Mayor's Message

Greetings,

The past week has been filled with excitement as we eagerly prepare for the Town's largest annual event. It is an honor to present our citizens with the 39th Annual Chapin Labor Day Festival and Parade. The theme for this year's event is Building a Community of Unity. In a time when most of the world is very much divided, Chapin is different. We are a community that cares for one another. It is evident in our non-profits and our charities, in our business community and throughout our schools. Our parade participants have been encouraged to use the things that unify us in their decorations; whether that be colors, landmarks or symbols. We should see very creative floats this year.

The 39th Annual Parade promises to be an exciting one for the entire community. Led by our Grand Marshall Dr. Akil Ross and his family the line up promises to be one that won't disappoint. Dr. Akil Ross is no stranger to our community. As the former principal of Chapin High School and the Director of Secondary Education for the School District, he holds a special place in our hearts. We are grateful for his participation and honored to have him as our 2018 Grand Marshall.

This year's judge's panel will include Judi Gatson from WISTV. Mrs. Gatson is an award-winning journalist and named reporter of the year in 2012. She is very involved in the community and has served on the several boards.

This event is free to our residents and the surrounding community thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. The longtime and continued support of Lexington Medical Center and Lexington County has made the event possible for several years. This year's event includes an exciting new addition, with the support of Dominion Energy, we provided a tented eating area and a solar powered charging station for the convenience and enjoyment of our attendees. We have over ten food vendors offering a variety of choices. In addition, we are adding several cool down stations thanks to the contributions of Squeegee Clean.

For the convenience of our parade participants we have arranged for a shuttle service with the support of SC Shuttle. A special thank you to our stage sponsors Chapin Liquor and Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, as well as our other festival sponsors: O’Leary Orthodontics, Schroeder's Towing, Vive Church, Morgan & Associates, Tipsy Toad Tavern, Zesto’s of Chapin and Royson’s Chapin Automotive. I want to also acknowledge the contributions of all of the volunteers, local businesses, advertisers, civic organizations, churches, elected officials and public safety personnel that come together to make this event a success.

A schedule of events for Labor Day weekend can be found below in the upcoming events. We hope to see the entire community enjoying our annual festival.

Best regards,

Mayor David Knight

Town Highlights

Important Information about Absentee Voting

A special election will be held on September 11 for a vacant seat with the Chapin Town Council. In person absentee voting is available for those wishing to cast an absentee ballot for the Town of Chapin Special Town Council Election. Visit the county voter registration office in your county of residence, complete an application, and cast your ballot. You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election. Rules for photo ID required to vote at the polling place apply.

Former Chapin town council member Leland Teal filed to run for council back in July. Teal is a life-long resident of Chapin and a graduate of Chapin High School. He has been married to his wife Carol for over 39 years and the pair have two married daughters. They also have a number of grandchildren. He retired after 38-years of working for the State of South Carolina. He was first elected to the Chapin Town Council in 1981 and has served as Mayor Pro Tem in the past.

Upcoming Events

Chapin Downtown Farmer's Market

The Chapin Downtown Farmer's Market is held the first Saturdays of the month from May through October. We have prepared food vendors, live music, and activities for kids.

Our next Farmer’s Market will be Saturday, September 1 at the Chapin High School Field House. The event will be held 8:00 am -1:00 pm sponsored by Wade Gilley Real Estate and features a Kids Zone with bounce houses and face painting provided by Vive Church as well as music. Come experience the best that Chapin has to offer.

Chapin Labor Day Festival

Schedule of Events

Presented by Lexington Medical Center

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
Chapin Downtown Farmer’s Market Held at Chapin High School Field House- Visit our local market featuring growers, artisans, food vendors and live music. Market runs from 9:30-1:00 pm.
Sponsored by Wade Gilley Real Estate.

Justin Pepper Walk Run Ruck 5k Held at Chapin High School Football Field- Participate in a unique event in support of a local non-profit. Event is held from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM.

Summer Concert Series featuring Toyko Joe and benefiting We Care on Beaufort Street.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2018
Blues on Beaufort Street Outdoor concert next to Tipsy Toad Tavern (103 Beaufort Street) Street party begins at 7:00 PM, Anthony Charles and the Blues Allstars play at 8:00 PM. Sponsored by Chapin Liquor.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2018
Community of Unity Chapin Labor Day Parade at 9:30 AM. Line up begins at 7:00 AM in the GIS Parking lot, 917 Chapin Road (See map for route details) ends at St. Peter’s Church Road at the Bi-Lo.

Tented Seating Area- Opens at 11:00 AM and provides a covered seating area for families and attendees to enjoy their lunch and the live music. Sponsored by Dominion Energy.

Live Music on Beaufort Street on the stage, music starts immediately after the parade. Featuring Noel Lindler and the Bank Walkers beginning at 11:00 AM. Sponsored by Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative.

Children’s Play Area- Featuring games, bouncy houses and other fun activities in the parking lot next to the old Dispensary off Clark Street. Sponsored by Schroeder’s Towing, O’Leary Orthodontics and Vive Church.

Cool Down Stations- Cool off during the event by walking through specialized mister stations located throughout the festival. Sponsored by SqueeGee Clean.

10th Annual Classic Car Cruise- In- 8:45 AM -1:00 PM in Mt. Horeb parking lot off Beaufort Street featuring 25 trophies, Best in Show, Mayor’s Choice and People’s Choice, music, raffle and door prizes. Canned goods and non- perishable food items for Chapin’s We Care are appreciated. Sponsored by Morgan & Associates Nationwide, Zesto’s of Chapin, and Royson’s Chapin Automotive.

Chapin Branch Library Annual Book Sale- Chapin Town Hall Community Room, 157 NW Columbia Ave. sponsored by the Friends of the Chapin Branch Library to benefit our local branch until 2:30 PM.

AMROC Model Train Exhibit in the American Legion Post 193 building.

Upcoming Events

Aug. 21- Congressman Joe Wilson Town Hall Visit (Town Hall 10:15 AM-11:15 AM)
Sept. 1- Farmers Market (Chapin High School Field House 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
Sept. 1- Justin Pepper 5K Walk Run Ruck (Chapin High School 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM)
Sept. 2- Blues on Beaufort Street (Beaufort Street 7:00 PM)
Sept. 3- Chapin Labor Day Parade (Chapin Road 9:30 AM)
Oct. 6- Farmers Market (Clark Street 9:30 AM- 1:00 PM)
Oct. 24- On the Table Event (Town Hall 12:00 PM)
Oct. 27- 3^rd Annual Fall Art Festival (The Coffee Shelf Parking Lot 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM)

Any questions or comments regarding information contained in this document please contact communications@chapinsc.com