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Pageland Event Provides a Taste of Home
Story by Hianna Sabo
After moving to Pageland in 1998, Sandra Greene started to connect with her new community. As a professional artist, her creativity extended to everything she did, and the Pageland Garden Club was a natural fit.
Soon after joining she suggested forming an event like the Taste of Cheraw, which she attended prior to moving. Sandra even offered up her home for the first event.
“She brought the idea to our club and spearheaded the whole thing,” says Robbin Usher, president of the Pageland Garden Club. “As a club, we did the majority of the work ourselves without any sponsors that first year.”
The inaugural gathering had no sponsorship, but the 10 food vendors drew nearly 100 people.
“We had no idea if it would go over in this smaller town, but it did, and it just grew from there,” Robbin says.
Taste of Pageland was born, turning the proceeds from 1 spring night of dining into year-round, communitywide improvements, such as courtyard benches and new planters at the local library.
Organic Growth
The annual gala has been held to the tradition of hosting at a local residence, with a warm, intimate atmosphere complete with music and dancing. “Having it at a home gives us that community feel,” Robbin says. “People get together, and we see folks we haven’t seen in a while.”
The 2024 event drew over 350 attendees—sampling everything from seafood to Spanish meatballs— raising an impressive $14,000 for community projects. Proceeds assisted the community food bank, Helping Hands, and South Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Every dollar raised during the event goes directly back into the community. “We don’t want to keep money in the bank,” Robbin says. “We want to help people. That’s what it’s all about.”
As the club prepares for this year’s Taste of Pageland, they’re cooking up fresh ideas. A whimsical “Alice Through the Looking Glass” theme is being considered, promising a touch of fun to complement the culinary offerings. Plans are also underway to offer improved lighting, an earlier start time, and a shuttle service.
Sandhill Telephone is 1 of the event’s many corporate sponsors. Find event times and more information by tuning into My Sandhill Channel 2. Tickets will be available from Garden Club members and at select local businesses. Don’t miss this chance to indulge your palate and help Pageland thrive.