Monarch Strong Corporation’s (MSC) 2nd Annual Auto, Bike, and Golf Cart Show (Auto Show) saw a dramatic increase in overall attendance compared to the previous year. Despite an entire week of rain and a threatening forecast, Saturday, June 24, turned out to be sunny with perfect weather for hot air balloon rides and the Auto Show.
From classic Ford Mustangs to vintage trucks restored to mint condition, the MSC Auto Show graced JC Britton Park, 3057 Raccoon Road, Manning, SC with a wide variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and golf carts that satisfied just about any auto buff. Some owners showed off the finer details of their prized possession, opening the hood to show off its engine.
The Auto Show is one of MSC’s community fundraising events that goes towards scholarships for students as well as other MSC projects. This year’s event drew attendees from all over the county and beyond. Sumter Cruisers and Pompey Town Car Club had the most participants. Auto owners were excited to share their vehicles’ history and restoration journey while they and other spectators voted on which of the vehicles on display was their favorite.
The fundraising event was FREE to the public with a $25 charge for auto owners to display their vehicles, and $20 Hot Air Balloon Rides. This high spirited event drew together several Manning High School (MHS) Alumni. For spectators who came to look and admire, Dameon Patterson-MHS Class of 1994 was on hand to satisfy their hunger for food. Tierra Hilton-MHS Class of 2003 was also a food vendor who slushies and delicious boiled peanuts. Zumba in the park was featured by LaTonya Blanding-MHS Class of 1993, and Sheila Tindal. DJ Boy Wonder-MHS Class of 1989 did an outstanding job entertaining the crowd with music. New this year were MHS Class Tailgates. MHS Tailgaters in attendance were the Class of 1971 (Manning High School’s first class of integration); MHS Class of 1976 (This year’s biggest class sponsor). Other donors included Manning Training Class of 1966; MHS Alumni Classes of 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1993.
The MSC Staff thank our wonderful sponsors who were on-site: James “Mickey” Kindell-MHS Class of 1984, owner of JK’s House of Ribs—and also MSC’s Auto Show trophy sponsor. Provalus, an IT services company in Manning, had an informational booth with several giveaways, corn-hole stations, and provided info on local IT job opportunities. Thanks also go out to our crew of volunteers who were so dedicated to this event including, MSC 2023 Scholarship Winners, Clayton Rose, Waveland McCabe IV “Mac,” and LaJada White. Mac and Clayton faced their fear of heights by jumping aboard a Hot Air Balloon for the first time.
Special thanks to MSC loyal volunteers: Henry Dingle, Jr.-MHS Class of 1993—last year’s winner for Best Truck and Best in Show, and our Par excellence photographer, Suzanne Barr. Curtis Lee Johnson-MHS Class of 1989 and Ryan C. Wilson did a great job manning the Hot Air Balloon station. We also give BIG SHOUTS out to Clarendon County Sheriff Department for unwavering protective service, JC Britton Park Staff, The Manning Times, Sumter Daily Item, Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Julia Nelson-MHS Class of 1981 for helping us spread the word!
The MSC show plans to be back for years to come with even more auto owners displaying their work of art. MSC is a 501(C) ( 3) nonprofit corporation with members who are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and a drive to give back. Join in on the fun at our next event, Bike-Run-Walk, scheduled for
Saturday, October 7, 2023! Details will soon be posted on www.monarchstrong.com
