Under sunny skies and on dry ground, a welcome break after a rainy week, hundreds gathered at JC Britton Park in Manning on Saturday, June 7, for the 2025 Monarch Strong Corporation (MSC) Talent & Auto Show, an annual fundraiser supporting college scholarships for Clarendon County students.
With a crowd of roughly 200 people and a lineup of 16 show vehicles ranging from vintage cars and trucks to a gleaming RV and decked-out golf carts, the event brought together community members of all ages in a lively celebration of local talent, shared purpose, and school pride.
“This event is truly a labor of love,” said MSC founder Artheia Dingle. “We do it all for the students—those who need encouragement, recognition, and just a little help getting where they’re going.”
This year’s winners in the car show categories included:
Best Car (1st Place): 1973 Nova SS Hatchback, owned by Paul Hilton
Best Truck (1st Place): 1966 Bronco U14 Sports Utility, owned by Robert Watkins
Best RV: 2013 Forest River Georgetown, owned by William Martin
Best Golf Cart (1st Place): Club Car, owned by Henry T. McCrea
Second- and third-place honors were also awarded across categories, with entries hailing from Manning, Sumter, Greeleyville, Columbia, and North Carolina.
The crowd then shifted its attention to the “Monarchs Got Talent” show, where ten performers wowed the audience with music, dance, and more. First place went to Manning High School’s own Dawson Palmer, Class of 2025. His relative, Darion Palmer, earned second place, while third place was awarded to Delilah and her group of singers. The crowd favorite, earning the Audience Choice Award, was Clarendon County Police Chief Latisha Geter.
“Every single act was memorable,” said Dingle. “It was clear these performers put their hearts into it, and the crowd loved it.”
While the main food vendor canceled just before the event, JK’s House of Ribs stepped in to provide mouthwatering barbecue and also served as the MSC Trophy Sponsor. Other onsite vendors included Franklin Financials, Doc’s Delights, We Do Treats and More, and Teas and Squeeze.
The event also featured games, karaoke, double Dutch, homemade sweet tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and an ice cream truck, keeping spirits high and energy flowing throughout the day.
In addition to entertaining the crowd, the event served a greater purpose: raising money for MSC’s scholarship fund. Since its founding in 2021, the nonprofit has awarded 18 scholarships to local students. This year’s recipients, Ahmari Abraham, Christen Williams, and Darian Palmer, were present to serve food and assist with event activities, reflecting MSC’s mission of encouraging service and leadership.
“We were so blessed,” said Dingle. “From the clear skies to the incredible community turnout, to the students who showed up to give back—it was all a reminder of why we do this work.”
Planning is already underway for MSC’s next event, the 5th Annual Bike-Run-Walk, set for Saturday, October 4, 2025. Details will be posted at www.monarchstrong.com.
For Dingle and her team, it’s about more than just a day of fun. It’s about building lasting change. “When students see their community rally behind them,” she said, “they know they’re not alone. That kind of support can change a life.”
