Market on Darlington Square starts May 7: 6th season kicks off with 3rd Annual Pet Parade
Pet Parade Photo: Emi Weaver, 8, served as handler for her fancy friend Cleo, a four year-old Chinese Crested at the 2nd Pet Parade in June, 2015
Photo by Samantha Lyles
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get your garden and lawn looking great. Farmers and nurseries will have a variety of trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs as well as local vegetables at the Market on Darlington Square this Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The 2016 Market season kicks off with the annual Pet Parade to benefit the Darlington County Humane Society. Entry in the parade is free, and registration begins at 10 a.m. The Market committee will collect donations for the Humane Society throughout the morning.
Musical acts include Rusty Henderson in the morning, Johnnie & Susan Iseman at 11 a.m., and Sandy Banks wraps up the entertainment at noon.
Under the shade of trees and the courthouse, shoppers can find a variety of hand-crafted items, baked goods, purses, perfumes, food and other goods as artisans, craftsmen, farmers and other vendors will be selling their wares at the Public Square. Some of this month’s vendors include Anderson Organics, Byrd Farms of Timmonsville, Griggs Circle Bakery of Hartsville, Boykin Farms, Kite Branch Honey, and the Darlington Lions Club, among dozens of other crafters, artists, farms, and more.
The open-air market is a partnership between Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association, the City of Darlington and a dedicated group of volunteers. The monthly market began in 2011 and is set for the first Saturday of each month, May through October.
Vendor spaces are $25 for businesses and individuals with discounts for season passes and non-profit organizations. Booth spaces are free for children and those selling produce or other farm products. Register for a spot by calling 843-398-4000 x 103 or 843-992-1561 or email darlingtonplanner@gmail.com.
The Market on Darlington Square also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DarlingtonMarket.