under are admitted for free. To check availability for reserved parking spaces, call (803) 395-9068. Free general admission parking is available. For additional information, visit ElloreeTrials.com or email elloreetrials@ outlook.com.
FLORENCE
Florence Stampede and Pro Rodeo Florence Stampede and Pro Rodeo, presented by Booty Brothers Western Store, returns to Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive, on Feb. 7-8, marking its 10th anniversary with a weekend of high-energy rodeo action and fun for all ages. This event will feature top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls from across the country, competing against some of the most award-winning livestock in professional rodeo. The lineup will include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, cowgirls barrel racing and wild Brahma bull riding. Beyond the arena, Florence Stampede and Pro Rodeo offers an engaging experience for the entire family. Attendees will enjoy a variety of vendors offering delicious food, unique merchandise and much more. Rising country music singer Shaylen will take the stage for a special performance on Feb. 7 following the rodeo action. Since her debut single — “What If I Don’t,” a streaming sensation on every platform garnering over 26 million streams just on Spotify alone — she has been making her mark on Nashville with six highly streamed songs released under the Two Hats Music Group banner. Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased at Florence Center Box Office or online at www.FlorenceCenter.com.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Francis Marion University Performing Arts, 201 S. Dargan St., Florence, welcomes one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 1. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band features founding members Jeff Hanna (lead vocals, guitar) and Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica, vocals); longtime bandmate Bob Carpenter (keys, vocals), a member since 1980; along with Jim Photoglo (bass, vocals); Jaime Hanna (guitar, vocals); and Ross Holmes (fiddle, mandolin, vocals). According to the FMU website, the band's "career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of the record Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy and the single ‘Mr. Bojangles,’ a folksy Top 10 pop hit. In 1972, they released the first of three groundbreaking Will
The Circle Be Unbroken records, collaborating with many of the best bluegrass, country and folk artists in the world. The band also has enjoyed vast success on the U.S. Country charts with hits like ‘Fishin’ In The Dark, ‘Modern Day Romance’ and ‘Long Hard Road.’ The Dirt Band are GRAMMY, CMA and IBMA Award winners, and their Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends – Fifty Years, Circlin’ Back! for PBS was an Emmy Award-winning TV special. The Dirt Band’s latest album, Dirt Does Dylan — released in 2022 — has received widespread critical acclaim." Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl. com/2hnx4v3f.
Power Comicon
Power Comicon returns on Saturday, March 15, to Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence. The event will feature comics, toys, statues, art, costume apparel, pop culture memorabilia for all ages, comic artists, writers and other comic-related guests as well as a cosplay contest with more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. For additional information, visit https:// tinyurl.com/5xvy94p5.
Gary Allan
Multi-platinum country artist Gary Allan will be at Florence Center on Friday, March 21. Tickets are available at FlorenceCenter.com. Allan’s 13song album, Ruthless, features songs produced by Mark Wright, Tony Brown, Greg Droman, Jay Joyce and Allan himself. His previous album, Set You Free, topped the Billboard 200 (Pop Chart), a career first for Allan. The album also made its debut at the top of the Billboard Country Album chart (for the fourth time in a row), and he produced his fifth No. 1 country radio chart topper with “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).”
Come as a stranger, leave part of the family.
Elliott’s Landing, or at least the property it resides on, has been in the Elliott family for centuries. With the land’s breathtaking view, they decided to share it with all those who could appreciate its beauty and established Elliott’s Landing Campground in 1945. It is the oldest landing on Lake Marion, and the family has spent years crafting a campground that welcome folks from all over.
By Alaysha Maple
meets heart History
Rimini’s Elliott’s Landing holds on to family tradition through the centuries
The heartbeat of Elliott’s Landing isn’t found in the rhythmic hum of boat motors or the quiet ripple of lake water; it’s found in the stories. Stories that have gathered sentiment through the generations, stitched together with the kind of love that turns a place into something sacred.
At Elliott’s Landing Campground, history isn’t something you stumble upon. It’s alive, threaded in the fabric of everyday life. The land itself remembers, from millstones submerged in a creek since the Swamp Fox marched his troops through to the steady rhythm of crawfish traps being pulled from ponds by calloused, skilled hands. It’s on this land, through the tactile and emotional connections of owners Alice and Gary Weathersbee, that this history and their family traditions are not just spoken about fondly, but they’re also felt.
Photos by Adam Flash
Roots that run deep
Elliott’s Landing, or at least the property it resides on, has been in the Elliott family for centuries. With the land’s breathtaking view, the family decided to share it with all those who could appreciate its beauty and established Elliott’s Landing Campground in 1945. It is the oldest landing on Lake Marion, and the family has spent years crafting a campground that welcomes folks from all over; you may come in as a stranger, but you leave as a member of the family. The downhome demeanor of the campground — from the fish and furry, ferocious but charming friends taxidermized around the campground store to the prime fishing spots and lounging locations that make for a perfect day in the sun to the warm smiles and good laughs shared with the people all around – makes it a simple and serene place to spend a week. Or two. Which is what made growing up here a highlight for Alice.
“It was pretty awesome. When I grew up, that was back in the ‘70s, there was a big Rockfish boom, and everybody was catching Rockfish off our pier; they'd catch 20 Rockfish in a night. The store would stay
open from five in the morning till 11 at night, and we'd always have business,” Alice reminisced. “Watching it grow has been a blessing.”
The beloved business would be turned over to Alice and Gary in 2017. The couple was enthusiastic about taking the reins; after all, it was in Alice’s blood. It was passed down from her grandparents to her parents to her, and she came to learn the ways of the water and law of the landing just as she came to learn herself. She can navigate both better than any traveler or fisherman, and she doesn’t have to worry about tooting her own horn about it because Gary does it for her.
As the decades have passed, the couple has made some modernized changes. Their computerized bookkeeping system came with a learning curve, and Alice couldn’t contain her warm smile at the thought of her father’s former system: jotting down information on the nearest notebook, paper bag or cigarette carton. Upgrades to campsites and additions of cabins have been all the rage with renters, proving to be a worthy investment for the family. The family also allows for boat rentals and pier
fishing, a highly rated experience by guests.
But with all this success, there are sure to be some challenges. Elliott’s Landing has waded through several floods, which have taken a good portion of the property and once washed out much of the road for seven years, taking with it 90% of their daily income. The family had to make major adjustments, but in a family business, it’s well worth it.
History lives here
The roots at Elliott’s Landing run deep, anchored to centuries-old history that surely won’t be forgotten, not if the Weathersbees have anything to do with it.
As you make the turn onto Elliott’s Landing Road, the aged structure that greets you holds significance to both the family and South Carolina’s history. According to a marker, during the Revolutionary War in December 1781, Maj. Robert McLeroth and the 64th Regiment were guiding newly arrived British army recruits from Charleston to the High Hills of Santee. Col. Francis Marion, after learning of their movements, led about 700 militiamen up Santee River Road,
orchestrating a surprise attack on McLeroth near Halfway Swamp and its mill, presumed to be today’s Elliott Mill Pond.
While the marker highlights the significant event in a pivotal era of America, the Weathersbees sought to spotlight the little one who relayed part of the area’s history. Written within Alice’s grandmother’s memoirs, details of a 9-year-old boy named Bishon James, who worked for Gov. Richard Richardson of Clarendon County, witnessed the militiamen burn the mill and throw the millstones into the creek. He ran back, informing Richardson of the events, who then told the Elliotts. The story has been passed down through the generations, landing in the hands of Alice, Gary and their son, Tyler.
“[The millstones] were all in the creek. Well, we said, ‘Let’s go see it for ourselves.’ And we got them out,” Gary said.
The Weathersbees were able to retrieve two millstones, their exteriors slightly weathered but their story still meaningful. With so much history at their fingertips, the Weathersbees decided to do what they’ve always done when there is enough of a good
thing to go around: share.
“It was our first event that we’ve ever done down here, so we were a little worried,” Alice said about their Historic Millstone Unveiling held on Nov. 2, 2024. The family relied on the old way to generate attendance to the event: word of mouth. It had done wonders in crafting the beloved reputation the business is known for and, for their inaugural event, it did not disappoint.
“We had about 300 people show up,” according to Alice.
Food trucks, live music, heartfelt presentations and dazzled ooohs and aaahs produced a vibrant atmosphere across the campground, one the family looks to recreate in 2025.
From campsites to crawfish
With talk of 2025, the Weathersbees have big plans to make it an enjoyable year for their guests, both current and new.
With their many upgrades to the campground’s 47 campsites, including updating electricity to accommodate
modern campers who need 200-amp circuits and full hookups, the couple also invested in five cabins. Cabins 1, 2 and 3, the property’s larger cabins, can sleep up to six people and feature two sets of adult bunk beds with full-sized beds on the bottom. Each cabin is furnished with a dining table, microwave, refrigerator and smart TV as well as an outdoor fire pit, picnic table and charcoal grill. Cabin 3’s spacious porch includes a dining table and four chairs. Cabins 4 and 5, the smaller options, accommodate up to four guests, include a fold-out futon and come with a microwave, refrigerator and TV. Though relatively new to cabin rentals, the business has fared well, even having travelers stumble upon the property and rent a cabin on the spot.
For the new year, Alice hopes to have a steady flow of cabin renters, people who can come and enjoy the property, its people, surrounding places and, of course, its pristine location on the lake. There is also a lot to behold in the bait and tackle shop, which comes stocked with bait such as crickets, worms and minnows, tackle, life jackets, charcoal, camping and fishing
essentials, ice, beverages and snacks.
And if you’re looking to get it cracking with crawfish, then Tyler has just what you need.
As next in line to handle the helm of Elliott’s Landing, Tyler currently has his sights set on Elliott’s Crawfish Farm. Founded in 1987, the farm is renowned for producing some of the highest-quality Louisiana Red Swamp Crawfish in South Carolina. Typically sized between 12 to 16 per pound, the crawfish are lively in their holding tanks, ensuring utmost freshness. Once upon a time, demand for their crawfish was hefty, leading them to take to the highways and deliver to Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach — going as far as Charlotte, North Carolina. But now, business still booms right outside their back door.
A typical day for Tyler on the aquatic farm looks something like this: rising before the sun to beat the heat and spending countless hours cycling through 100 crawfish traps across four ponds in a 4-foot pontoon boat, floating alongside sneaky snakes and the not-so-occasional 12-foot alligator. The days often go well, with traps full of the prime specimen and braving the countless spiders that hang out around him.
But then, there’s the occasional sinking of the pontoon.
“I was very lucky that day to catch that moment when the boat went down,” Alice shared, her warm smile covering her soft laugh.
“I went home that day,” Tyler responded, his smile mirroring that of his mother. “It was the very start of March, and it was super cold!”
But to see customers leave with their orders and come back, smiles bright and eager for more, makes all the blunders worth it. Though many customers cook the crawfish on their own, Alice has had years – nearly 36 of them, to be exact – to perfect a finger-licking-good recipe that dishes out the best-tasting crawfish on this side of the Marion. Guests who’ve experienced her culinary skills have been left sipping their sodas, scouring for Chapstick and saving space for seconds and thirds, Gary said. While her spices are kept under wraps, she offered that if you haven’t tried mushrooms in your crawfish boils, you haven’t lived.
The crawfish season runs from March to July 1, but orders can – and should – be placed early, the Weathersbees encouraged.
Community by the water
Elliott’s Landing has a lot to offer the community, from historical festivals and rewarding fishing spots to breathtaking views as the sunset gives a searing kiss to the lake and a chance to bask in the peace and quiet that nature offers. But one thing that Elliott’s Landing gives in abundance, and they often don’t think twice about it, is assurance.
Assuring their guests that they’re safe, to sit back, relax and enjoy the campfire. They assure them that on this campground – where guests gather at their campsite to cook a warm meal and hold heartfelt conversation, where holidays are just another excuse to call each other family, even though one isn’t really needed, and where the water and land are their oyster, just be sure to care for it wisely – you’re home. And there’s no better feeling than that.
“God knew what he was doing right here,” Gary said. “If you want it, we got it. It’s that simple.”
LAY LOW ON THE LANDING
Elliott’s Landing Campground
2010 Elliott’s Landing Road, Rimini, S.C. 29125
Call (803) 452-5336
Email: elliottscampground@gmail.com
Office hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Photo provided byJen Erickson
“The Chamber of Commerce ideally is all about networking and economic growth, so it's about connecting people to each other and growing the local economy,”
Clarendon Chamber of Commerce sees new leadership making impact Taking the helm
By Deirdre Currin
The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce has a new director, and she has a passion for keeping small business alive.
A small business owner herself, Jen Erickson has owned Belladonna Boutique in downtown Manning for almost six years and has been a Manning resident for about 15. Though she has lived around the state, including Charleston, Erickson calls Manning her favorite.
“I love the small-town feel. I love the no traffic. [I] love the lake,” she said.
Previously, she worked at Laurence Manning Academy where she was the instructor of fundraising, a skill Erickson said has transferred over to her new position and “helped tremendously.” Back in Charleston, Erickson also did fundraising at her kids’ school, and prior to that she worked as a cosmetologist in downtown Charleston.
What initially brought Erickson to Manning was her husband, who is native to the county and works at McLeod Health Clarendon.
impact on the community. You may have heard of Christmas in July, not the Hallmark event, but the downtown Manning event that encourages residents to shop small during what is regarded as the off-season for shopping.
Erickson described this event as one of the biggest events Manning holds.
When a business joins the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, all its events are promoted by the Chamber on both social media and the Chamber's monthly email. The Chamber will also do a ribbon-cutting for a member business if the owners want.
“Manning has definitely been my favorite [place to live]; people have a hard time believing that because you have so many things accessible to you when you live in the Charleston area because you’re close to everything, and then here you’re not, but I love being in a small town, going places and knowing everybody, and it just feels good,” Erickson said. Even before Erickson took her new position, she was making an
“The Chamber of Commerce ideally is all about networking and economic growth, so it's about connecting people to each other and growing the local economy,” Erickson said.
Erickson became Clarendon County’s Chamber of Commerce director in November of last year, and the Chamber has seen a lot of change lately, as its director of tourism, Sadie Serio, is also relatively new, having taken the position last July.
Serio said she is enjoying her time in Clarendon County, though she is still getting acquainted with freshwater fishing. A lover of fishing, Serio grew up saltwater fishing and is more familiar with it.
“[Working in Clarendon has] been a lot of fun … It’s really fascinating – I’ve met a lot of great people,” Serio said.
The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce is located at 19 N. Brooks St., and becoming a Chamber business costs $250 a year.
“I’m very excited to bring beneficial changes to Clarendon County and expand the benefits that the Chamber offers,” Erickson said.
New AR technology at Santee Indian Mound
Allowing visitors to see history in new way
Word and photos by Deirdre Currin
Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton offers a scenic nature trail, a prime spot for birding and access to the manmade Lake Marion, but in April 1781, the land offered something else to British troops during the American Revolutionary War through way of the Santee Indian Mound.
The mound lies within the refuge and has a rich history. Ceremonial and burial mounds were large areas with steep sides and a high vantage point that were primarily used for burial purposes. The one within the wildlife refuge was originally a burial ground for Native American chiefs, as the Santee Tribe lived around the Santee River. However, come wartime, British troops used this mound, since abandoned by the Santee, as an advantageous area to build their Fort Watson, which was named after British Lt. Col. John Watson Tadwell Watson.
Because the mound offered natural elevation but was hard to traverse, it was an ideal spot for British troops to build the fort as a way to have a clear view of the Santee River, and most importantly, British ships toting supplies from modern-day Charleston. This fort acted as a means to defend the British supply line, ensuring safe passage.
If the American forces laid siege to Fort Watson, it would not only mean cutting off a supply line for the British Army, but it would also give the American army much-needed supplies, as theirs were quickly dwindling.
According to the American Battlefield Trust, which preserves battlefields, American Lt. Col. Henry Lee’s Legion and Brig. Gen. Francis Marion’s forces combined on April 14, 1781, with their sights on Fort Watson.
Morale was low for American soldiers who did not have the proper siege materials to take over Fort Watson, and
“
One of the importances of Liberty Trail is people don't realize that South Carolina had more battles
and engagements and other activities during the American
Revolution than any other state."
-Rick Wise
on top of that, deserters were commonplace, and smallpox was beginning to break out.
The siege was going on for a week when an unexpected proposal arose. Lt. Col. Hezekiah Maham had an idea: the construction of a tower that would be higher than the ceremonial mound. Though it may sound like an unlikely solution, it worked. The construction of the tower took place secretly throughout the night of April 22 and led to Fort Watson’s fall on the 23rd. The 30-foot tower provided American soldiers a clear view into the fort, making way for sharpshooters to take their aim at the British troops within the fort.
Today, the Maham Tower, which was constructed with logs of nearby trees, no longer stands, but the ceremonial mound is still there. Stairs even lead up the mound, giving visitors the opportunity to stand where history was made.
Maybe it is hard to imagine the words you just read. Some people are more visual learners than others, and even traveling to the historical site will not show you how the siege would have worked. Or at least it wouldn’t have, until recently.
Last year, Fort Watson was the debut location for a pair of augmented reality (AR) binoculars – a project that was a partnership between the American Battlefield Trust, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and UK-based augmented reality company Zubr. These binoculars can be swiveled around to actually see how historical American Revolutionary events took place in faithful 3D renderings. For example, when you first gaze through the binoculars at Fort Watson, you will see the date “April 14, 1781” and British troops as they occupy the mound. What is so interesting about the binoculars is that as you move them around, the real-life scenery beyond the binoculars remains the same. The AR troops are on the mound in front of you, and if you swivel to the right after the screen reads April 22, 1781, you’ll see the Maham Tower fully constructed. This technology brings a whole new meaning to living history. Standing in the clearing in front of the mound, with the lake behind you and birdsong in your ears, what you see in the binoculars is a stark contrast and a heavy reminder of what took place right where you stand.
The 3D renderings themselves show a great deal of time and effort taken to be as historically accurate as possible. Catherine Noyes of American Battlefield Trust said everything in the renderings had to be thoughtfully placed, from what exact flag would fly overhead to uniforms and weaponry.
“There’s a great amount of research and detail that goes into creating these scenes. We don’t have photography from this period, so we’re also creating a visualization of something that really can’t be visualized in a lot of other ways, so it’s a really unique offering and a really new way […] to interact with this history,” Noyes said.
Delving deeper into the history of the American Revolution in South Carolina goes beyond just Fort Watson and the Santee Indian Mound, though.
The Liberty Trail S.C. is a free app that was made as a partnership between American Battlefield Trust and South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust – the same forces behind the AR binoculars at Fort Watson. The app is a truly unique way to explore South Carolina’s history regarding the American Revolution. The Liberty Trail connects South Carolina’s many battlefields and historical sites, all while providing the history of the areas.
“One of the importances of Liberty Trail is people don't realize that South Carolina had more battles and engagements and other activities during the American Revolution than any other state,” said Rick Wise, executive director of the SC Battleground Preservation Trust. “One of the things we're trying to highlight about that is the importance of South Carolina and the role they played in the southern campaigns of the American Revolution.”
The Liberty Trail S.C. includes 30 stops, and within each big stop are tinier areas on the actual trails to note. This way, when you visit a historical American Revolution site, you’ll know the significance of different areas along your trail.
For example, Fort Watson is one of the 30 stops on the trail, and within the Fort Watson tour are six other stops. Those stops lead the user through the story and simultaneously take the user to the areas where those events took place.
Another app made by the two trusts is Liberty Trail AR. Through this app, one can see and interact with a small replica of three historic sites: Eutaw Springs, Fort Fair Lawn and Marion Square.
Similarly, the trusts’ third app is called Fort Watson AR and does the same thing but only with Fort Watson. While these apps work nicely when one is at the historic site they are exploring on the app, one doesn’t have to leave their home to use the AR or even follow the Liberty Trail. The idea behind this new experience was to give people different ways to learn.
Wise called this variety of ways to learn about South Carolina’s different battlefields “multi-generational,” jokingly saying that while people with gray hair such as himself may enjoy history the best by reading educational signs at a site, that may not be the best approach for everybody.
“Fort Watson has such a robust history, and it really personifies what we’re trying to do with the Liberty Trail and shine a light on these places that are so important and so significant but may be in people’s backyards, and they just don’t necessarily realize that this really interesting, really historically significant location is right there,” Noyes said.
American Battlefield Trust and South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust work hard to keep history alive and preserve historical areas. Santee Indian Mound had already been protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before the trusts began working alongside the service.
Fort Watson AR, Liberty Trail AR and the Liberty Trail S.C. are all apps that can be found on the App Store and Google Play. The Liberty Trail S.C. is also available as a web app.
AShaw Air Force Base natural resources team helps recover red-cockaded woodpecker species at area bombing range
By Bruce Mills
Land characteristics that are good for a military bombing range are also conducive to wildlife habitats. That may seem contradictory, but it is true. These federal installations used for various military training exercises are large, contiguous blocks of land that are undeveloped.
At Shaw Air Force Base’s Poinsett Electronic Combat Range near Wedgefield in Sumter County, there is the obvious training mission, but there is also an environmental mission, and that is where the 20th Civil Engineering Squadron Natural and Cultural Resources Program comes into the picture.
Poinsett opened in 1952 as a real-world training range for military personnel, and federal law requires that Shaw undertakes the responsibility to care for the land and all the wildlife residing there. Bombing exercises are only at specific target areas, and a large portion of Poinsett is forested areas.
The base’s natural and cultural resources team currently consists of four members who manage these forests and ensure the health of the entire ecosystem, according to Threatened and Endangered Species Manager Sharna Tolfree.
Photos by Nich Pitts and U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Diana M. Cossaboom
for other wildlife at Poinsett to include conducting surveys for bobwhite quail, turkeys, deer, reptiles and amphibians – such as snakes, frogs and lizards – and other birds.
“Red-cockaded woodpeckers are our main focus for the habitat management, but they do act like an umbrella species,” Tolfree said. “So, the management that applies to them also applies basically to supporting a long-leaf pine ecosystem because that is what they prefer. So, our goal is getting a healthy longleaf pine ecosystem here.”
Red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees at Poinsett are indicated by a white band of paint around them, and cavity trees are grouped together in “clusters.” A total of 15 to 30 cavity trees generally makes up a cluster, and the range currently has 38 clusters.
The woodpecker uses the sap that flows down from the pines as a defense mechanism because it deters predators, Tolfree said. The sap, or resin, is a white coloration and is an indicator of an active cavity tree for the natural resources team.
Tolfree and Shaw’s natural resources team also install “full box” artificial cavities to help support the woodpecker population because many longleaf pines at Poinsett are not old enough for the birds, and excavating cavities can take the birds from one to seven years.
During the woodpeckers’ breeding season, from mid-April through July, program team members check clusters for nesting activity and band all newborn birds, or nestlings.
“Most of our population is banded, so every bird has a unique color combination,” she said. “That allows us to identify pretty much everybody and also helps us determine longevity and success because we can look at a bird and know how old it is just by looking at their band.”
FIRE AS AN IMPORTANT TOOL
According to the natural resources team, red-cockaded woodpeckers prefer their habitats to include pine trees as an overstory and grass and ferns as groundcover without a dense area, such as oak trees and other hardwoods, growing up and getting too tall. That is where controlled burns come into play.
“Woodpeckers prefer their habitat to be really open,” Tolfree said. Burn rotations are conducted every two to three years to keep the oak trees from getting too big and maintain the best possible ecosystem for the birds, she added.
RECENT STATUS CHANGE FOR WOODPECKER
Because of recovery efforts throughout the Southeast during the last 20-plus years, the red-cockaded woodpecker has increased its population enough to be recently downlisted from an endangered species to a threatened one.
It was one of the first species designated as endangered in the U.S. in 1970, and the birds received full protections with passage of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. In that decade, the bird population dipped as low as 1,470 clusters, wildlife officials told the Associated Press.
Since then, habitat restoration and protection on both public and private lands – like the efforts at Poinsett – have helped the species to partially recover. Today, there are an estimated 7,800 clusters in the U.S., representing more than a 500% increase.
In 2001 at Shaw’s bombing range, there were five clusters of the woodpecker. Today, there are 38.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the status change in October 2024. Even with the change, it remains prohibited to “take” – meaning to harass, hunt or harm – the woodpeckers or their habitat in most instances, according to the National Fish and Wildlife Service.
Tolfree said the Shaw natural resources team’s management efforts with the woodpecker will essentially stay the same because protection levels remain similar.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Destinee Sweeney
Wildlife biologist Sharna Tolfree
A winter Wedding
Transforming into a winter wonderland
iris irisbridal preview 2025
Wedding venues with history and flair for your big day
Photo by: Allison Eady Photography Venue: Sumter County Museum
Sharp suits and stylish grooms:
A guide to wedding day style with Mayo’s
Suit City
By
Mayo’s Suit City
Alaysha Maple
Photos by Adam Flash
Weddings are often seen through the lens of a blushing bride dazzling wedding-goers with her breathtaking gown, sparkling veil and fragrant bouquet.
But what about the groom?
While the bride’s dress often steals the spotlight, a groom’s attire plays a pivotal part in the grandiose aesthetic of the day. And to make sure it’s done with style and charm, enter Chris Williams of Mayo’s Suit City.
For 25 years, Chris and his team have utilized stellar customer service and expertise to ensure grooms and their groomsmen are dressed to impress for the big day. From navigating tuxedo trends and perfecting suit fits to coordinating shades and shapes of ties and offering wise words to a dashing groom, Chris shares his expertise to help the often overlooked side of the wedding aisle shine just as brightly.
Tuxedo or suit?
A groom’s biggest question
When it comes to wedding attire, grooms face a relatively difficult decision between a tuxedo and a suit. Chris has noticed a major shift in the debate in recent years.
“We’re probably doing 85% suits – with purchase and not rentals,” Chris said. “Renting tuxedos are kind of a thing of the old days.”
“A lot of guys have gone to buying a suit because it gives them and their groomsmen something to wear afterward, and they’re not paying $200 just to have something and send it back,” he explained.
Mayo’s Suit City offers both options, but Chris’ goal is to always tailor the experience to the couple’s vision. Here’s how:
Summer weddings: For beach or outdoor weddings in warm climates, Chris recommends lightweight fabrics, like linen and seersucker, as they’re breathable and versatile for the big day and future big appearances.
Year-round style: For more traditional weddings, classic suits in black, navy or tan remain the top choice. Some grooms like patterns like pinstripes and windowpanes, but solid suits are still the most popular, Chris finds.
Simple and stress-free fitting process
Chris understands that some grooms may be unfamiliar with formal wear and what to expect when coming in for a fitting. At Mayo’s Suit City, the process is designed to be easy and efficient.
The grooms and groomsmen are given a deadline of when they can get sized as, according to Chris, “guys like to procrastinate.” Mayo’s prefers to size clients themselves but will also accept the sizes they call in. However, a common mistake when it comes to the fitting process is confusion about sizing.
“A lot of guys will give us their jean size, but jeans and dress pants are sized differently,” Chris explained. “If someone says they wear a 30-inch waist in jeans, that doesn’t mean their suit pants will be the same size.”
But Mayo’s isn’t afraid to go the extra mile for sleek style.
“If something looks a little off, we’ll call them or call the bride of the groom and say, ‘Hey, we need this person’ or ‘ Can we talk to this person? We need a little more information.’ We try to keep it simple and easy. We measure pretty quickly, and if there needs to be anything touched up once the suit comes back, we can do that here, too,” Chris assured.
Pro tip from Chris: Start early with fittings! Although grooms and groomsmen don’t need as much time as brides or bridesmaids when it comes to fittings, four months prior to the big day ensures time for proper fittings and any mishaps that come about.
What’s in for wedding trends
With all this talk of suits or tuxes and proper fits, the style of formal wear grooms are going for is a big talking point.
Luckily, with his more than two decades of experience, Chris has seen trends come and go and noticed clear favorites among today’s grooms.
Slim fit: “Slim fit is definitely in. A lot of the very fancy suits are out – like designed coats, designed pants, they’re out.”
Double-breasted: “We’re starting to see a lot more double-breasted suits. Not necessarily for weddings yet, but I think it’s coming. This spring, we will be carrying a double-breasted, slimfit tuxedo, which is very sharp. I think that’s going to be really big for weddings.”
Bold colors: “We do hear more rumors of colors being very popular this year for weddings.”
The right swatch: If you’re looking to go bold and bright for your wedding, Chris recommends bringing in a fabric swatch of your desired color. Cellphone pictures distort colors and can be hard to match.
To do before you say “I do”
With all this preparation, some mishaps are bound to happen. But one that Chris likes to help all grooms and groomsmen avoid on the big day is forgetting accessories.
Guys will often have a one-track mind of pants, jacket and shirt and find themselves scouring for socks, a belt or suspenders and other small accessories on the big day. Mayo’s staff reminds them of the small necessities before leaving their store, knowing it will save them time and a headache.
One or the other: A key thing to remember, Chris said, is if you’re wearing suspenders, there is no need for a belt. Or if you’re wearing a belt, then, typically, you don’t wear suspenders.
At Mayo’s Suit City, Chris and his team do more than provide suits – they pride themselves on creating a seamless, personalized experience to ensure every groom walks down the aisle confident, prepared and in style – after all, it’s his big day, too!
MAYO’S SUIT CITY
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!
Photographers
Wedding
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.
Amanda Rae Photography www.Amandaraephotography.com
Allison Eady Photography www.allisoneadyphotog.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
Oak + Lens by Amber Murley photographybyambermurley. mypixieset.com
Rebecca Koenig www.rkphotographysc.com
Sam Levy & Sons www.samlevysonsphotography .com/gallery
Photo by Oak + Lens
Photography By Amber Murley
Photo by Megan Manus
Photo by Allison Eady Photography
Photo by Leah Daugherty Photography
Photosby MeganManus
Photos by Oak + Lens Photography By MurleyAmber
Photos by Allison Eady Photography
Photos by Leah Daugherty Photography
Caterers
Baker's 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
Sisters’ Catering 109 Broad St. # B, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 236-4842
Triple Bs Big Bad Bobs BBQ www.facebook.com/BigBadBobsBBQ
Christi & Co. Catery.
Christi & Co. Catery.
Lucy's Traditional Southern Bakehouse
Lucy's Traditional Southern Bakehouse
Catering For All Occasions
Host Your Dream Wedding at the Sumter Museum
Celebrate your special day in timeless elegance at the Sumter Museum. Nestled behind a historic 1916 home, our venue offers the perfect blend of charm and sophistication for your wedding.
Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the Sumter Museum promises a historic and unforgettable setting for your wedding day.
Book Your Wedding Today and let the Sumter Museum’s historic elegance be a part of your love story.
Photos by Allison Eady Photography
'Tis the season to be wed: Breanna & Will’s Christmas Wedding Wonderland
FBy Alaysha Maple
For most couples, the thought of planning a wedding during what’s thought to be the busiest season of the year – Christmaswould be overwhelming, daunting even. Between festive holiday parties, bustling gift shopping and cherished family traditions, squeezing in one of the most important days of your life would be a nearly impossible feat. But for Breanna Johnson Wise, interim president for Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and a seasoned wedding planner, it wasn’t just possible – it was the perfect fit.
On Dec. 21, 2024, Breanna and her husband, Will, tied the knot in a backyard ceremony, featuring all the elements and everyone they loved. The journey to creating a wedding that was uniquely theirs wasn’t traditional, nor was it without its fair share of challenges. But the result was a celebration of both their love and the joy of the most magical holiday.
Full of Christmas cheer
When Breanna and Will began imagining their wedding, they didn’t have visions of grand ballrooms or extravagant venues. Instead, their hearts were set on something that felt close to home – both physically and emotionally. This wasn’t their first wedding, and they wanted this one to reflect the lives they’d built together and the family they loved.
“We wanted to do something small. We were planning on doing a small thing for our family at our house and then having a reception. But we were also hosting a Christmas party at our house just for family and friends,” Breanna explained. “The funny thing about it is, Will made the suggestion, ‘Why don’t we do the wedding and the Christmas party on the same day?’ And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh!’”
Their backyard, already a hub for family gatherings, became the ideal venue. The couple had recently completed an entertainment space in the backyard that would serve as the stunning ceremony space.
But while the setting came together easily, the timeline was another story. Starting the planning process in early November – less than two months before the big day – was a challenge for even someone with Breanna’s expertise.
“Typically, a wedding takes eight months to a year to plan,” she explained. “It was a lot of work, but it was really rewarding to see everyone have such a good time, and it was beautiful.”
That beauty came in the form of 28 Christmas trees adorning the homemade venue space, rich red bows that added an eye-catching pop of color and Santa hats given to every guest.
Her wedding also included a learning curve.
As a skilled planner, Breanna is used to being on the go, running from here to there to ensure every cherished detail goes off without a hitch. Which is why in order for her to relax and enjoy the day, she did an immense amount of prepping the week of and delegated trusted friends and family to handle what she normally does. It is through this experience that Breanna has a new perspective on making other brides feel special on their big day.
“It makes me want to work that much harder for my brides so they don’t stress because of how relaxed I felt,” she expressed.
Holiday magic stays local
Breanna’s attention to detail wasn’t just about aesthetics, but it was also about the heart. And hers lies within the Sumter community.
As a passionate advocate for her community, she made it a priority to support local vendors throughout her planning process.
“Every single thing that we purchased for the wedding, besides my wedding dress, was bought locally,” she beamed. “The cookies, the cake, the food – everything was right here from Sumter.”
Her dress was another story. For her big day, Breanna wanted to keep her dress simple and plain. Though she browsed shops and boutiques locally, she couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for. A short drive to Camden led her to a near-perfect match to what she envisioned. But it still
needed some alterations.
“It was big and poofy and so dramatic. So, I brought it back to Sumter and paid Ms. Alice Van Allen with Added Touch [and] she ripped it to pieces and put it back together. She cut the whole train off, all the tulle underneath and just simplified it to what I needed.”
The elegant and minimalist structure of the gown featured a sleeveless design with a deep V-neckline that adds a modern, sophisticated touch. The back includes buttons running down the length, offering a classic and timeless detail that enhances its charm. It’s a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance and the perfect choice for an intimate, stylish wedding like the Wises’.
Keeping Christmas magic alive
Planning a wedding during the holidays can be a delicate dance, especially when you have children at home. Breanna and Will’s family includes two 7-year-olds and a 17-year-old, and Breanna was determined to keep the holiday spirit alive for them amid their nuptials.
“The Elf on the Shelf – when the kids woke up that morning of the wedding, the elf was sitting on the windowsill, and it had a note that said, ‘I can’t wait to watch your mom and dad get married’ while looking out at the wedding location. It was just really sweet,” she shared.
But Christmas cheer was also filled with festive details for Breanna, too. Christmas music, festive drinks and holiday-themed pajamas were crucial to making her vision come to fruition, to have her wedding reflect the magic and joy of the holidays she cherished growing up.
“It was just a really good Christmas for us,” Breanna shared. “Christmas for me and my sisters and my mom and my grandmother,
’Tis the season to be wed
Breanna knows firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection when planning a wedding. Which is why, through her own experience, she found that most important part of the day isn’t in the details, it’s in the moments.
“Enjoy the planning process because it does get overwhelming. Have a day-of coordinator; have a planner if you can afford one. Have someone to take care of all the little details for you so that way you can just be in the moment and enjoy the process of getting married for the marriage – not for the party,” she said.
For brides looking to use holidays as the backdrop for their big day, she urged them to balance the magic of the holiday with its challenges. Their wedding date worked for them, as many of those they invited were off
it’s just a super important time. That’s where really good, core childhood memories come from. So, all the details, down to Christmas china – that was the inspiration for all of it.”
But balancing the demands of wedding planning with holiday traditions is not always easy. There were moments leading up to the joyous day when Breanna thought to skip out on the gingerbread house building or heading up the bake sale at school to focus on other elements of the wedding. Yet, she realized those cherished memories from her childhood started at the children’s age, and while the wedding was important, for the children, supplying the holiday magic this season thrived on what mattered most.
“I was trying very hard not to make [the wedding] my core focus around the kids because I wanted the Christmas season to continue to be magical,” she expressed.
work. But if some guests were unable to make it, they didn’t stress. Some things go according to plan, and some don’t. Weddings are less about perfection and more about the love, laughter and memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
As Breanna and Will look back on their big day, one filled with their closest family and friends surrounded by the sights and sounds –including their walk down the aisle to Clemson University’s Fight Song, “Tiger Rag” – that culminated their love, it may not have been the perfect wedding, but it was perfect for them.
And that’s the kind of magic every bride should hope for – not a day free of mishap but a day overflowing with heart and happiness.
Photo By: Megan Manus Venue: Southerlyn Farms
Tanglewood Plantation 2100 S.C. 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
The O'Donnell House
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
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
Southerlyn Farms 4872 Bass Drive, Holly Hill, S.C. 29059 https://www.southerlynfarms.com
Photo By: Megan Manus Venue: O'Donnell House
Photo By: Megan Manus Venue: Quixote Club
Photos by: Megan Manus Venue: The Hive @ Lavender Estates
Photo By: Allison Eady Photography Venue: Sumter County Museum
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
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
Fancy Flowers https://www.facebook. com/people/FancyFlowers/100093880539456/
Photo By: Megan Manus Floral By: Fancy Flowers
Floral: Fancy Flowers
Floral By: Flowers and Baskets
Floral By: Garden House Floral Studio
