Lakeside November 2022 - January 2023

The Christmas Guide

- Stocking stuffers that support small businesses

- Charlie Dubose's free light display on Gaddy Court

- Boykin's Christmas parade to return after 3 years

- Events and more!

Tomlinson's turkeys

Go behind the scenes at Tomlinson Family Farm, run by Zan. He is teaching the ropes to his son, Eli, Lee Academy football star and future farmer

Plus: Meet Jamie Turner, Sumter Original Brewery's new head brewer

Shown Left to Right: Allison Saran, CNM, WHNP | Shay Dowdle, DNP, APRN, CNM | Thomas Key, MD Katee Wyant, MD | Monica Ploetzke, MD | Rebecca Cartledge, APRN, CNM | Tom Chappell, CNM. At every stage in life, women have unique healthcare needs. McLeod Women’s Care Clarendon is pleased to welcome Dr. Katee Wyant as she joins Dr. Monica Ploetzke, Dr. Thomas Key, and Certified Nurse Midwives Tom Chappell, Rebecca Cartledge, Shay Dowdle, and Allison Saran in providing a full range of women’s services from adolescence to menopause, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

PUBLISHER

Vince Johnson

EDITOR

Kayla Green

COPY EDITORS

Rhonda Barrick

Shelbie Goulding

Melanie Smith

WRITERS

Shelbie Goulding

Alaysha Maple

Ashley Miller

Bruce Mills

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cal Cary

PUBLICATION DESIGN

Micah Green

Janel Strieter

ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cary Howard

Janel Strieter

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Karen Cave karen@theitem.com

Devin McDonald devin@theitem.com

Mark Pekuri mark@theitem.com

This is my favorite time of the year to be outside. Don't fact check me on that because if I really think about it, you can probably catch me writing that for any season. I just love being outside if given the opportunity. Now I can just do it without melting.

"Winter" — I say in quotes because the weather doesn't believe it is — is when I may not want to be on the water on account of I'm a baby about being cold. It's a time when I want to sit at a park, drink a beer on a rooftop or, eventually, make a warm cup of something and drive around to see the pretty lights.

If you feel the same, this issue is the one for you.

This is a great issue if you're looking for things to do and places to go.

Starting off with a great events list that features Christmas parades, light displays and other holiday events, you can mark your calendars full. It also includes Thanksgiving 5Ks and turkey trot-type activites, if you're that kind of crazy person who likes to do those sorts of things on Thanksgiving. The only exercise I plan to do is move from the kitchen to the couch (to the computer...because news happens).

This issue also has a great Christmas guide, with everything from lists of ideas for stocking stuffers you can find at local stores (support small

about us from the lake on the cover

businesses!) to Christmas light displays around the area to the everunique Boykin Christmas parade. Santa will make an appearance, but so will crossdressing men raising money for a good cause and alligators tied to floats.

Our Christmas-themed coverage also lets us hear about Charlie Dubose and his massive, self-built display that's free to drive through.

We also have a new head brewer at Sumter Original Brewery. He hails from Lamar and moves to SOB from Seminar in Florence.

Our cover story is about the Tomlinsons, Zan and his Lee Academy football star son, Eli, who is set to take over from his dad one day at their family farm in Lynchburg. They raise turkeys and grow crops.

Sit down with this magazine and a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. Recipe inside.

I hope you all have a safe and meaningful holiday season, in whatever fashion that means to you. I'm thankful this season for your continued support of Lakeside and The Sumter Item. We couldn't — and wouldn't want to — be here without our readers and advertisers. So this one's for you!

Zan Tomlinson stands in front of many of the turkeys he is raising on his family farm for future processing this holiday season. The Tomlinsons run a generations-old farm in Lynchburg raising turkeys and growing crops.

Photo by Cal Cary

EDITOR OF LAKESIDE

KAYLA GREEN

bringing more opportunities for residents, youth 8

44

Recreation and art

brewer, and he's staying close to home

BeerSumter Original Brewery has a new head

you need to know about in the area

stores and the Christmas light displays

Where to find stocking stuffers at local

Guide to Christmas

and all

the first time since 2018...Fatback Queen

The Boykin Christmas Parade will roll for

Back to Boykin

Family Farm in Lynchburg

and fill your stomach

RecipesTry these cozy recipes to warm your soul

what’s inside

New public parks, greenways in Sumter are FEATURE STORIES

BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER

SUMTER COUNTY

12th-Annual

Silver Bells Art and Craft Show

The event will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, 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. For every three food items you donate, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card. Event is sponsored by and will also help support KAT's Special Kneads Animal Shelter. Mia Lee Photography will host $10 digital photos with Santa on Sunday. Don’t forget to have the kids bring their letters to Santa. 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 event Thursday, Nov. 24. Register by Nov. 23 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.

Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights

South Carolina’s largest free Christmas light display 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.

Santa’s Village

Be sure to take the kids from 6 to 8 p.m. FridaySaturday, Dec. 2-3, and Dec. 9-10, at the Heath Pavilion at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Kids 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.

70th-Annual Holiday House Tour

Hosted by the Council of Garden Clubs of Sum ter, the tour will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on

Saturday, Dec. 3. The holiday house locations include 255 Freedom Blvd., 136 Tucson Drive, 115 Nash St. and 32 Frank Clarke St. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at any tour home. Refreshments will be available at home exits. Call (803) 983-4217 for information.

Sumter Christmas Parade

The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, on Sumter’s Main Street. The theme for the 2022 Christmas Parade is "Christmas at the Movies."

Sumter Little Theatre's “Elf Jr. – The Musical” Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 8-11, and Dec. 15-18, at 14 Mood Ave. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thurs day-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. This musical tells the story of Buddy, an apparently oversized elf who has been raised in the North Pole. After Buddy overhears the other elves discussing how he is actually a human but just hasn’t realized it, he decides to travel to New York City to find his real father. Visit www.sumterlittletheatre.com for tickets.

Christmas with the Celts

The Sumter Opera House will present the event at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. Touring across the U.S., the popular PBS Pledge show presents the perfect combination of ancient Irish carols, contemporary Christmas standards, spontaneous humor and Irish dancing. For ticket information, visit www. sumteroperahouse.com or call (803) 436-2616. Visit christmaswiththecelts.com.

KERSHAW COUNTY

Arts Center of Kershaw County

The event will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri day-Sunday, Dec. 2-11, at the Basset Building, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden. Contact Audrey Kimbrell at (803) 425-7676 or email AKimbrell@ artscenterkc.org. Visit artscenterkc.org/ac/holi day-market/.

Winged Star Wonderland

Hosted by Southern Restyle at Winged Star Farm, 954 Black River Road, Camden, the event

will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, with shopping, food and fun for everyone – letters to Santa, selfie/photo area, games and much more. Admission is free with a donation to Pine Tree Hill Wildlife & Exotic Rescue.

Old McCaskill Farm’s 13th-Annual Country Christmas Shopping

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert. Local artisans and retailers will have a variety of items available for purchase, including wool products, farm-fresh meats, Ashley’s Frozen Meals & More, jewelry, holiday décor and more. Call Kathy McCaskill at (803) 432-9537 or email oldmccaskillsfarm@gmail.com. Visit www.old mccaskillfarm.com.

Mark Rapp’s Christmas By Candlelight

The concert is at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Wood Auditorium, Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden. This indoor jazz concert will remind you of everything that makes the holidays special. Tickets are $20. Visit artscenterkc.org/ac/mark-rapps-christmas-bycandlelight/.

Camden Christmas Parade

Featuring fire trucks, floats, pageant winners, classic cars, music, Santa and more, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 10. 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.

“Christmas is in Trouble: A Christmas Musical Extravaganza”

The event will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Wood Auditorium, Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden. Santa isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit and decides to take a vacation. Unfortunately, it’s only four days before Christmas, and a newly graduated class of elves has arrived and wants to meet Santa. Will Mrs. Claus find Santa before Christmas? Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Visit kctg.wildapricot.org/ event-4974283.

Boykin Christmas Parade

The event returns at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 73 State Road S-28-2, Rembert. The parade will be followed by a gospel singing at Swift Creek Church. Follow 2022 Boykin Christmas Parade on Facebook for more details.

FLORENCE COUNTY

Jingle Bell Market

The event will be held Friday-Sunday, Nov. 18-20, at the Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive. This spectacular holiday event will fea ture handmade crafts, gifts, boutique clothing, holiday décor, jewelry, gourmet food treats and more. Event hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun day. Visit www.jinglebellmarket.com.

2022 Florence 5K Turket Trot

The event will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, at Briggs Elementary School, 1012 S. Congaree Drive. Visit https:// www.nspromos.com/races#/turkeytrot/.

Lights4Paws

A spectacular walk with more than 300,000 gorgeous holiday lights, merry music and fes tive decorations will be open from 6 to 9 nightly from Nov. 25 through Dec. 26 at 3251 Mears Drive, Florence. Bring your family, friends and canine companions for a stroll through a holiday wonderland filled with seasonal displays around every turn of the trail. Santa will be there to greet everyone. There will also be hot chocolate, cookies, a cozy outdoor fire and dog treats for the canines. Dogs should be leashed. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Florence Area Humane Society.

Hometown Holidays Festival

The festival will be held Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4, in downtown Lake City, 148 E. Main St. Spend the weekend shopping and strolling the beautifully decorated downtown streets of Lake City. Friday will include the Lake City Tree Lighting Ceremony. Saturday will be full of live holiday music, dance performances and more. Sunday’s list of events will include Christ mas-themed activities, great sales and bou tique shopping opportunities. Check out http:// visitlakecitysc.com for more information.

Wiggle 2 The Finish 5K

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 200 2nd Loop Road, Florence. The walk/run is open to pets as well. Dog registration includes a special race bib and a Wiggle 2 The Fin ish-themed bow/tie. After the walk/run, runners are invited to meet some of the

adoptable dogs. Refreshments will be avail able to race participants.

Downtown Christmas Magic

The celebration will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, on the 100 block of West Ev ans Street and the 100 block of South Dargan Street. Attendees will enjoy hot co coa and marshmallow roasting stations, live holiday entertainment, ice skating, an ugly sweater contest, holiday crafts and games, meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday gift market and more.

Palmetto Cruisers annual Cruisers4kids toy drive and classic car cruise-in

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Highland Park Methodist Church, 2nd Loop Road, Florence. Bring a new unopened toy or cash donation for the parking fee.

FSO Holiday Pops concert

The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at the FMU Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Dargan St., Florence. The concert will feature local singers Amesha McElveen and Jerinda Davis.

LEXINGTON AND RICHLAND COUNTIES

The Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens Lights Before Christmas

The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 19-20, 23, 25-27 and 30 and Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 1423 and 26-30. Featuring one million twinkling lights, giant illuminated animal lanterns, an animated LED tree, Santa’s Village, the Ginger bread Express train and so much more, Lights Before Christmas is a must-see for all ages. Cost: $15 for adults; $12 for children 2-12; and free for children under age 2. Call (803) 779-8717 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/ events/lights-at-riverbanks.

Holiday Lights on the River

The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 23 through Dec. 31. Every year, Saluda Shoals Park comes alive with more than a million sparkling lights and more than 400 animated light displays of all shapes and sizes. Cost: $25 per car; $50 per 12-15 passenger van, trucks with trailers and limos, and $75 per bus. Visit https://www.icrc.net/event/holiday-lights-riv er for complete details. Santa will visit Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-23. Professional photos and photo packages will be available for purchase.

The Junior League Holiday Market

The event will be held Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 1-4, at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Tickets are $8 each and valid for one single entry. General admission hours are 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Be sure to bring your holiday shopping lists. Visit https://www.jlcolumbia.org/support/holi day-market/ for more information.

Christmas in Cayce

Festivities will be held Dec. 1-3 and include the following: the Christmas in Cayce drivethrough, sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Cayce, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Cayce City Hall, 1800 12th St., Cayce, including musical performances, a visit from Santa, and thousands of lights and animated displays; Carols Along the Riverwalk from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at the Cayce Riverwalk, North Avenue entry; and Christmas Traditions Holi day Open House from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th St. Visit https://caycesc.gov/festivals. php

The 2022 Snowball Festival

Located at Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W. Main St., Lexington, the event will be held Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 1-4, as follows: 4-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Christmas Craft Fair; 6:30 p.m. Friday, Carolighting Ceremony; 7:30 p.m. Friday, “Polar Express” movie night; 1-5 p.m. Saturday, carnival; 6 p.m. Saturday, “Elf” movie night; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Christmas Parade. For more details, visit https://www.lexsc. com/791/Snowball-Festival.

Carolina Lights

A drive-through holiday light show at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, will be open 6-9 p.m. Sun day-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-26 (with the exception of Christmas Day). Prices as follows: $20 cars; $35 for mini-buses (9-25 passengers); and $70 for vehicles with more than 25 passengers. Purchase passes online or at the gate. Visit https://www.scstatefair.org/carolina-lights/.

The 19th-Annual St. Nicholas Festival

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Holy Apostles Orthodox Church, 724 Buff St., West Columbia. Festi val will feature homemade holiday cookies, kids-only gift shop, local craft vendors, the St. Nicholas Café with Eastern European and American food, bounce house, face painting and more. Free admission. For more infor mation, visit https://holyapostles.org/festi val-brochure.

New recreation opportunities in Sumter

From brand new, state-ofthe-art basketball courts to a trail running more than 3 miles down the city’s center to connect a city and county park, 2022 has been the year for outdoor recreation growth in Sumter County.

Words by Shelbie Goulding

Photos by Cal Cary

CROSSWELL BASKETBALL COURTS

The Crosswell community has seen a lot more action since the summer months after the completion of this City of Sumter project.

At Crosswell Park, 130 Yeadon St., three new basketball courts are filled with players of all ages on weekends and weekday evenings – just as Sumter City Council and staff hoped.

The park improvement project has been a long time coming for residents of the Crosswell area and something Sumter City Councilman Steve Corley has advocated for since 2017-18. Once Mayor David Merchant was elected after years of sitting on council, he made it his mission to bring more opportunities for local activites and recreation to Sumter’s youth.

Corley wanted to see the park enhanced in that area because there are a lot of families living around the park, especially with Crosswell Elementary School across the street.

SHOT POUCH GREENWAY

A joint city-county project, the greenway strip going from Swan Lake Iris Gardens to Dillon Park is planned to be completed before the end of 2022, according to Sumter CityCounty Planning Department staff.

At an October Sumter City Council meeting, senior planner Kyle Kelly shared the Shot Pouch Greenway project is scheduled for completion in November to December.

The Shot Pouch Greenway is a 3.4-mile paved pathway meant for recreational walking, running and biking through the center of Sumter.

The greenway was funded through Penny for Progress, a voter-approved initiative to increase the sales tax in

Photo provided by Sumter County Government

Sumter County

Sumter County by 1 cent and use that money for construction and improvement projects, meaning anyone who visits and spends money in Sumter has helped fund the greenway's costs, not just residents.

Although the City of Sumter initiated the project, it was a joint effort with Sumter County Government. In total, the project used $4 million from the initiative, according to the Sumter County website.

A majority of the greenway is complete, with the north side of the path beyond North Guignard Drive finished and featuring "high-intensity activated crosswalk signals" at crosswalk points.

The south end of North Guignard is the portion that remained unfinished as of early November. Kelly said the installation of the boardwalk, a bridge at Haynsworth Street and final paving from North Guignard Drive to Swan Lake Iris Gardens is underway.

SOUTH SUMTER ART PARK

In August, the City of Sumter shared that an art park will be making its way to the South Sumter community.

This followed the development of the Crosswell Park basketball courts with preliminary plans to construct new, state-of-the-art basketball courts with a colorful, swirling art design on the court at 645 Manning Ave. Construction is also proposed to include sidewalks, an art-themed playground, a pavilion, restrooms, greenery, parking and more.

Although this will be headed by the City of Sumter, the staff and council will be working in conjunction with state Rep. David Weeks, D-Sumter.

“I helped find the funding. This art park idea, there’s actually three projects that we are doing on the south side that’s going to improve from the recreational side of it all,” Weeks said.

Other than the art-themed park, Weeks said other projects include an African American monument park and improvements to the South Sumter gymnasium. However, it’s the art park that’s first on the list and seeing the most immediate movement after the idea was proposed two years ago.

“We talked about trying to continue to emphasize on the arts along Manning Avenue,” Weeks said.

Other art projects along the road, a major commuter route for motorists and historically a center for commerce and community for African American residents in the area, include two murals that were painted on buildings in the Manning Avenue area this year.

In total, the project will cost $550,000 and is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission, according to city staff. Construction plans are underway with a goal to finish in January. If permits, the bidding period and approvals go according to schedule, construction should start in August 2023 with a completion date of November that year.

Rendering provided by Sumter County Government

Rendering provided by City of Sumter

new brewer same SOB

Words by Shelbie Goulding Photos by Cal Cary

Newcreations and revamped classics are brewing at Sumter Original Brewery.

The brewery's leaders recently brought on a South Carolina native looking to master the craft, and he's gotten straight to work.

Meet Jamie Turner, a Lamar native and the SOB's new head brewer, who made his way to Sumter from Florence’s Seminar Brewing, where he worked on an eightbarrel system for the last five years. The opportunity to work on a brewing system nearly twice that size, not too far from home and at a higher distribution level, was one he couldn’t let slip away.

“It was an opportunity for growth. It’s a new system and a new location, so it’s a lot of learning opportunity, and when presented to me, I want to take advantage of that,” Turner said. “I’ve been (at Seminar) for five years, and this is my only other professional brewing experience.”

Turner started at the brewery on June 20, his 34th birthday. He joined the team to succeed former head brewer Troy Bervig, a German-taught brewer from an institute in Chicago who developed the original recipes that were on tap since the brewery opened in March 2020. Now, it's Turner's turn.

“I’ve known Jamie here for a little while.

Another employee here has been good friends with Jamie,” said Gray Shuler, co-owner of Sumter Original Brewery. “I felt like this would be a good transition for him. It’s a little bit bigger system and just felt like it would be good. Plus, his personality matched up with ours.”

Dressed for our meeting in charcoal Carhartt overalls tucked over boots and a dark green T-shirt and sporting a khaki ball cap, Turner’s appearance reflected his personality — a small-town soul who

enjoys a good beer with friends.

So far, Turner has enhanced a few recipes at Sumter Original Brewery while already creating new brews with his own mark. Shuler said his favorite enhanced original since Turner started is the Gray Haze, and not just because it has his name in the title.

“He’s doing a good job. The beer is tasty,” Shuler said. “I see him brewing for a long time here.” Shuler brought Turner on because he saw the potential for growth for the brewery and its

distribution — there are business goals to tap into the Columbia and Charleston markets in addition to the three stories of taproom and social space and 12 taps offered at 2 S. Main St. in Sumter Wednesday-Sunday — and for Turner, who is self-taught with a willingness to learn and try new things.

“I felt like I was at a turning point of where I’ve come from,” Turner said. “I knew that it was just an opportunity to expand my knowledge of craft beer in a different location in a different customer base. Just to learn and grow from there.”

Not having an official education in the brewery industry, Turner received an associate degree in criminal justice from Florence-Darlington Technical College while serving as a master-at-arms for the Navy and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Coker University. It wasn’t until after school he realized he has a passion for a different industry.

Turner tasted his first beer at age 22. His friend invited him out and handed him a Budweiser.

“I thought I would hate it, and I didn’t. We spent the rest of the evening going back and forth,” he said, trying different domestic brews. “A few years later, I’d say 2014, I was gifted a home brewing kit by that friend.”

His love for the craft deepened after his first sip of a North Carolina brewery’s famous pale ale.

“That first Sierra Nevada Pale Ale I had changed the game,” Tuner said. “At that point, this was my thing.”

The self-taught brewer started reading books, watching tutorials, going to craft beer events and anything else he could do to take in as much knowledge as possible. It was in the midst of his

learning that he began working at Seminar, starting as a bartender and eventually tapping into the brewhouse.

EXPANDING IN HIS CRAFT

Turner began at Seminar after spending three months hiking and beer touring across New Zealand. In 2018, he won nine awards at the inaugural SC Brewers Guild Awards ceremony, including seven golds. He is now a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and has a specialized badge in traditional German-style and English-style beer.

At Sumter Original Brewery, the first recipe Turner learned and tweaked was Gray Haze, a hazy IPA. What followed was his first original, the Sparkleberry Wheat, which offers tastes of strawberry and rhubarb. Both were a starting point, but the biggest community response came from Oktoberfest, a recipe he perfected just in time for the annual event held downtown as a fundraiser for Sumter United Ministries on Oct. 1.

Impressed by the feedback, Turner said it was the first moment he felt his beer could stand out. But he’s not one for the limelight.

“People say they enjoyed it,” he said. “It’s not something I look forward to, but it’s always nice to hear when someone is satisfied.”

When breweries undergo a head brewer change, customers are advised to be open to new tastes. The beers are brewed with the same foundations but with different variations based on the brewer’s preference. Turner created three of his own in his first six months while tweaking most other brews on tap. It's a mix of keeping regulars coming back for their favorite names and tastes while offering new options and room for growth.

“The IPAs are a little different,” Turner said. “There’s a lot of things that can change between brewers and just different styles and personal tastes.”

Turner comes from a more “hop-forward”

background; hops, in his opinion, were underutilized at SOB before he joined the team. He keeps in mind that hops aren’t always a highly favored taste; it tends to be more bitter and emphasizes the hops’ natural flavor.

“I have to watch myself because not everyone likes that sort of thing, but if I brew an IPA, I’m going to have all those flavors that I want and would hope that the patrons or drinkers will as well,” he said.

Although he’s doing what he loves for a living, Turner doesn’t consider the practice therapeutic or easy because he’s particular and innovative. There are moments once a brew or recipe is set, but he doesn’t prefer his creations to stay too consistent. He always wants the opportunity to improve.

“It hasn’t become manufacturing to me yet. Every time I do the same thing, I’m always tweaking it or asking, ‘How do I improve it?’” Turner said. “There’s always something that could change.”

It’s a rhythm, he said. His own at his pace.

Turner said he can also be self-critical, which is why patrons won’t see him drinking his own beer too often.

“I can’t drink my own product and enjoy it,” he said. “I have a hard time not drinking critically. I taste every problem or fault in that beer, and I can’t drink without that.”

He wouldn’t serve a beer if it wasn’t good, but it’s the perfectionist in him that always wants to improve. At times, he wishes he could go back to his first sip of a Budweiser.

“It’s been the most difficult part,” Turner said. “I will never enjoy beer as when I first started down this trail. When I had no idea. I was just there for a good time and the experience of trying something new… but the only way to get better is to find the faults.”

With half a year down at Sumter Original Brewery, Turner has big plans. His newest creation, to be released soon, is a brown ale. He hopes to have a flavorful holiday stout out soon after, along with a few familiar beers making a comeback.

One date Turner is most excited about is the brewery’s third anniversary in March. He will be making a new brew he can’t wait to share.

“I’ve been here for the ride, and any opportunities to advance my knowledge and new experiences is a positive thing,” Turner said. “I’m still learning myself. I’ve grown miles from where I was.”

I’m going to have all those flavors that I want and would hope that the patrons or drinkers will as well.”

“

Holiday Gift Guide

Must Haves

'Twas the day before Christmas, when all throughout the house, every creature was stirring, even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but then you realize not one stuffer was in there. The late Ivy Moore, beloved Item Arts and Entertainment reporter, searched for the best items to stuff stockings with to share with last-minute gift shoppers. In light of her passing, The Lakeside elves ventured to find gifts with price points both high and low to fill your stockings with cheer, all from local shops to also support small businesses.

The Item's Alaysha Maple gathered lists, checked them twice and even took photos at shops in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties of magical stocking stuffers:

Buy yours today

SUMTER

1. One Accord

1 W. Liberty St.

Will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day and the day after.

A. Love Scripture Cards - $28

B. Candles - $44

C. Jewelry - $40+

D. Towelettes - $22

E. Headbands - $40+

2. Naomi & Warner / Ages Antiques

Both located at 13 N. Main St.

Will be open for half of the day on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas.

A. Jewelry - $10 -$40

B. Satin pillowcases - $19

C. Christmas spoon and mitten set - $21

D. Keychain - $30

E. Mini candles - $36

3.

Galloway and Moseley

444 N. Guignard Drive

Will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

A. Men’s and women’s watches - $210 - $270

B. Necklaces - $190 - $315

C. White gold earrings - $200

D. Sterling silver rings - $170 - $180

4.

Elephant Ear

672 Bultman Drive

Will be open until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Inside are various vendor stations with a variety of items to choose.

A. Bracelets - $5 -$15

B. Mini paintings - $8

C. Flask - $15

D. Card cases and keychains - $5 - $10

E. Wooden pens - $29-$45

D. 5.

4.

A.B. C.

B.

5. Simpson Hardware

40 W. Wesmark Blvd,

For holiday hours, call Simpson’s Hardware at (803) 866 -8130.

A. Hot cocoa mix - $7

B. Jam - $8+

C. Keychain pouches - $ 8 - $16

D. Shower speaker - $19

E. Weighted eye mask - $8

D. E.

6. Southern Flair Gifts and Monogramming

Southern Flair, 103 Sunset Drive

Will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

A. Devotional books - $5

B. Pen - $12

C. Fringe wristlet - $25

D. Coasters -$5

E. Kitchen towels - $14 each

F. Candles - $22-$29

G. Home fragrance spray - $11

7. Swamp Log Artisans Gallery

229 N Main St,

Swamp Log Artisans Gallery will be open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will be closed on Christmas Day and will reopen after New Year’s.

A. Wooden bow tie - $49

B. Lucky Critter Necklace - $21

C. Leather pouch - $37

D. Pyrography Necklace - $12-$32

E. Swell bottle - $35

If you’re looking for something special to give to a baseball fan, the City of Sumter has the perfect gift for you.

The 2022 Sumter Keepsake Ornament “Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex” will be available by Dec. 1 at the Swan Lake Visitors Center, 822 W. Liberty St., The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E. Calhoun St. and Simpson Hardware, 40 W. Wesmark Blvd.

The cost per ornament is $15 plus tax, making it $16.20 in total.

Charlie Dubose and his town of lights

For nearly 46 years, the 71-year-old Sumer native has turned his front yard at 115 Gaddy Court into a holiday attraction for Christmas lovers near and far.

Words by Alaysha Maple Photos by Cal Cary

THE CASE OF THE STOLEN ANGEL

All it took was one string of Christmas lights. Charlie Dubose recounted that when he, as a young boy, plugged in, or “put the juice” to, a set of lights, “everything just clicked” for him. The gleam of the tinted bulbs mesmerized him, and his fascination would soon become an annual holiday attraction for Sumter.

At 25 years old, he was a married man and father shopping for Christmas decorations. His children wandered throughout the store in search of the perfect holiday fixture for their yard when they found it: a warmly lit angel. That was the

start of his collection. Year after year, he bought new fixtures, each one different and more extravagant than the last. Once community members got word of the man collecting Christmas lights and his impressive patience to display them throughout his yard, they started to donate lights to him.

But then the unthinkable happened. One chilly night, the Grinch stole the family’s beloved angel. Dubose said the family was heartbroken, and so was the community. The story of the stolen angel was published in newspapers from Sumter all the way to New York, he said.

Weeks later, Dubose learned a man in Sumter bought the angel. Though the unknown buyer was willing to give Dubose back the angel for free, he said he wanted to pay him the amount the stolen fixture was sold for, plus extra.

“Then I told him, ‘Go enjoy a steak dinner, on me, for being honest and bringing it back,'” he said, followed by a hearty laugh.

Sadly, the fixture was broken. Dubose knew he could restore their fallen angel to good standing and have it back on display, but his wife, Susan, asked him to put it away for safe keeping.

DUBOSE LIGHTS RUN DOWN

10 - acres of land

71 - age of Charlie Dubose this year

17,000 - pieces of candy they pass out Free - cost to drive through the lights Lights will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on the weekdays, 10 p.m. on the weekends.

Tucked away somewhere safe on their property is where the angel has sat for years. Though it may never shine its warm lights during the holiday season again, the thousands of other lights make up for it in its absence.

BULB BY BULB

From the rocking chairs on his front porch, Dubose looked out upon his vast property — an estimated 10 acres of land to be covered by twinkling lights.

He bought the property in front of his home years ago to accommodate his growing collection. Prior to printing this publication, there were over 50 fixtures on display in October. Fixtures of jolly Saint Nick playing basketball and flying his helicopter full of presents to Jesus looking down on a church and a pristinely painted scene of Jesus in a manger Dubose’s personal favorite were already scattered throughout the property. Yet, he said he was “nowhere near done.”

There is still one fixture that nearly brings cars to a halt.

In a relaxed Old English font, the phrase "Seasons Greetings" sits more than 10 feet above ground. Supported by metal poles and coated in a stark white, the holiday cheer of the piece comes out at night when bright red and green lights reflect off its letters.

Dubose came in possession of the fixture when the old Coca Cola plant in Sumter was giving it away. After a few renovations, some hammering and a little designing, he made the fixture a staple among his collection.

Over time, he created some of his own unique pieces like the candy cane archway that leads cars to Santa and Mrs. Claus, who happily make the trip down from the North Pole each year, to the mini twinkling trees scattered throughout his front yard. The methods of his festive madness remain a secret, but his ability to turn the most mundane object into something magical could put all of Santa’s elves to shame.

With various fixtures in a variety of sizes, Dubose has setting up and lighting up his collection down to a science, but it was no easy feat.

“When I first started, that transformer,” he said as his index finger pointed out across the yard, “I blew it with these lights. Then the light company came out and put another transformer up, and I blew that one. So, they came back out and put up another one.”

Dubose said the electrical staff joked with him as they said, “We want to see how good you are, see if you can blow this one.”

“I said ‘Just give me a little time and I’ll see what I can do for you,'” he said through his rickety laugh.

White and orange extension cords stretch miles across the yard. Metal poles are hammered deep into the ground. Zip ties are fastened to hold the fixtures upright. Those and any more tools, tactics, tips and tricks have been used make the attraction what it is. From the middle of September to the day before Thanksgiving, Dubose spends nearly eight hours a day setting up his collection. For him, joyous reactions he sees on those cheerful winter nights are worth the time and effort.

MAKING CHRISTMAS BRIGHT

From Thanksgiving until three days after Christmas, the lights will illuminate the semicircle property. Dubose will turn the lights on at about 6 p.m. and turn them off around 9 p.m. on the weekdays, 10 p.m. on the weekends.

I’m not saying all kids, but for some kids, this is the only Christmas they see. That means a lot to me”

— Charlie Dubose

Entry to the attraction is free, and Dubose encourages residents to drive through as many times as they want. For him, he finds enjoyment in the joy of others.

The Duboses help Mr. and Mrs. Claus, supplying them with the 15,000-17,000 pieces of candy they pass out to all who come by. After four decades, Dubose said he can't keep track of the number of cars that pass through, but he said cars sometimes line up to the Gamecock Shrine Club. That's seven miles from his house.

With so much power being used, one can only assume the electricity bill would be enormous. Though he wouldn’t share an estimated amount, his slow head nod and raised brow when asked if it the bill is a lot was enough said.

He does receive donations in his red mailbox to help with the cost, but he doesn’t expect it he doesn’t expect much from anyone except for attendeees, especially children, to have a good time as they drive through the illuminated wonderland.

“I’m not saying all kids, but for some kids, this is the only Christmas they see,” he said. “And that means a lot to me.”

Christmas Lights Of

Mini Swan Lake Light Show

Sumter Fire Department, behind the Walgreens on East Calhoun Street and Grier Street

Every night of December, starting at dusk, ending at 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 p.m. Friday-

Seasons Greetings Light Show

At night from Nov. 24 – Dec. 28

Boykin Christmas Parade returns

Words by Bruce Mills

Photos provided by The Sumter Item and Wayne and Alice Belger

If you are looking for a down-home, old-fashioned Christmas parade, you are about as close as you can get. Try the Boykin Christmas Parade on for size, just across the Sumter County line in Kershaw County.

Wayne and Alice Belger, parade organizers and husband and wife, said the annual gathering full of “unusual, farmrelated floats” returns this year after a three-year hiatus in the small agricultural community off the beaten path in the Boykin Mill Pond area on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The parade has been around for about

30 years since the early 1990s and has grown exponentially from about 100 spectators to thousands (possibly 10,000, but no one officially counts), the Belgers said.

The shindig in the small-town, crossroads community near U.S. 521 will be back for the first time since 2018. Three years ago in 2019, the Belgers saw the need to pause to accommodate more parking and parade spectators and removed lots of trees that year. Then, the 2020 and 2021 parades were canceled because of COVID-19.

The couple and the rest of the parade organizers are planning for a big gathering this year after the time away, they said.

The Christmas parade typically includes 50 to 70 floats down a half-mile stretch of Boykin Mill Road. Wayne Belger hopes the total will be on the high end of that range this year.

The most popular float each year is the Fatback Queen float.

“It’s actually the ‘Fatback Queen and her Court,’ which includes the Collard Queen and the Grits Queen as well,” Belger said. “It is always a favorite.”

To describe these participants, imagine men crossdressing in a nightgown or cocktail dress and dancing on a parade float in mid-December.

“Everybody knows what the Fatback Queen is around here,” he said.

Also, at every parade, Santa Claus comes in on a different ride.

“It will be top secret of what Santa Claus comes on,” he added. “He has parachuted in. He has come in on a mule. This year, it’s going to be a big surprise.”

Participants and spectators come from near and far away, including Florida, Ohio and Minnesota, they said.

The parade is generally always on the third Sunday in December, and being so close to Christmas, it is a time for family gatherings for people with roots in the area, and they take part, Belger added.

“A lot of people like to just come tailgate and bring

the Christmas spirit when they come,” he said.

Expect to see some gator-themed décor as well. The gator is an unofficial mascot for Boykin, given their sightings in Boykin Mill Pond, the Belgers said.

The parade is free for anyone to attend, but expect to park and “walk a few bean rows” to see the action. Some people reserve parking in advance near the parade route for a fee, and proceeds go to the preservation of nearby Swift Creek Baptist Church, Belger added.

After the parade, people are invited to join in Christmas caroling at a gospel concert at the church.

In today’s fractured and divided world we live in, the parade activities allow people to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere, he said.

said. “I don’t like to see people not get along. For us, the parade is one of those things that allows us as a community to get along and let the past be in the past.

“My goodness: What could be better than having family and friends at a Christmas parade? And I want many more Christmas parades.”

In anticipation of a large crowd, Belger said attendees should plan to arrive early – “like after Sunday school” – for a good parking spot with minimal walking. That means arrive 9 to 10 a.m., he said.

Food and drink will be available for purchase.

SAVE THE DATE!

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2-4 p.m. Roads close at 1 p.m. WHERE: Boykin Mill Road, Boykin COST: Free MORE INFO: Arrive early, 8 to 10 a.m. for a good parking spot. Any questions, call “Parade Central” headquarters at (803) 424-4731. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Join in the Christmas carols at the Gospel concert following the parade at Swift Creek Baptist Church.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS SWEET SAVINGS!! 2 awesome Massage Gi Certi cate Holiday Specials! Nov. 25th and 26th our 25% o BLACK FRIDAY gi certi cates will be available! Dec. 12th through the 24th our 20% o CHRISTMAS gi certi cates will be waiting on you! Mark your calendars! e Gi that anyone on your list would love.

Organizers Wayne and Alice Belger

Tomlinson's turkeys

Words by Ashley Miller Photos by Cal Cary

Thanksgiving is near. That means turkeys and time for family. The Tomlinsons know a lot about both.

Zan Tomlinson describes the sound of roughly 96,000 turkeys as a “chingchang,” similar to coins falling on a hardwood floor in a synchronized wave.

That description may not seem believable, imagining the staple gobbles, but when working with that many turkeys year-round, it’s Zan's reality.

Zan owns and operates Tomlinson Farms in Lynchburg, a family farm that’s been passed down through generations.

In 1996, Zan was at Clemson University studying agriculture while his dad owned the farm, growing their cash crop, tobacco. However, the acres of tobacco that farmers were allowed to grow became smaller each year. The Tomlinsons needed to consider

their options in farming.

His dad’s interest was piqued in bird farming, and he became a turkey grower with Prestige Farms, which expanded business into South Carolina in 1995 from its headquarters in North Carolina.

By 1997, there were eight turkey houses on the farm, and 14 years ago they added more to total 16.

“Each house can hold about 6,000 turkeys so, yeah, around 96,000 turkeys are on this farm,” Zan said.

The turkeys are owned by Prestige Farms and brought to turkey growers when they are 15 weeks old. Then they get picked up to be processed into deli meat, turkey bacon, turkey

sausage and other items.

Zan and his staff are constantly working together to make sure each section, from turkeys to cows to crops across the roughly 4,000-acre farm, is taken care of.

The turkey houses take up roughly 12 acres, and the row crops are the majority of the rest.

Zan's son, Eli, plans to go to college for a degree in agriculture. He currently is a standout senior on the Lee Academy football team. With that, he could take over the family business and maybe add more turkey houses to break 100,000 in the future.

Eli said he plans to take over the farm once his dad retires because he has always enjoyed being around the farm growing up.

dad always said farming may not be the best way to make a living,

— Zan Tomlinson

“My

but it’s the best way to raise a family.”

“I want to carry on what my family has done for so long,” Eli said.

He’s learned a lot of life lessons from working with his dad. More importantly, he learned some days can be easy while others can be miserable if something goes wrong.

Zan said the transition to turkeys was a bit of an adjustment.

“With row crops on Saturday afternoon, you could just switch off the tractor and come back on Monday and it’s there,” he said, “but turkeys take up seven days a week. Someone has to be available.”

That's where having Eli to help him is beneficial. They also have staff helping in different areas. It's not just one person tending to the entire farm.

“Someone will do walk-throughs during the feed to make sure the turkeys are well and everything is working fine, and if it

As farmers, we are stewards of the land.”

— Zan Tomlinson

THE TOMLINSON FARM

is then it’s just day-to-day tasks that we do after that like harvesting, cutting the grass, stuff like that,” Zan said.

The turkeys are fed through a machine that gets turned on once in the morning and once in the evening. They do feed inventory twice a week, and that information goes to Prestige Farms. Feed is then supplied based on need.

LIFE AS A TURKEY GROWER AND A CROP FARMER

If everything is working fine, the job could seem easy going, but being both has its ups and downs.

Typically, Zan has three flocks of turkeys, which each flock consisting of 15 to 50 birds, but right now they only have two because of the pandemic and price fluctuations.

“The income from the turkeys is reliable, but with the row crop side, the cost of fuel and fertilizer is going through

the roof,” Zan said.

He stressed that farmers do not get to make their own prices. Whatever price he is given for something to either buy or sell, that is the price he has to go by.

“You don’t think about that 10,000-gallon tank that you have out there until it runs out, and it’s around $30,000 to fill it up,” Zan said.

Along with prices affecting agriculture, myths about it can cause problems, too.

To Zan, people are not getting enough education about how farms run.

“I think there is a big misconception about chemicals and fertilizer that farmers use, and you know as farmers we are stewards of the land,” he said. “I have my kids, hired help and myself out here. I am not going to put them in any danger. Everything we do is safe.”

According to Zan, the job of a farmer is to grow the most abundant, safest food they can for the nation.

Life as a farmer is the only thing Zan said he loves to do. It’s something he can enjoy while also giving him enough time to raise a family. He said that is the best benefit of being a farmer and turkey grower.

Eli said his favorite part about the job is being able to help his dad and taking in that time with him, something Zan enjoyed with his father, too.

“My dad always said farming may not be the best way to make a living, but it’s the best way to raise a family,” Zan said. “I agree with that 100%.”

COZY recipes

Whenmany of us think of fall and winter weather, we think of "cozy" recipes to share with family and friends, foods that keep us warm and comforted. At holiday time, it's easy to overlook dinner when your family is rushing around finding the perfect gifts, tidying the house for guests and all those other things we add onto our already full schedules.

The first recipe on my list can help with getting dinner on the table without fussing too much about it or standing over the stove

CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND NOODLES

From Southern Lady Cooks

4 chicken breasts

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 14.5-ounce can low-sodium chicken broth

12-ounce bag egg noodles

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

Chopped carrots

Place chicken and carrots in crock pot, and cover with chicken soup and broth. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8. Shred chicken and return to pot.

Add noodles to crock pot and cook for about 30 minutes or until done. Stir a few times to make sure all noodles are evenly cooked.

all day. It's also easily customizable to your family's preferences, so it's a great base recipe. Noodles are my favorite go-to comfort food, and I hope you'll enjoy this chicken and noodles recipe, too.

No winter is complete without a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings, and if you haven't found the perfect recipe for it yet, I've got you covered. It takes a bit of work, but your family will love it. This one features the "slicker"-style dumplings, my personal favorite, but you can substitute the puffy-style

dumplings if you prefer (my husband would applaud your decision).

The last two recipes are for the sweet tooths among us, with spiced apples and a hot drink that will warm you right up on a chilly night. The drink mix is also perfect for giving as a gift in a jar. I decreased the sugar from the original recipe by 75%, so if you like it sweeter, add more sugar to your taste.

I hope you all have a delicious holiday season ahead.

Words and photos by Melanie Smith

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

From

Crouton Crackerjacks

2 split chicken breasts (on the bone with skin, about 3 pounds)

8 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 celery stalks, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cream

1/2 cup frozen peas

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add in split chicken breasts, water, salt and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes with lid on.

FOR THE DUMPLINGS:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup milk

In a glass measuring cup, heat the milk and butter until butter is melted in increments of 15 seconds. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add in milk and butter mixture, and stir with a fork just until combined. Dough should be soft. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead just a few times to make it come together. Roll out to 1/8 inch thick and cut into 1-inch strips and then into 3- to 4-inch pieces. Cover with a damp towel until ready for them. Meanwhile, after the

chicken has cooked for 45 minutes, remove to a plate and let cool before shredding. Remove bay leaves from the stock. Add in the chopped vegetables and cook for 10 minutes. In a separate small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook over medium heat for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually add in stock until thinned out a bit. Add roux mixture to the stock with the vegetables and whisk until no lumps remain. Add in cream and peas. Bring to a light boil and add in the dumplings, one by one. Stir gently, cover and cook for 10 minutes or until dumplings are tender and done. Take off heat and add back in the shredded chicken. Stir to heat the chicken through and serve. Serves 4-6.

APPLE PASTRIES

Adapted from TabiEats

1 box (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry dough

3 small apples, chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon allspice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 egg white Turbinado sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Thaw pastry dough as stated on package, and roll out with a rolling pin until slightly larger and seams no longer show. Cut each sheet in half so you have four large rectangles.

Cook apples, spices, juice and sugar in small saucepan about 15 minutes until apples are soft and most moisture is evaporated, stirring occasionally. Let cool. Place a few tablespoons of filling on the middle of one side of each rectangle, and brush pastry edges with water. Fold the other end of each pastry over the filling and seal, crimping edges with a fork. Brush tops of pastries with egg white and sprinkle sugar on each. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes, flipping cookie sheets halfway through if needed.

RUSSIAN TEA

From Allrecipes

1/2 cup white sugar

2 cups orange-flavored drink mix, such as Tang

1 cup instant tea powder, unsweetened

1/2 cup powdered lemonade mix

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients in airtight container. For each cup and a half of hot water, add 3 tablespoons of mix.