Annual Monarch Strong show attracts visitors from across the country

The Monarch Strong Corporation's fifth annual Talent & Auto Show brought together classic car enthusiasts, local performers and community members June 27 at J.C. Britton Park while raising money for the organization's scholarship fund.

The event attracted about 200 attendees from throughout Clarendon County and neighboring communities, including Santee, Summerton, Sumter and Columbia. Organizers said visitors also traveled from Las Vegas and Portland, Oregon, and four visitors from South Korea who were in Manning for a work conference stopped by to view the vehicle displays.

More than 40 entries, ranging from vintage automobiles and trucks to custom motorcycles, were judged by members of Head Turnerz and four of Monarch Strong's 2026 scholarship recipients: Ansh Patel, Mary Esther McCabe, Robyn Johnson and Thomas Herlong. Winners received USA 250-themed trophies sponsored by James Kindell, owner of JK's House of Ribs in Manning.

Several local food vendors also participated, offering barbecue, chicken, fish, catfish stew, perlo rice, shrimp pasta and other Southern favorites throughout the day.

The afternoon shifted to the "Monarchs Got Talent" competition, featuring musical and dance performances. Clarendon County Sgt. Latisha Geter earned first place, while sisters Sydney and Bailey Brown finished second. Dancers Delicia, Zoei and Xalea Green placed third.

"My hope is that these MSC scholarship winners will take in these moments and remember that they have a whole community rooting for them," Monarch Strong Director ArTheia Dingle said. "On the road to success, we must lift others up as we climb, because we're stronger together."

Monarch Strong organizers said planning is already underway for the organization's sixth annual Bike-Run-Walk, scheduled for Oct. 3. Additional information will be posted at the organization's website.