Pinewood and Sumter both hold Christmas parades this weekend

The Sumter Police Department's Cram-A-Cruiser Toy Drive will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart, 1283 Broad St., on the following Saturdays: Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Call (803) 436-2700.

The ninth annual Town of Pinewood Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1. Departing from Manchester Elementary School, 220 W. Clark St., Pinewood, at 10 a.m. sharp, the parade will feature bands, emergency response vehicles, specialty cars and trucks, motorcycles, community entries, church organizations, beauty queens, food vendors, craft sales and much more. The "fire red" antique fire truck will escort Santa and Mrs. Claus to the portrait and gift giving location at Town Hall so be sure to bring your camera.

A Pottery, Glazing and Candlestick making class will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, for ages 8-17, at the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for all others. Costumed interpreters will teach students how to create period candlestick holders from clay and hand-dipped candles during this Christmas-themed living history craft class. Contact Amanda Cox at (803) 775-0908 or acox@sumtercountymuseum.org.

The Rembert Area Community Coalition's Third Annual Greater Sumter County Region Health Fair will be held 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St., main meeting room, first floor. Call Dr. Juanita Britton at (803) 420-1255.

The Evening Optimist Club's annual Sumter Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, on Main Street. This year's theme is "Joy to the World." The parade will begin at the corner of North Main and Dubose streets and proceed southward on Main Street to Barlette Street. The parade will feature colorful floats, dance teams, beauty queens, marching bands and more. Spectators are reminded to arrive early to select a viewing location, as all streets that intersect with Main between Dubose and Bartlette will begin closing at 1:30 p.m. The leading units of the parade will arrive at the courthouse around 2:15 p.m. with the end of the parade passing the courthouse around 3:25 p.m. and the reaching Bartlette Street at approximately 3:40 p.m.

The city of Horatio will hold its annual Christmas lighting service at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, across from the Lenoir store. Call Janie at (803) 499-2127.

The Lincoln High School Class of 1964 will meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 3, in the conference room of the Historic Lincoln Center, 26 Council St. Plans will be made for the 55th class reunion.

Breakfast with Santa, presented by Sumter County Recreation and Parks, will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 155 Haynsworth St. Tickets are $10 per person and are on sale through Dec. 3. Event will include breakfast, crafts and holiday activities. Call (803) 436-2249, email lchambers@sumtercountysc.org or visit www.sumtercounty.org.

The Town of Mayesville will hold its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 8. Line-up will begin at 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Call Nancy Williams at (803) 453-5037 or Jeanie Jefferson at (803) 495-8181 for information.

Connect: Special Needs Support Group will offer Christmas pictures with Santa and Christmas cookie decorating 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Bible Fellowship Church, 227 Broad St. If visiting Santa is difficult for your special needs family, this is the perfect opportunity because our Santa is a special needs professional who will be patient and loving with your little one. Pictures are complimentary. Leave your email address or Facebook information and you will receive a free digital copy of your photo. Stick around after the photos and decorate a cookie to take home. If you would like to donate sugar cookies or cookie decorating materials, contact Autumn Parnell at (803) 316-4627 or adparnell@yahoo.com.

The Sumter County Museum's annual Carolina Backcountry Christmas will be held 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 122 N. Washington St. Experience Christmas in the year 1800 as costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, and other traditional skills of the early 19th century. This free event will feature chestnuts roasting over an open fire and cider and cookies in the log cabin.

The Lee County Branch of the NAACP will meet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Dennis Community Center, 410 W. Cedar Lane, Bishopville. Lee County Council Chairman R. Travis Windham will speak. The public is encouraged to come out and learn from our councilman about the changes, progress and programs in the making for our community.

The Evening Optimist Club will host Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, at Sonic Drive-In, 2022 McCrays Mill Road. Regular breakfast items will be available for purchase with a special pancake breakfast also available. Be sure to bring your camera. Pictures with Santa are free, but donations to the Optimist International Foundation are welcomed.