Elks Parade and Festivities mark 45 Years of Community Service
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Darlington’s historic downtown filled with music, numerous parade vehicles, and community pride on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as Pee Dee United Elks Lodge No. 1679 and Excelsior Temple No. 790 capped their 45th Annual Festivities Weekend with the beloved Darlington Elks Parade.
The three-day celebration, held October 1-3, marked more than four decades of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service to the Pee Dee region. Events were centered around the Public Square and the lodge’s home at 836 Timmonsville Highway.
The Saturday morning parade, hosted by the Pee Dee United Elks Lodge, circled the Public Square and made its way down Pearl Street. Spectators lined the route to cheer on marching units, local law enforcement, and community groups. The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office joined the procession, underscoring the strong ties between the Elks and the community they serve.
The parade drew an impressive roster of Elks leadership and local dignitaries. Among those participating were District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Ronnie Hill and Exalted Ruler Dominic Vaughn of the historic Birnies Elks Lodge No. 1195 in Sumter. Exalted Ruler Kenrich Salters of Lake City Elks Lodge No. 1680 also took part, as did Dgt. Ruler Cecily Moody of Restoration Temple No. 1415 of Marion.
Darlington City Councilwomen Angela McRavin and Shelia Baccus represented city government, joined by Dgt. Annette Canty, Past Exalted Ruler David Mills, and the State Queen.
Leading the procession were Grand Marshals Brother Fred Jordan, Dgt. Betty Marcus, and Brother Jordan. Also enjoying the festivities was Supreme Chancelor Sir Knight Kevin Brown, who is Past Exalted Ruler of the Pee Dee United Elks Lodge in Darlington.
The festivities also drew top-ranking officials from across the jurisdictions. Participating in the parade and surrounding events were Grand Trustee Roosevelt Scott; Grand Esteemed Leading Knight Herman Winston; State President George Lightfoot of the South Carolina Jurisdiction; Dgt. State President Wilma Ham Newsome of the South Carolina Jurisdiction; and the Dgt. State President of the Jurisdiction of Georgia.
Their attendance reflects the reach and standing of the Darlington lodge and temple within the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World and its affiliated Daughter Elks organizations.
For 45 years, Pee Dee United Elks Lodge No. 1679 and Excelsior Temple No. 790 have sustained a tradition of community engagement, and this year’s festivities showed that tradition is as vibrant as ever. From the marching units to the dignitaries who traveled to be part of the occasion, the weekend was a testament to the enduring bonds that hold the Elks family together.
As the final vehicles rounded the Public Square and made their way down Pearl Street, one message was clear: in Darlington, the spirit of the Elks is alive, growing, and ready for the next 45 years.