Lakeside November - January, 2023 by The Sumter Item

LAKESIDE L I F E O U T D O O R S F R O M WAT E R E E T O S A N T E E

NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024

The Holiday Issue Where to find lights and attractions. How to spend holidays on the lake. Seasonal recipes for comfort. And Sumter's very own Santa!

GETTING DIRTY How a Clarendon County family of 7 is sharing their love of motocross

PLUS: Grateville Acres grows produce to nourish a community. In a food desert. BERKELEY • CLARENDON • KERSHAW • ORANGEBURG • SUMTER

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about from the lake us PUBLISHER Vince Johnson EDITOR Kayla Green COPY EDITORS Rhonda Barrick Melanie Smith WRITERS Bryn Eddy Alaysha Maple Ashley Miller Bruce Mills PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Flash Micah Green PUBLICATION DESIGN Micah Green Janel Strieter ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN Cary Howard

he lights twinkle as I put on a sweater and scoop another bowl of chili from the pot. It's the season for bright, fuzzy, warm things. I love summer and being outside whenever possible, but the change in seasons always brings an air of excitement. Different dishes to prepare. A fresh-slate mindset. This winter and holiday season, we have a range of stories for you that will scratch any outdoor lover's itch for learning about the local community around them. Did you know the squab produced at Palmetto Pigeon Plant in Sumter is regularly shipped to the White House? Or that the British royal family has tasted the delicacy? Learn about that and way more in a fascinating story on the plant, which was founded in the early 1900s and has been running ever since. We also get to know the people behind Grateville Acres, which nourishes the community and provides

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on the cover Josh McGuigan hits a jump at H5 MX Compound in Clarendon County. The motocross track is open to the public and plans to hold races in a continued expansion plan.

Photo by Micah Green 36 W. Liberty Street • Sumter, SC 29150 www.theitem.com 4 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

access to fresh food from within a food desert. Our cover story gets dirty. You'll meet Brandon and Lindsey Hughes, a Clarendon couple who built the H5 MX Compound on their land as a place for their children, and anyone from the public, to race dirt bikes and learn the world of motocross. And that's not even half of it! From a business feature on a sports and hunting store in Bishopville to recipes for the season to multiple Christmasthemed stories on where to find lights and attractions, spending the holidays on the lake and a profile on Sumter's very own Santa, this issue is packed with awesome local content that I am proud to say continues to tell the stories of our communties that make up life outdoors from Wateree to Santee. Happy reading!

KAYLA GREEN EDITOR FOR LAKESIDE

44 36 34 25 19 8

Recipes

The story behind the breeding and processing plant that feeds the White House

Palmetto Pigeon Plant

Meet the farmers who are providing fresh produce from within a food desert

Grateville Acres

A retired airman relishes not having to shave his beard by adding the red hat and coat

Sumter's Santa

Breathe new life into your holiday traditions by spending the season near the water

Holidays on the lake

The Hughes family loves motocross. Now, their track is open to everyone.

Cover story: A place to play

From soup and chili to scones and cakes, get into the season with these bites

what’s inside

FEATURE STORIES

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 5

What to do & Where to go BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER

BERKELEY COUNTY

Mepkin Abbey Creche Festival An annual exhibit of nativity scenes from around the world, the event will be held Nov. 1318 and Nov. 24-Dec. 2. This year’s theme is “We Are Nativity: Celebrating the Many Faces of the Nativity.” Mepkin Abbey is at 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call (843) 7618509 or visit www.mepkinabbey.org. 11th-annual Tinsel Trot Holiday Fun Run/ Walk Old Santee Canal Park will present the 11thannual Tinsel Trot Holiday Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 900 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner. Take an evening run, walk, dash, dance or prance through the twomile course that offers a “sneaker preview” of the Celebrate the Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour. The course will open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. with the run/walk event having no official start time – show up when you want, walk as far as you want and leave when you want. Race entry is $20 per person plus processing fee. There will be a post-race party with a special appearance from Santa Claus, children’s activities, food and DJ music. Proceeds from food sales will benefit local nonprofit charities. Visit https://www. oldsanteecanalpark.org/Events/Index.aspx. Celebrate the Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour Load your family and friends in the car and follow a picturesque path through thousands of beautiful and brilliant twinkling lights on the Celebrate the Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour 6-9 p.m. Nov. 24 through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). Admission is $10 per vehicle, and proceeds benefit local charities. Enter the Holiday Lights Driving Tour at 1 Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner. 30th-Annual Christmas Made in the South The 30th-Annual Christmas Made in the South, a fine arts and crafts festival, will be held

6 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 1-3, at The Exchange Park/ Fairgrounds, 9850 U.S. Highway 78, Ladson. With more than 200 artists and crafters participating, you will find unique gifts for all your friends and family at this event. Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $9 with children aged 12 and under admitted free. Moss Grove Plantation Christmas Market The Moss Grove Plantation Christmas Market will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Moss Grove Plantation, 1025 Moss Grove Drive, Moncks Corner. This event will feature more than 70 vendors, food trucks, hot cocoa, handcrafted items, music and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance as well. Contact Kristen Cary at mossgrovesocialcommittee@gmail.com. Christmas in the Creek Holiday Parade The Christmas in the Creek Holiday Parade will be held 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Goose Creek. The mile-long parade will begin on St. James Avenue and continue to Marilyn Street. Road closures will begin at 8 a.m.

SUMTER COUNTY The 13th-Annual Silver Bells Art and Craft Show The event will will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at the American Legion Building, 30 S. Artillery Drive. Free parking and free admission. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support Sumter United Ministries. If you bring three food items to donate, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card. You are sure to find something for each person on your Christmas gift list. Sumter Family YMCA’s annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk Take your family, friends and pets to the Sumter Family YMCA’s annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk on Thursday, Nov. 23. Register at the YMCA or online. Race day registration will begin

at 8 a.m. with the race beginning at 9 a.m. Call Denise Lewis at (803) 773-1404 or visit www. ymcasumter.org for registration information.

Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens South Carolina’s largest free Christmas light display, Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, is open nightly Dec. 1-31. The gardens will be alive with twinkling holiday lights until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The opening night celebration will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1. For more information, call (803) 436-2640. Sumter Christmas Parade The Evening Optimist Club's annual Sumter Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, on Sumter’s Main Street. The theme for the 2023 Christmas Parade is "The Joys of Christmas." 71st-Annual Holiday House Tour The Sumter Council of Garden Clubs Inc. 71stAnnual Holiday House Tour will be held Dec. 8-10 and feature a fully decorated WilliamsBrice House. This year’s theme is “Set to Celebrate.” Each room of the Williams-Brice House will feature unique and festive holiday decorations. In addition to the decorated house, Sumter County Museum will also feature the activities of its Backcountry Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 9. There is an admission fee to tour the decorated WilliamsBrice House. Tickets and a full schedule of events will be available at www.sumtercountymuseum.org. Santa’s Village Be sure to take the kids to Santa’s Village 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16 at the Heath Pavilion at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. They can write letters to Santa, and you can take pictures of your child with Santa using your own camera (participation in both is free). Hot cocoa and holiday treats will be available for purchase. For more information, call (803) 436-2640. Jingle with the Arts The Freed School of Performing Arts, in

conjunction with the Sumter High Show Choir, will present Jingle with the Arts at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. This annual holiday event showcases some of Sumter’s best in performing arts.

Horses and Heroes Oyster Roast at Historic Camden A celebration of horses and history that defines the town of Camden, Horses and Heroes Oyster Roast at Historic Camden, will be held 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24. Visit www.watereehounds. com for tickets or information.

Christmas Drop-In and Family Movie Night The event will be held 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Bring the family and drop in between 5 and 6:30 p.m. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and popcorn will be provided.

Town of Elgin’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony The Town of Elgin’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at Potter Community Park, 2427 Main St., Elgin.

Christmas at Patriot Hall Looking for unique and heartfelt gift ideas? Be sure to check out Christmas at Patriot Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St. Event will feature shopping and live entertainment. Visit https:// www.patriothallsc.org/.

CLARENDON COUNTY Fifth-Annual Clarendon Club Bargain Hunt The event will be held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at Clarendon Club, 1219 Dingle Pond Road, Summerton. The event will feature local vendors and artisans, live music, Santa, giveaways, food trucks and more. City of Manning’s Parade of Lights Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the City of Manning’s Parade of Lights on Sunday, Nov. 26. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Weldon Auditorium and make its way down Brooks Street. Turbeville Christmas Parade The event will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit https://clarendoncounty.com/ event/turbeville-christmas-parade/.

KERSHAW COUNTY Wateree Cup Annual Polo Event Thrilling polo matches, fun activities and great company, the Wateree Cup Annual Polo Event will be held Sunday, Nov. 12, on Polo Lane in Camden. Gates open at 10 a.m., and the event will kick off at noon with a series of competitive polo matches. Between matches, there will be a halftime show featuring a best tailgate contest, best hat contest and a divot stomp. The event concludes with the Hunter's Trace Farm Hay and Feed After-Party with live music by the Green Thieves of Charleston. General admission is $45, field-side parking $95 and VIP tent-The Kirkwood Club $125. Call (803) 432-2525.

Catfish Stomp Kick off the holiday season with the Town of Elgin’s pre-Christmas festival, the Catfish Stomp. The event will begin with the 48thAnnual Elgin Catfish Stomp Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the corner of Bowen and Main streets in Elgin. Visit arts and crafts vendors and enjoy catfish stew and fried catfish with all the fixings throughout the day. Visit the Elgin Police Department Toys Roundup and Caring Hands Foundation Facebook page. McCaskill’s Farm’s 14th-Annual Country Christmas Trunk Show Featuring fire trucks, floats, pageant winners, dancing, classic cars, music, Santa and more, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 9. Beginning at the corner of Broad Street and Laurens in downtown Camden, the parade will proceed along Broad Street and end at the City Arena. This year’s theme is “A Toy Story Christmas.” Trick-or-Treat Trail Dress up in your favorite costume and visit Trickor-Treat Trail at the Nature as Teacher Preserve for Education from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at 247 Chestnut Ferry Road, Camden. Visitors will be required to register for a free parking pass with specified arrival times. This is a familyfriendly event. Children should bring bags or buckets for collecting treats. The trail loop is about a 10-minute walk on gravel and mulch with “spooky” animal learning stations. Strollers and wagons welcome. Email leoncic@clemson.edu. Visit https://experiencecamdensc.com/event/ nature-as-teacher-trick-or-treat-trail/. 47th-Annual Camden Junior Welfare League Candlelight Tour of Homes The event will be held 3-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The tour will begin at the Camden Archives Museum, 1314 Broad St., Camden, and continue through historic private residences and other landmarks decorated for the season. This selfguided tour celebrates the history and hospitality of Camden and Kershaw County during the holidays. All proceeds benefit the youth of Kershaw County. Visit https://www.camdenleague. org/candlelight-tour-of-homes for information and tickets.

Lights of Lugoff Christmas Parade Kershaw County’s only nighttime Christmas parade, the Lights of Lugoff Christmas Parade, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade route will begin at the Lugoff BP Station, travel down U.S. Highway 1 South and then turn right onto 34. All spectators are asked to remain on U.S. Highway 1. Both lanes of Highway 1 will be closed off at 6 p.m. 27th Boykin Christmas Parade The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, in Rembert. The festivities will begin with the Roadkill (barbecue) Cook-off and end with a gospel singing at Swift Creek Baptist Church. Follow 2023 Boykin Christmas Parade on Facebook for more details.

CLARENDON COUNTY Children’s Garden Christmas and Kids’ Walk The Children’s Garden Christmas and Kids’ Walk, at Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg, begins Nov. 20 and ends New Year’s Day 2024. The gardens are transformed into a Christmas wonderland with hundreds of thousands of lights. With more than 60 still and animated displays, the Children’s Garden Christmas drive-through display is along Riverside Drive. Kids’ walk is 6-8 p.m., and the light presentation is open 5-10 p.m. seven days a week. For more details, call (803) 533-6020. Jingle Bell Dash 5K Walk/Run with Virtual Option The Jingle Bell Dash 5K Walk/Run with Virtual Option will be held 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Joe Miller Park, Main Street and Harlin Street, Elloree. Visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/Info/SC/Elloree/ JingleBellDash5KWalkRun to register. 2023 Orangeburg County Christmas Parade The 2023 Orangeburg County Christmas Parade will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. The parade will follow its traditional route down Russel Street from Seaboard Street to Magnolia Street. The event will feature Christmas fun and music, floats, trucks, tractors and more all decorated in their holiday best. For the Love of a Paw 5K Benefit For the Love of a Paw 5K Benefit, sponsored by Lake Marion Golf Course and Santee Cooper Country Club Golf, will be held 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at 630 Santee Drive, Santee. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Santee/ FortheLoveofaPaw5K to register to participate.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 7

8 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

A look inside

Palmetto Pigeon Plant Words by Bryn Eddy | Photos by Adam Flash

n Broad Street in Sumter, wedged between an urgent care and an auto repair shop, is a unique business. It takes up 20 acres of land from Broad to Jackson streets. It’s one of the largest of its kind with ties across the world from Asia to the White House to England’s royal family and has a history dating back exactly 100 years as of late October 2023. It rivals the streets of New York City - not in number of buildings, people or amount of space, but in pigeons.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 9

Yes, pigeons. And squab, among other dinner platefriendly birds. To use the word “wedged” to describe Palmetto Pigeon Plant’s place between Colonial Urgent Care and Brakes 4 Less may be misleading because the plant has surpassed just about every structure along that road in age. Sumter grew around it, careful not to encroach on its long, narrow expanse of production pens. Current CEO and president of Palmetto Pigeon Plant Tony Barwick has to pull out his calculator when asked how many birds he has. “It varies, but we got 1,330 production pens, and every one of them has 32 producing pairs in it, so I have to do the math every time,” he said. 10 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Squab, which is a pigeon that can’t fly yet, is most similar in taste and texture to duck, Barwick said, and it’s been on dinner plates around the world throughout history and is often considered a delicacy. British royalty has enjoyed birds bred in Sumter. And even today, the plant is filling orders from the White House. Pigeons have held a few seats in history, in and out of the kitchen. At their reputational peak, the birds were revered, thought to be as beautiful and helpful as messenger birds. On the other wing, city slickers may refer to them as rats with wings, in Woody Allen’s words. Nevertheless, Palmetto Pigeon Plant has thrived amid the bird’s ever-changing reputation. The plant was founded by the Levi and Moise

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family in the early 1900s. And the streets around the plant are named after relatives of the founders, such as Milton Road. Today, the plant employs about 50 locals and produces about 6,000 ready-to-sell birds a day. Some days, it’s 6,000 squab. Others, it’s 6,000 Rock Cornish game hen, poussin or silkie chickens. And the company’s sales are well into the millions. All the birds are bred and born at the plant amid rows and rows of pens that far outdate Barwick. Upon the aged wooden shelves lie these ugly little fowl nurtured by their far more regal-looking pigeon parents. Fun fact: Pigeons are monogamous. They mate for life. And squab grow very fast. At about 28 days old is when they’re taken from the pens and sent next door to get processed. Barwick says he likes to first sear squab then finish it by baking it in the oven. And it’s great with all the typical Thanksgiving fixings like potatoes and green beans. But like any meat, you can get creative with it. Palmetto Pigeon Plant’s birds themselves are fed what’s called grit. It’s a mixture of oyster shells for added calcium, charcoal and grain. And the birds are guarded by multiple rat-hunting dogs not much bigger than the birds themselves. The plant has that organized chaos feel. The pens are separated by breed. Some pigeons are white, and others look more like what you would see ravaging city streets for crumbs. The occasional bird gets loose and bounces around, but the majority stay in their pens. They’re used to humans and won’t stampede out when the doors are opened. Barwick said he and the company are there to stay. Sumter is home to the original plant, but the company has farms in a few other areas throughout the state.

Palmetto Pigeon Plant Employs: 50 locals Produces: 6,000 ready-to-sell birds per day Sits on: 60 acres of land Founded: Early 1900s

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 13

Helping his hometown Bishopville hardware store owner Jake Smith uses Crossroads Outdoors to give back to community Words and photos by Bruce Mills

fast-paced life in a big, exciting city was Jake Smith’s main goal when he was in college, but he learned quickly that wasn’t that important. Now, his hometown can be thankful. Smith, a Bishopville native who returned home after college to take over the family hardware store 42 years ago, has grown to love the small town’s lifestyle, he said, and opened an outdoors sporting gear store in the downtown area to boot. As Jared’s Ace Hardware expanded through the years and relocated a few miles from North Main Street to 576 Sumter Highway, there was a growing interest from customers to add sporting and hunting items and gear, Smith said. Requests were so strong he felt the need 14 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

to put in more than a small aisle area at the hardware store. The year was 2013, and because the family still owned its previous 7,000-square-foot area on Main Street and it was vacant at the time, Smith and his team decided, why not try the former building for an outdoors store? There was also a push then for downtown revitalization in Bishopville, and he thought it was a way to do his part with the new business concept. After remodeling the building, in 2015, Crossroads Outdoors opened for business at 244 N. Main, and it was one of the first completely new establishments to come back to revive downtown. Fast-forward to now, and Crossroads has

been open eight-plus years, and the hardware store is in its 70th year. Smith said a big focus in both his stores is customer service, and that keeps people coming back, even with increased competition in today’s marketplace. Jared’s Ace Hardware is the only hardware store in Lee County. He sees the sporting goods and clothing store as a way to continue to make a profit and also a way to give back to Bishopville. “Profit is always the first motive because you can be as altruistic as you want to be, but if you go broke, you won’t be there anymore,” Smith said. “So, if we want to continue to be a service to this county, we have to stay here and make a profit. But after that, there was definitely a consideration that if I did not do it, who would?”

He said he loves retail business and his hometown and its smaller, more rural lifestyle and slower pace. “I enjoy living here,” Smith said. “The quality of life in my mind is excellent. I have loyal friends here. They are loyal to me, and I am loyal to them, and I choose to be here. I could have probably made a lot more money somewhere else, but how much is enough? I am doing well.” He also likes being close to bigger communities, such as Hartsville, Sumter, Florence and Camden, and their amenities and activities. “I can hit the road and get over there and enjoy the things that those bigger communities have to offer, and then I can be back home in half an hour in my smaller, slower-placed place,” Smith said. “We take full advantage of the amenities that those towns have, and then we can come back here and have a little quieter lifestyle.” Like many youths through the years, current Lee County Administrator Alan Watkins worked for Smith in the hardware store while he was in school and described him as a “great teacher and businessman,” given his knowledge base and experience. Watkins also said Smith has always been somewhat a “visionary” with his decision to move and expand the hardware store from the downtown area to U.S. 15 and then later open the outdoors store back in the downtown location to kickstart a revitalization movement. Downtown Bishopville needed an anchor business to help increase its vibrancy, and Smith understood that, Watkins said. Progress with downtown redevelopment has been slow but steady, and there are plans in place for the future. He added Smith’s mindset in decision-making has always been what would benefit his business, but also what would help the community. “I just always feel like Jake has looked at both of those things when making a business decision,” Watkins said. “It’s what’s good for him, but he does look at what will help the community as well.”

CROSSROADS OUTDOORS GROWING IN POPULARITY

Like any full-scale outdoors store, Crossroads Outdoors specializes in hunting, fishing, camping and self-defense items. The store opened in 2015, and customer service and repeat customers are the lifeblood of the business, store manager Deanna Rollins said. With the addition of more clothing and accessories in recent years, Crossroads has somewhat redefined itself as a “one-stop place” for both men and women, she added. “The perk of Crossroads is that it is not just for one or the other,” Rollins said. “A lot of men come in here and buy their wives gifts. It’s a one-stop place to go because while he picks out his hunting items, he will remember, ‘Oh, I forgot it’s my wife’s birthday.’ “I cannot tell you the number of times men have come in on the day of the birthday and said, ‘Well, I came in to get ammo, but I forgot it’s my wife’s birthday.’ “So, we will come over here and help them pick something out for their wife. Crossroads is a place A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 15

that a lot of men will come and do Christmas shopping for their wives and moms.” Clothing lines include South Carolina-based Local Boy, and the Columbia brand will be added next spring, she said. Given national trends, women are also growing as clientele for guns and firearms as more seek to become gun owners and earn their concealed weapons permit. Rollins also has a permit and has bought guns at the store, she said. Crossroads’ owner Jake Smith said that helps put female shoppers at ease. With the region’s vast array of lakes to include Lake Ashwood, the Lynches River and Lee State Park – all in Lee County – and Lake Wateree in Kershaw County and Lake Marion in the Santee area, fishing is probably the biggest sales category for the store, Rollins added.

16 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Tucked in downtown Bishopville, Crossroads has become somewhat of a secret treasure, she said. “We have a little bit of everything here,” Rollins said. “People when they come in sometimes say, ‘Wow, we didn’t realize you had all this. We didn’t realize this was all here.’” Downtown Bishopville is about five miles off Interstate 20 in Lee County.

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LOCAL & LOVED 18 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Owners of Grateville Acres share tale of local and natural farming in food desert Words by Alaysha Maple Photos by Adam Flash

Zesty. Vibrant. Fresh. The very words that come to mind describe the natural aroma of fruits, vegetables and flowers sprouting from their moist soil beds. Plucking one from its bushel, one deep whiff of such a scent brings you closer – physically and agriculturally – to a green-thumbs paradise. Welcome to Grateville Acres, where owners Kate Weschler and Chris Rowland have grown hyperlocal, seasonal produce since 2019 using organic practices to prioritize quality and sustainability.

A PAIR WITH A PURPOSE

Their story begins with humble gardening roots, both coming from families with green thumbs. While Weschler, 33, raised in Vermont before venturing to Asheville, North Carolina, pursued an education in Spanish and business, Rowland, 35, a Paxville native, flexed his cultivator skills by studying agriculture. After graduation, Rowland accepted a position in sports field construction, which led to a chance meeting between the two in Washington, D.C. Down the line, the pair shared a dream of owning a farm, one rooted in selfsufficiency, sustainability and a love for the land; the last

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 19

“SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE”

“

The road to establishing Grateville Acres was not a smooth one. “It was a really big challenge to find produce that wasn't sprayed with some sort of chemical on it or that wasn't shipped in from hundreds of miles away,” Weschler said. “We really got started mostly to serve ourselves with good seasonal produce. But then, we just saw the lack in the community for good, diverse, seasonal local produce that was naturally grown that was not sprayed with herbicides or pesticides, and we use no sprays on any of our produce here. That's something that we really pride ourselves on.” But that pride comes at a cost. Challenges of pricing, capital, labor and infrastructure were among the first set of obstacles faced in their venture. Rowland gave credit to Weschler, as her businesssavvy wit helped them to secure funding and support from various South Carolina entities, including grants and business competitions. The farm has received more than $35,000 in state grant funding, $5,000 through the South Carolina Community Loan fund competition where they 20 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

took third place, $5,000 through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s business pitch competition, and they recently applied for the department’s advanced program, from which they received $25,000. Along with installing a new well, Grateville Acres was able to invest in a 2,100-square-foot tunnel, a type of greenhouse that relies on passive solar radiation for heat and natural ventilation for cooling, through the United Farmers USA in Manning. Erected in a hoop-house structure and covered in a single layer of plastic, the structure offers more protection for crops compared to open fields and can extend the growing season for crops, like leafy greens and tomatoes. Their most recent purchase includes a wash-and-pack facility that will allow the duo to prep produce any time of day and provide an insulated area to host their Crops n’ Chops classes. Another challenge the duo faced was maintaining its chemical-free farming method. Committed to all-natural farming, their first and only lines of defense are as natural as it gets, including organic substances like BT for pest control, proactive monitoring and handpicking pests – one by one. “There's a lot of stuff out there that makes

your life a lot easier, but there's a reason it makes it easier. It's a lot of harmful in different ways,” Rowland said. “It costs us a little bit more to produce these sorts of fruits and vegetables, and coming up with a cost that is affordable to the consumer is definitely a big challenge. People can go elsewhere and get this the same name of produce for a lot cheaper, but we've had great support with the people that have been with us from the get-go and people that are coming along; it’s just slow and steady wins the race.” Through unwavering support, embracing nature's diversity and cultivating a healthy ecosystem to include beneficial insects and pollinators, Grateville Acres has been able to bring a wide array of crops, both staple and unique varieties, from their pasture to the community’s plates.

NOURISHING THE COMMUNITY

This homestead has built strong ties with local businesses and organizations across counties. From tomatoes, okra and peppers to squash, cucumbers and garlic, the farm also grows a variety of fresh-cut flowers. Though still new to the farming scene, at one point, the farmers had about 35 different crops planted, with up to 80

With the local food scene, farmers already have a lot of pressure on their shoulders

“

goal would be a given, as they inherited land that belonged to Rowland’s grandparents, its soil rich from years of thorough gardening, fond memories and love. At 1075 Curtis Mill Pond Road in Paxville, the farm occupies a unique location nestled between industrial parks and highways, while also lying in the middle of a food desert. The 2015 U.S. Census reported a population of 414 residents in Paxville, 13% of whom fall below the poverty line. In a food desert, a large portion of the community does not have easy access to a supermarket or large grocery store. “With the local food scene, farmers already have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. There needs to be restaurants, there needs to be pickup places, there needs to be grocery stores, there needs to be all of these other places that also are demanding and supporting that fresh produce,” Weschler said. Recognizing the potential in their community, Weschler and Rowland set out to fill the void for fresh, naturally grown produce.

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different varieties of each crop in total. Making use of their harvest, the duo hosts Crops n’ Chops classes to allow folks to venture to the farm and take produce from the field to the fire. The annual garlic planting and harvest parties also see a large turnout as residents get to feel more connected to the food they consume. Outside their pasture, Grateville collaborated with establishments like Hamptons restaurant in Sumter to bring fresh produce into people’s diets through popular dishes, the fresh garlic taste being wellloved by both Executive Chef Raffaele Dall’Erta and patrons. Residents of both Sumter and Clarendon can also bring the fresh flavor to their own kitchen through Grateville’s six-week subscription, which provides an array of ripe seasonal produce. Pickup locations like Johnny’s Garden Juice Bar in Sumter and the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce in Manning, with Weschler’s occasional produce popup at Southern Bliss Yoga in Sumter, make fresh produce easier to come by. The farm also donates fresh, nutritious produce to the Paxville Community Development Corp., which operates a local food pantry for residents who struggle to access such resources. “People light up when they see our market booth because there's always really nice flowers and different interesting produce, which sometimes is a challenge for people because they're getting out of their comfort zone a little bit. But that's where a lot of the growth has come from,” Rowland shared. “To have some of those community events where people can get their hands in the dirt and take a little bit of ownership for the food they'll end up eating and showing people about eating edible flowers, I think it's been pretty neat to watch people's amazement with that concept.” By promoting fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, they hope to inspire the community to prioritize quality over convenience.

IT’S IN THE NAME

With so much explanation about non-GMO produce and their passion to provide ample amounts of it to such a deserving community, there was one question still unanswered. Why the name Grateville Acres? “Names to me mean a lot,” Rowland said. “They have a lot of symbolism, a lot of purpose behind it. We wanted to go with the term ‘grateful’ just because, you know, be grateful for what you got, especially kind of walking into this scenario where majority of the foundation was already laid for us. [We’re] very grateful for everything that's been passed down and what people have done before us, whether it's a deliberate handing off or just simply sharing knowledge and experience.” Sadly, the name "Grateful Acres" was already taken by another farm in South Carolina. So, Rowland dug a little deeper. “We went back to the drawing board and did a spin of play on word. Took ‘ful’ off and put the ‘ville’ on, short for Paxville,” he explained. “So, we're grateful to be in Paxville on the many acres that were left for us.” 22 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 23

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Sumter Santa Retired airman dons the red hat and coat each year for joyful hobby Words by Bryn Eddy Photos by Adam Flash A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 25

William “Bill” Tschorn of Sumter, South Carolina, threw out his razor in 1981. You do a whole lot of this in the Air Force,” he said while mimicking shaving. “So when I retired, I –,” he paused and made a tossing motion. Today his beard is long and white and is used to light trims but is more than 40 years sober from

shaving and is now a mirror image of Santa’s beard. So, with his Santa likeness, both in voice and looks, Tschorn has shifted his identify every December since the 1980s. Annually, when the weather gets cold and the twinkle lights wrap around evergreens, Tschorn is replaced by a jolly, rosy-cheeked, heavy-set, redsuited man whose identity is that of Christmas, presents and reindeer. He can be seen at events across Sumter, such as Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. But for the other 11 months of the year, he’s Bill Tschorn. A retired airman and husband. He married his wife of 58 years, Phyllis, in March 1965 after only having met her in January 1965. “I asked my dad one time, ‘How will you know when it’s time to get married?’ He said, ‘Son, when that bell starts ringing, you can’t do nothing about it.’ And it wasn’t very long after we met that the bell started ringing.”

Tschorn is also a father, grandfather and fisherman, apt to catch anything that bites. And he’s a native of North East, Pennsylvania, a small town located exactly where you think. There, the sledding is better, the holidays are colder, and the lakes actually freeze. Growing up, Tschorn recalls using a refrigerator door as a sled. He said the turbulence of the makeshift toboggan was likely to toss around a kid or two but made for a good time. The colder months have always served him well. He met his wife in January, married her in March, collected plenty of snowy memories both in childhood and adulthood, and in retirement, it was in December that he met his alter ego. “I was out at Swan Lake one night, and there was a kind of a tall, slender security man out with a little pickup truck,” he said. “I ask him, ‘Santa Claus ever show up here?’ And he said, ‘No.’ And I said, ‘Well, do you mind if he does?’ And he said, ‘No.’” And with that, a freshly retired, full-bearded Tschorn bought a Santa Claus suit for $29.95, a stark price difference from the suit he wears today, which he said he spent about $300 on. With his suit and a small red rug on his truck bed, Tschorn, now Santa Claus, went back to Swan Lake and assumed his holiday identity as local kids came up to him and sat on his lap and – you know the rest. “That’s really when it all started,” he said, now 80 years old. For decades, Tschorn has been helping Sumterites of all ages get into the Christmas spirit, but he said it - the Christmas spirit - isn’t a one-way street. He said there’s something he’s learned through the years that non-Santas might not know, and that’s that kids are generous. “One year when I was at the mall, I met a little girl. Now she had kind of a doom-and-gloom look on her face. ‘Honey,’ I said, ‘what's wrong?’ She said, ‘I need a wig.’ Turns out she wanted a wig for Grandma who was in the hospital dying of cancer,” he said. Tschorn recalled another instance when a kid asked for a toolbox for her dad. “You never know what they're gonna say or what they're gonna ask for,” he said. He said he’ll show up for any event he’s wanted at, whether it’s for many kids or just one. This year, he’ll be at the Heath Pavilion at Swan Lake Iris Gardens for Fantasy of Lights on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call (803) 773-4290 to book Sumter’s Santa.

SANTA VISITS THE NEWSROOM IN MID-OCTOBER

Allow me to switch to first person for the last part of this feature on William “Bill” Tschorn because I think you might find the experience my coworkers and I had with him to be enjoyable. When we were planning this holiday issue of Lakeside (we have to plan it before the holidays, as

26 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

you can imagine), we talked about finding a local Santa and profiling him in and out of the suit. So, I found an ad that Mr. Tschorn places in our paper around this time of year. It’s a simple ad. “If you need a Santa call 803-773-4290. Merry Christmas,” is all the ad says next to a picture of a jolly white-bearded man. And I heard from locals who have worked him that Mr. Tschorn “just doesn’t do e-mail.” I’ve learned in my journalism career thus far that people who “just don’t do e-mail” more often than not make the best interviews. I have my suspicions as to why, but I’ll let you form yours. Anyway, Mr. Tschorn doesn’t “do” mobile phones either, so I had a jolly good time getting ahold of him. So, when I finally had the pleasure of catching his wife on the other end of their land line, I just told her to tell him to meet me at The Sumter Item building instead of trying

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chall

eLake.com

to organize a different meet-up place more conducive to the point of the story, which is what I try to do most of the time. He carried a presence into our office that only a Santa could. I don’t know how to word it other than that. It was a sight to see in front of our gray walls and cubicles - a man in bright red with a long white beard. We all took a group photo with him. It was my first photo with Santa, actually. I was always too scared of people in costumes when I was young. Adam Flash, our photographer, and I were a little hesitant to just take his pictures downtown near our office, as it’s not very festive in midOctober, but neither is any other part of Sumter (or anywhere) in mid-October, so we made do. And making do with downtown surpassed our expectations. When you’re strolling around downtown with Santa in mid-October, everyone, and I mean everyone, is looking. And some are stopping,

asking for pictures, grabbing the hands of their toddlers, trying to help them muster the courage to sit in his lap, something I never fathomed doing at that age. And Mr. Tschorn - Santa - made time for every one of them. Everyone got a wave and a smile and a picture with him if they wanted. Mr. Tschorn puts on his Santa persona like one puts on their pajamas at the end of the day. He’s comfortable in it, happy in it and warm. A little too warm. He said he had never worn the suit so early in the year. On the day we interviewed him and took him downtown for photos, it was in the mid-70s. It was too warm for an 80-year-old man to be wearing a thick coat, pants, a wig and hat, yet his only complaint was, “Satin don’t breathe.”

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Holiday Lights & Attractions

Events you don't want to miss this holiday season The frosty chill in the air and blanket of twinkling stars provide the perfect backdrop for a night of holiday adventures. The most wonderful time of year transforms towns across America – Sumter, Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw counties and beyond - into a wonderland of twinkling

lights, enchanting parades and numerous sightings of Santa Claus! Enjoy the sights, sounds and scenery this holly jolly season has to offer by visiting these holiday light shows and attractions.

By Alaysha Maple

SUMTER Season’s Greetings Light Show – Nov. 23 – Dec. 28; dusk to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends Charlie Dubose will ring in the season the night of Thanksgiving with a wonderland of lights at 115 Gaddy Court. For more than 46 years, this Sumter native has turned his front yard into a holiday attraction that Christmas lovers venture from all over to experience. Admission to the twinkling wonderland is free, and at the end, a treat of candy canes is given out by Santa Claus. Fantasy of Lights – Dec. 1 – 31; Sunday – Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Visit South Carolina’s largest free Christmas light display! For the entire month of December, the gardens of Swan Lake Iris Gardens will glow with merriment created by more than one million lights. Lights are all along the main parking lot area to Swan Lake, along Liberty Street and along Garden Street. The Pilot Club's floating Christmas tree is an annual favorite, along with Santa's Village, angels and characters of popular songs and stories. Drive-through gates will open to the public after the opening ceremony on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at 822 W. Liberty St. 28 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Jingle with the Arts – Dec. 8-9; Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. The Christmas extravaganza Jingle with the Arts will fill Patriot Hall with dance, music and the spirit of the season with two performances on Friday and Saturday. The popular show will feature performances by Sumter Civic Dance Company and guests from the community. Both shows will take place at 135 Haynsworth St. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the Patriot Hall box office. For advance tickets, call (803) 773-2847 or stop by Freed School of Performing Arts, 527 N. Guignard Drive. Christmas at Patriot Hall – Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deck the halls with Patriot Hall as it shares the holiday cheer through this merry event. Purchase your share of warm, gooey goodies, unique finds and handmade gifts at this local event – sure to leave the elves of the North Pole in awe. As you munch and browse, enjoy live entertainment and be sure to take a picture with Santa! The event will be held at 135 Haynsworth St. For more information, call (803) 436-2260.

KERSHAW

Boykin Christmas Parade – Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. The beloved Boykin Christmas parade will return to the small town, bringing unique floats, the Fatback Queen and Court, plenty of food and drinks and maybe an appearance of Santa.

CLARENDON

Manning Parade of Lights – Nov. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The City of Manning will kick off the Christmas season with its annual Parade of Lights. Starting from Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., the parade of waving hands and twinkling lights will make its way down Brooks Street – a treat for the whole family. Bring your own chairs and blankets and get cozy! Town of Summerton Christmas Parade – Dec. 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For the second year, the Town of Summerton invites residents and Christmas lovers to witness the show of holiday cheer for the Christmas Parade. Feast your eyes on parade floats and Christmas lights while browsing goodies of all kinds.

Still in need of some holiday cheer? Check out these other festive events. FLORENCE

Hometown Holidays Festival – Dec. 1 – 3 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 148 E. Main St. Downtown Music and Light Experience – Every Friday through Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at 100 block of South Dargan Street

LEXINGTON/RICHLAND

Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens Wild Lights - Nov. 17-Jan. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at 500 Wildlife Pkwy. Holiday Lights on the River – Nov. 23 – Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 6071 St. Andrews Road Christmas in Cayce – Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 from 2 to 9 p.m. through the city of Cayce Snowball Festival – Dec. 2 from 2 to 8 p.m. at 107 W. Main St. Carolina Lights – Dec. 8 – 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday; closed on Mondays A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 29

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 31

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Seven ways to bring holiday joy and magic to the lake The holidays are a time for togetherness, celebration and the making of long-lasting memories. But sometimes, with the hustle and bustle of daily life and your hometown holiday cheer, you may find yourself wanting a change of scenery. Try a trip down to the lake. This holiday season, trade in the faux snow-covered grounds for the sandy shores of the lake and breathe new life into your holiday traditions.

By Alaysha Maple Cozy cabin retreat

To achieve that cozy, cabin vibe, start by booking a lakeside cabin at your local resort. Decorate it with twinkling lights, mini trees, seasonal trinkets, patterned pillows within the holiday color scheme, and bring your favorite seasonal candle to create that warm and inviting holiday ambiance. If an RV is more your speed, locate the nearest RV park and set up camp; the same holiday–haven rules apply.

2. Holiday cooking traditions

Whether you’re deep frying your turkey or baking sweet treats before St. Nicholas arrives, keep your cooking traditions alive – or make new ones – while you’re lakeside. Modern fryers, toaster ovens and air fryers require electrical or gas sources of heat for use. Standard prices range between $30 to $100; if you have any of them at home, you’re ahead of the game! It may take some downsizing on your batches to properly cook your goodies, but quality time with the ones you love while making a meal all can enjoy is well worth it.

Mega holiday movie marathon

There’s no better time to binge on your favorite holiday classics than curled up in front of the fire. Whether made from wood or loose sticks wading along the shore, power on your TV or laptop, and log in to your favorite streaming service – or if there’s cable, take full advantage of the Hallmark channel, sit back, relax and get lost in the cinema holiday magic.

4. Caroling around the bonfire

There’s nothing like the sweet melody of “Deck the Halls” to get you in the holly jolly mood. But if you feel like you’re missing it while sitting lakeside – don’t! Grab your friends and family, gather around the fire and sing your favorite holiday tunes to your heart’s content. If there are any musicians within the bunch, grab a guitar and some instruments and go full Trans-Siberian Orchestra! As a treat, take a brief intermission to roast marshmallows and indulge in the ooey-gooey goodness of s’mores.

34 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

5. Embrace the great outdoors Take advantage of nature’s beauty and explore the great outdoors for a holiday excursion. Go for a hike, go fishing, take a scenic boat ride or stargaze at night – you may even spot Santa and reindeer! Remember to check the weather before embarking on any adventure, and carry or wear the proper safety equipment, such as life jackets and close-toed shoes.

6. Seasonal games and crafts

A little friendly competition and hands-on arts and crafts are a great way to pass the time. Bring along your favorite household games – Connect 4, Monopoly, Uno (any version) – and gather around the table for a good time. There are no sore losers when you’re having fun. If you’re looking to commemorate the occasion, visit a local craft or general store, or bring your own art tools! Search for family friendly do-it-yourself holiday crafts; sentimental ones include DIY ornaments that will last for generations, long after the markers and acrylic paint have dried.

7. Embrace local traditions

If you’re 20 minutes away or two hours away, embrace the local holiday traditions of the lakeside community around you. Attend a festival of lights ceremony, holiday markets, festivals or parades to get a taste of the local festive spirit. Don’t forget your cozy flannel pajamas, ugly holiday sweaters and discreetly wrapped presents – Santa’s still going to need help making spirits bright, no matter how far away you are from home. No matter where you are, no matter how far, you can still enjoy the holiday cheer in your lakeside gear.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 35

36 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

A place to RUN

Clarendon couple builds motocross track for their children, the public to enjoy adventure and exhilaration Words by Ashley Miller Photos by Adam Flash and Micah Green

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 37

estled off the road, deep in the woods, a child’s paradise emerges, brimming with dirt hills, daredevil tricks and a symphony of roaring engines and gleeful laughter. The front yard of a Clarendon couple’s home stands as the perfect backdrop for a high-octane experience for a motocross track, waiting to witness dirt bikes kick up a storm and take to the skies in exhilarating fashion. Welcome to H5 MX Compound, home of two dirt bike tracks while also housing a family of seven. Meet Brandon and Lindsey Hughes, owners of the compound. The first dirt bike track sits in the Hugheses’ backyard, which played a huge role in their 9-year-old son Waylon’s foray into motocross racing. “It’s good! I get to ride and train a lot more than I used to,” Waylon said. Lindsey and her husband have been involved in the motocross sport for six years and said they have met some amazing people through the sport. "With two of our closest tracks shutting down over those years, we wanted to be able to share ours with everyone," she said. It was initially built on their property for their son to train on because it was hard to take him to other tracks because of their schedules. "As he progressed, the track got bigger," she said. "His buddies would come ride with him and train, and we soon realized this is what we wanted to do." According to Brandon, the conventional practice when attending a training facility often entails an expenditure of approximately $1,000 per week, exclusive of additional costs such as travel and fuel expenses. 38 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

“Man, believe it or not, they are packed, and you would be lucky to get into some of them,” Brandon said. Before constructing their own motocross track, the Hugheses would travel as far as Georgia just to get to a training facility. “Georgia was as far as we would go for training, but we traveled all the way to Florida for races,” he said. Then the idea to construct a dirt bike track at home was born, and at that time, a precocious 3-year-old Waylon was already honing his skills, swiftly mastering the art of gravity-defying tricks on his very own backyard dirt bike circuit. At 4 years old, Waylon competed in his first race, with no training wheels. “It was a Carolina Beat the Heat Race; he decided he wanted to race and ended up getting the championship for his class that year,” Brandon said. In order to win a series, racers must get a certain number of points depending on their placement in each race of the series, and the person with the most points gets first place. “I like to do whips and win races and see my friends,” Waylon said. Yet, the Hughes family finds themselves in the dark about where their children's pursuit of motocross racing came from. What makes it even more intriguing is the fact that Brandon never discussed his own history in the sport before becoming a father. Their oldest, Briley, 11, has been riding for five years but doesn’t race. Luke, 8, has been racing for five years, a year behind his big brother Waylon. Elena, 5,

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 39

Brandon Hughes

just rides on her dirt bike but does not race, the same with their youngest, Wyatt, 4. “I got my first motorcycle when I was 8, and I love them. I love them,” Brandon emphasized. Brandon said Waylon did not know anything about him racing because he stopped after getting married to Lindsey. “He got a dirt bike and loved it, wanted to race,” Brandon said. “Waylon is one of those kids, he will come out here and will pound this corner all afternoon until he gets it right.” With a decently sized backyard already at their disposal, Brandon's lifelong dream of creating his very own motocross track found its canvas behind their family home. As Waylon's skills evolved, so did the track itself, expanding in size. As Waylon and his siblings continued to advance in motocross, the backyard track became a secondary course to accommodate new dirt bike racers.

40 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Although their front yard serves as a parking spot for an array of vehicles belonging to them and their neighboring family, just a stone’s throw away across the street lies a newer motocross track, now primarily dedicated to honing others’ skills through training sessions. “Make sure you learn the right way to ride a bike,” Waylon said. In October, the Hughes family received the official green light from the Clarendon County Planning Commission to host motocross races at their tracks. The sheer excitement that illuminated Brandon's face upon the commissioners' approval was undeniable proof of the realization of his lifelong dream. “It’s our life now,” Brandon said, smiling. “I couldn’t be prouder of my kids, to see them progress.” From their oldest to their youngest, Brandon and Lindsey said their children exhibit

unwavering dedication to the sport, whether they participate in races or not. “Overall, it’s about having fun; you need to be having fun, but then you got a certain few that have fun but they’re super competitive,” he said.

THE DRIVE TO TRAIN OTHERS

Brandon's passion for the sport is so deep he finds intense joy in sharing his knowledge with young riders, helping them master the art of riding and refine their skills in jumps and stunts. “I love it, I love the sport,” he said. “That might be a generic answer, but that’s the truth. I grew up in it, loved it, and I feel like it’s a good thing.” Even though his main focus is teaching young riders, he also provides coaching to parents simultaneously. He mentioned that

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Killian Wengen

Allie Shepheard

every one of the kids he trains on the track has his contact information and frequently makes phone calls seeking guidance. “They say the key to success is doing what you love. I am always happy to help,” he said with excitement.

TRAVEL TO TRAIN

The tracks are open for training throughout the week, mainly in the afternoon, and people from all over the state come to H5 in order to train their kids for the next competition. Some parents travel from Irmo, Myrtle Beach and all parts of the tri-county area. Meet Neely Shepheard and her twin daughters Allie and Brinley, 10 years old. The girls have been racing for a little more than three years now and can’t get enough of it. “They’ve always loved anything on two wheels,” Neely said, laughing. “We started out on four wheelers, and then they rode a friend’s dirt bike once, and we’re hooked.” The twins started out competing in smaller races at the age of 7, and now they compete at the largest and most prestigious race in America and around the world, Amateur National Motocross Championship events. Although they travel far for races, as far as New York, one might not think they travel far for training. “We live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. H5 is two hours away,” Neely said. “We come to H5 three to four times a month on the weekend.” But Neely said she wouldn’t trade it for the world because of the smiles it brings to her girls’ faces. “They absolutely love it; they eat, breathe and sleep motocross,” she said, laughing. “We have tried every other sport, but motocross is their thing.” The one piece of advice that most motocross parents will give is to make sure to save 42 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Brandon and Lindsey Hughes

Waylon Hughes

Brinley Shepheard

Jacob McGuigan

because the sport can get expensive, especially if you have more than one kid involved. “We spent probably $10,000 to $20,000 a year on motocross,” Neely said. Allie’s and Brinley’s bikes cost about $4,000 to $6,000 apiece, plus traveling for a race and spending upward of $500 plus gas, food and lodging. And don’t even get started on the maintenance for the bikes. But she wouldn’t take them out of the sport regardless, “because their smile when they come off the track says it all.”

Midwest, North Central, Northeast, Northwest, South Central, Southeast and Southwest. He said the qualifying process begins with the area qualifiers. “You may qualify in as many regions as you can make it to, but you must place in the top nine to make it to the regional qualifier,” he said. The regional qualifier is where racers get their tickets to nationals, where the top six from each region and top four on the West Coast compete; this is usually 42 racers at one gate. The Hughes family has raced in Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee and Ohio. The last year Waylon competed for Loretta’s was in 2021-22, and in 2023, they spent time working on the H5 MX Compound. “Waylon did the Southeast region, Mideast and the Northeast region, placing first overall in all area qualifiers, and earned his ticket at the Southeast regional with a podium finish in third place,” Brandon said with excitement.

In that same year at nationals, Waylon wrecked every race and finished seventh overall in the 51cc 4-6 Limited Class. “Locally in S.C., Waylon and Luke have won so many races to keep count,” Brandon said. As their children continue to excel in the world of motocross and actively participate in competitive races, the Hughes family is dedicated to sharing the same opportunities in the sport with Clarendon County and the surrounding regions. Their aspiration is for families to enjoy themselves while also enabling local businesses to attract visitors from various regions who can patronize the smaller establishments not available in their hometowns. "We have five kids, and they all love it," Lindsey said. "This is probably the most family oriented sport you could get into, and everyone you'll meet becomes family."

RACING TO THE FINISH

There are hundreds of races across the nation, but the biggest, fastest and best of the best compete in Tennessee. The AMA championship is at the Loretta Lynn Ranch every year around the first week of August. There is a qualifying process to compete in the nationals. According to Brandon, the U.S. is divided into eight regions: Mideast,

WANT TO VISIT? 2003 Driggers Lane - Manning, S.C. Training Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-6 p.m., hours may change due to weather conditions. The schedule is posted on their social media websites on Facebook and Instagram on Sunday @h5mxcompound. Weekend training is available on request. To sign up for training, message their Facebook or Instagram or email them at h5mxcompound@gmail.com. Lindsey and Brandon can also be reached at (803) 316-8166 or (803) 825-9136. Bennett Edmunds

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 43

It’s comfort food season, my favorite season

Words and photos by Melanie Smith

his time of year is my favorite for a lot of reasons – holidays coming up, a break from sweating in the garden, more crafting time cozied up on the couch with a blanket, the holiday lights everywhere and, of course, the delicious fall and winter foods we all love. I’ve chosen a few recipes to share with you that my family has enjoyed in the cool weather in previous years. The date cake is a British dessert traditionally called “sticky toffee pudding,” and it’s something I’ve made the past few years after discovering it. Last year, my husband and I invited my parents over for Christmas Eve dinner, and we all loved this cake. It just reminds me of the holidays because it’s so decadent, and I hope you’ll try it and love it, too. Scones are versatile and easy to make, and the cheese scones I chose to feature are an adaptation of a cinnamon scone recipe (I’ll add those instructions, too, because those are also not to be missed). For these, I chose to use a smoky white cheddar wedge of cheese I grated. They were fantastic, and you can use any cheese you like. Try the cinnamon version for

44 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

Christmas Day breakfast. You can make the scones the night before, cover them and refrigerate until morning. Then, just let them warm up on the counter for an hour or so and bake as usual. Your family will be thrilled, and Santa will be sad he missed it. Mushroom soup is something I’ve never made, and the recipe here was easy and turned out delicious. It doesn’t make a lot, so if you’re serving more than four people, the recipe suggests you double it. You can’t go wrong serving this soup with bread and butter. What more does a person need? Finally, it’s probably fair to say we all like an easy, comforting chili as the weather turns colder, and my family has a favorite turkey chili recipe I will share. Add or omit anything you’d like – the great thing about this type of recipe is it’s so customizable to any family’s taste or needs. It’s simple and quick to put together and the perfect meal on a weekend when you’re busy getting ready for the holidays. Whatever you cook this fall and winter, I hope you enjoy the season.

Crockpot turkey chili • • • • • • • • • • •

1 pound ground turkey 1 large onion, chopped 1 T minced garlic 2 T olive oil 1 can diced tomatoes 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce 2 cubes chicken bouillon 2 cans beans 2 green bell peppers, chopped 1 packet chili or taco seasoning 1 packet onion soup mix

• •

Brown and break up ground turkey in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, then add garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant. Add meat mixture to crockpot along with rest of ingredients, and cook on low 8 hours.

Hungarian mushroom soup From The Modern Proper

LAKE MARION REALTY

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 tablespoons salted butter 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock ½ cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons dried dill 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons paprika 1 tablespoon Worcestershire 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon lemon juice, from 1 lemon 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley

t us Help You Find 803-433-7355 ch Other. • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add onions and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until

• •

onions are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the stock, white wine, dill, thyme, paprika, worcestershire and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by 1/3, about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk flour into the milk until smooth. Add the milk mixture to the soup and cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken, about 10 more minutes. Over low heat, slowly stir in the sour cream, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.

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Cheese scones Adapted from Feminologie.com

• • • • • • •

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, 1 stick ½ cup grated cheese for scones, ½ cup grated cheese for topping • 1 beaten egg • ½ cup heavy cream • chopped fresh or dried chives

• • • • • •

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, baking powder, garlic powder, chives, baking soda, salt and cheese. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and butter is pea-sized. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Form dough into a ball and roll or pat to 1/2 -inch thickness. The dough will be about 9 to 10 inches in diameter. Cut the dough like a pizza into eight equal pieces and transfer to baking sheet. Sprinkle with half cup of cheese. Bake 15 minutes then remove from oven and allow to cool on rack. For cinnamon scones: Substitute garlic powder for cinnamon and sugar for cheese. Top scones with 2 Tbsp coarse sugar mixed with ½ tsp ground cinnamon. For glaze, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 Tbsp milk and ½ vanilla extract and drizzle on after scones have cooled.

Sticky date cake • • • • • • •

• • • • •

2 cups chopped pitted dates 1 tsp baking soda 1 ½ cups boiling water 9 T unsalted butter, softened 1 C brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 2 eggs

Caramel sauce • • • •

1 C brown sugar 1 ¼ C heavy cream ½ tsp vanilla 4 T butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch cake pan. Place chopped dates and baking soda in bowl. Cover with boiling water and let stand 20 minutes. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Using large spoon, fold in date mixture and flour until well combined. Spoon mixture into pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Combine all sauce ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until sauce comes to boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 2 minutes. Cut cake into wedges and spoon sauce over each wedge to serve.

46 NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 | LAKESIDE

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