It was a beautiful night for a parade!  Not a cloud in sight this year, so everything went along smoothly.  We had a fun day with a little music uptown while Santa was there to make pictures with children.  Thanks to New Heights Middle School Chorus and Scott Parmenter (Providence Baptist Church) for the live entertainment.

The parade features many different and colorful entries.  We had several categories for winning prizes:  The winners are:

Best Overall - Blevins Salon & Spa; Most Creative – Dr. Pinsak; Children’s Choice – Smith Trucking featuring Santa; President’s Award – WalMart Distribution; Creative Church entry – High Point Baptist Church; Golf Cart award – Chuck Rorie and Derek Brooks.

Pageland Floral held open house from 3 – 5.  They decked the halls and have plenty for you to choose from too!  Their sale is extended through the end of the year.  Another event taking place from 2 – 7 that day was The Santa House – featuring thousands of Santas on display and a bake shop with goodies for sale. This is the Griffin home located at 311 East McGregor Street.

We hope everyone enjoyed the day!  Check out all the pictures below.

 We hope you are making plans to join us, July 17th and 18^th, as the tradition of the Watermelon Festival continues in 2009! Come and enjoy live music and entertainment as you walk through the streets of downtown Pageland. See one of the largest parades on Saturday morning that will provide plenty of entertainment by itself. Savor the delicious variety of foods as the beautiful wares of the crafters lure you. Our children will enjoy a variety of events throughout the day at the Children’s Stage located in Moore’s Park. And don’t forget the old fashion seed spittin’ and watermelon eatin’ contests for all ages. Pageants will be held both days with divisions for adults, teens, youth and children. Enjoy reminiscing about yesteryear with our classic car show and admire the talents displayed at the festival rodeo. Then gather with us to enjoy the company of friends and visitors at the end of each day, and take in the music and entertainment of live bands.

See the Watermelon Festival website for more information.

Title:Watermelon Festival
Start Date: 2009-07-17
End Date: 2009-07-18

Description: This event is held during the Christmas holiday season each year in downtown Pageland. The annual parade of lights begins at 5:30 pm hence the need for lights on entries. There is always a special guest for the children.                 

Start Time: 5:30

Date: November 29, 2009

The annual Women in Business Luncheon is held each spring in conjunction with National Administrative Professionals Day. The luncheon is highlighted with a meal and the presentation of the Outstanding Woman in Business Award. This is a special event for our area businesses and a time for them to treat their employees to well deserved recognition.

Registration WIB 2010

Nomination Form

Beginning in the afternoon, excitement filled the air for many businesses in the Pageland community.  They each helped make our banquet a memorable one.  Businesses owners and employees came to the Community Center, selected a table, and began to design a centerpiece unique to their business.  We had some wonderful talents displayed that night.

As our guest made their way through the registration line, people were buzzing with excitement.  Everyone was given an opportunity to leisurely walk around and observe our business community in action, promoting their business in a unique way.  Each guest was then asked to choose their favorite table.  This was not an easy task for most people there.  In the end, the winner was Freeman’s Video, boasting a great table with a movie theme.

We enjoyed our fellowship time together.  Also, our meal was served my Mickey’s Restaurant and was delicious!

Our speaker for the evening was Pastor Mack Mullis from Liberty Hill Baptist Church.  Reverend Mullis gave an inspirational speech on pulling together in a small community.  His words of encouragement on working together for the common good of the community stirred us all.

Our President, Sarah Decker then presented the new board member nominations and the forum present elected the following board members:

2009 Chamber Board Members

President – Greg Lawrence

1st Vice President – Joe Steen – Wal-Mart Distribution Center #6073

2nd Vice President – Shawn Freeman – Freeman’s Video and Tanning

Secretary – Gregg Gause – Founders Federal Credit Union

Treasurer – John Barr – Lynches River Electric Coop

Karen Brock – New Heights Middle School

Bill Baumgartner – Sutton Funeral Home

Sarah Decker – First Palmetto Savings Bank

Phil Ingram – Wal-Mart Distribution Center #6073

Steve Kirchin – Conbraco Industries

Tony Nolan – Sandhill Telephone

Sonya Sims – Priority Health Care

Joanne Woehlkens – Pageland Family Medicine

Sarah then presented awards to the following businesses and individuals:

The Past President’s award went to Chad Arant for his work the previous years on the board and the Watermelon Festival. 

Corporate Citizen of the Year was awarded to Wal-Mart DC 6073 for their continuous efforts for the Chamber of Commerce, the Watermelon Festival and the Pageland community.

Citizen of the Year was given to Randy Griffin.  Randy was a natural choice for this award due to his involvement as a partner with Wal-Mart in the fund raising efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network and his tireless community spirit through his business – Mickey’s Restaurant.

Prize drawings and Door prizes were the end to an exciting evening.  We all enjoyed the night and look forward to many opportunities to visit throughout the 2009 year!